People’s Bank readies for gala 50th anniversary celebrations

President to preside over main event, plans commemorative volume, stamp and coin, donates 50 houses for resettled families in Mannar (strap)

People’s Bank is readying to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style with several programmes planned countrywide. The main programme will be held at Temple Trees on Friday (1) presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Celebrating the services rendered to the nation by the bank the postal department will release a special stamp along with a commemorative book on the anniversary day. There will also be a commemorative coin launched on the occasion. The theme of the stamp will centre on the services rendered by the bank to small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka.  

The Rs.1000 worth commemorative coin will be released by the Central Bank to mark this occasion. On the back of it the coin will carry the People’s Bank logo. The logo will be surrounded by the petals of the lotus flower with depictions of how the bank as assisted in the country’s development process. Produced by the Royal Mint Limited and imported into the country the coin is made of 0.925 sterling silver and plated in gold. Valued at several times its denominated amount the coin is expected to become a unique collector’s item.

The bank management has also taken steps to release a commemorative volume on the occasion. It contains not only the history of the bank but the details of how banking developed in Sri Lanka and was compiled by a group of eminent professionals.

The bank will also hand over 50 houses that have been constructed by them to 50 internally displaced families. Both Tamil and Sinhala families will be represented in this housing scheme that has been constructed in Mannar. Estimated at Rs.55 million the houses will also be fully furnished and comprise of all infrastructure needs for the people.

The head office of the bank is undergoing extensive renovations with the entire facade being remodelled. In addition the Borella branch will be designated as the “50th Anniversary Branch” and it will be located within the 15-floor building of the People’s Leasing Company that is currently under construction. The fully updated Borella branch will henceforth be used as an archetype for future branches. The People’s bank website will also be re-launched with a new look today (30).

 A range of religious ceremonies have been organised countrywide to celebrate the anniversary and staff, clients and other stakeholders are expected to participate in them.