People’s Bank, Sri Lanka’s most popular bank, celebrates 46 years of unstinted dedication and loyalty to its customers. In recognition, the Bank won the coveted ‘Banking and Financial Services Brand of the Year’ award at the first ever Power of People (POP) Awards 2006, organized collaboratively by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing and renowned global marketing research company ACNielsen.

As the Bank of the aspiring people of Sri Lanka, People’s Bank asserted its position with this award, proving its close association with millions of Sri Lankans. People’s Bank was the only public sector organization to win an award at this event. This POP Award illustrated the Bank’s unique ability to impact on the economy with a diverse customer portfolio, as well as to represent the Bank’s ability to maintain the common touch.

In celebration, the Bank has organized a host of activities, incorporating its extensive branch network and customer base throughout the island. A pirith ceremony was held on June 22 and 23 organized by the Buddhist Welfare Society, with religious ceremonies by the Christian Society, Muslim Majlis and the Hindu Society to follow on July 2, at the People’s Bank Head Office. Several deposit campaigns will be launched to celebrate the declaration of 2007 as the ‘Savings Year’ of People’s Bank, encouraging the savings habit among people.

Reaffirming the Bank’s continuous commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility drive, many activities have been planned for the occasion, highlighting the Bank’s interest in working for the socio-cultural and spiritual development of all Sri Lankans. Forty-six pediatric/maternity wards in state hospitals will be renovated to coincide with 46 years of service to the nation. On the sports front, a Marathon has been organized by the People’s Bank Sports Club. As a part of its commitment to uplift and support the youth, seminars have been organized for GCE O/Level and A/Level students on new IT and Banking trends. Other social welfare programs will be conducted by the branch network, reaching out to the needy and deserving. A blood donation program has also been planned. Furthermore, employees who have completed 25 years of service to the Bank will be felicitated at a grand ceremony, where they will receive gold coins and certificates, in appreciation of their dedicated service to the Bank and its loyal customers.

With 46 years of untiring service, People’s Bank provides services to over 10 million customers, incorporating nearly 10,000 employees, and is undoubtedly the Bank of the nation. With 324 branches and 307 service centers, the Bank has the largest distribution channel of any bank in Sri Lanka. Its product portfolio addresses the needs of all the stages in life, from children, youth, women, investors to foreign workers and many more. Recently, the Bank launched its online mobile branch, where customers can conduct almost all the transactions which are possible from a normal bank counter. People’s Bank lays claim to the highest deposit base of 23% in Sri Lanka, while being one of the strongest brands in the country today with high brand recognition and growth. Furthermore, the Bank makes an impressive contribution to the processes of nation building, working in line with the Government’s 10-year development plan. With a vision to be the Bank of the aspiring people of Sri Lanka, People’s Bank has time and again proven its commitment to building a better future for the people of Sri Lanka.