NSB re-launches flagship product Sthree Savings Account for striving women of Sri Lanka

The premier savings bank in the country, National Savings Bank (NSB) has re-launched its flagship product Sthree Savings Account which lends a helping hand to all women to shoulder their responsibilities and to unlock their dreams for a comfortable life and a better tomorrow.

It was re-launched at a gala ceremony held at Hotel Taj Samudra and the striving multi-talented medical student Sajana Wanigasuriya has been appointed as the new Brand Ambassador of Sthree Savings Account at the occasion. The gala event was held under the patronage of NSB Chairman Aswin De Silva along with Directors Suranga Naullage, Anil Rajakaruna, GM/CEO Dhammika Perera, Senior DGM Jagath Gamanayake and senior management of the bank. In parallel 250 programs will be organised at regional and national level to mark this event.

Multi-talented medical student Sajana Wanigasuriya has been appointed as the new Brand Ambassador 

To mark the re-launch of the Sthree Savings Account, 1st day accounts were opened by leading ladies in the society; the First Lady Public Trustee of Sri Lanka Tharangani Keenawenna Dissanayake, Women Assistant Superintendent of Police (W.A.S.P.) H.M. Lanka Rajani Amarasena, Beautician Hasini Gunasekera, Nanatan Mannar Benidicta Ponkala of Sudarmathi Palmyra Handicraft, Anula Ratnayake, a multilingual small business owner who teaches skills in handicraft and sewing for rehabilitated LTTE soldiers, Captain of Sri Lanka Women’s National Cricket Team Shashikala Siriwardhana, well-known Journalist Savithri Rodrigo and Sandaru Priyanwada Chandrasiri, a visually impaired violinist. 

‘Diriya Sthree’ loans were also granted to nine customers at the event. The Sthree Account which was introduced by NSB for Sri Lankan women in 2002 can now be opened through any post or sub-post office throughout the country. Any woman above 16 years can open a Sthree Account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 500. Transaction facilities are made available locally and internationally through the branch network and ATM network through Visa/Master Cards.

According to the Census and Statistics Department, 34.5% of the labour force is represented by women. Its share in professions such as Law, Medicine, and Teaching is 65.8% in the year 2015. In terms of the university entrances, 60% of them are women. Therefore NSB has understood the importance of re-introducing the Sthree Savings Account at such a dynamic time for the aspiring women in the country.

Many lucky women who save with Sthree Accounts have already enjoyed the special benefits offered by the bank when passing special milestones in their lives. The ability of obtaining personal loans, pawning loans, solar power usage loans, and educational loans at an interest rate of less than 1% of the normal interest rate is one such benefit. 

Further, the account holder can receive cash prizes up to Rs. 50,000 in the event of her graduation, 25th wedding anniversary and child birth.  

NSB always strive to ensure a productive, innovative and satisfactory banking experience for the customers by paying attention to three major aspects: availability, accessibility and affordability which is why it has won the hearts of millions of Sri Lankan households.

National Savings Bank has been reaffirmed with the AAA National Long Term rating by Fitch Ratings Lanka for the 15th consecutive year. This is yet another notable achievement claimed by the Bank amidst the present challenging business environment.

The AAA rating of the bank reflects strong and stable fundamental characteristics, strong prospects of ongoing viability and lowest expectation of failure. In addition, NSB is the only bank whose deposits and interest thereon are fully guaranteed by the Government of Sri Lanka. Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera