Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Thursday, 2 May 2019 02:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A high level of enthusiasm and team spirit pervaded the Branch Performance Awards of HDFC Bank held recently at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo. The event was attended by over 500 staff members from branches across the country.
The Nugegoda Branch bagged the most laurels at the awards ceremony, which was held to recognise the top performers in 2018. At the event, the bank also honoured 57 employees who had completed 25 years of service in 2017 and 2018. They were all rewarded for their long and committed service.
HDFC Bank Chairman Dr. R.H. Meewakkala praised the management team and staff for enabling the bank to reach new heights. He felt the event succeeded in enhancing the team spirit and creating a sense of ownership among employees. “I believe it has encouraged them to play a more active role towards achieving our future goals,” he said.
The awards ceremony pulsated with energy and enthusiasm. There was much cheering and applause as participants responded to their branches being announced as winners.
HDFC Bank General Manager/CEO Palitha Gamage said the winners were selected after an objective evaluation using key performance indicators (KPIs). He felt the event created a sense of togetherness among employees. He also stated, “We have seen an increased level of enthusiasm among the staff in recent times.
The high level of enthusiasm at the awards ceremony was also noted by the bank’s Assistant General Manager (Business Development & Marketing) Himali Gunathilake. She said due to participation of staff members of all levels in the history of the bank a strong sense of fellowship among staff was evident. “There was a lot of excitement as the names of the winners were called out. I think that those who did not win will be motivated to try harder and aim higher next time,” she added.
There is a feeling that the success of this event will benefit HDFC Bank. A vibrant culture now permeates all levels of the organisation. There is a sense of integration, and people work with more purpose under the energetic management team, which has introduced new processes covering everything from administration to IT.
The Nugegoda Branch rode high at the awards ceremony, winning several awards including the coveted Best Branch of the Year Award. They also won the Award for Best Regional Performance in Western Region 1; three Special Awards for Performance Excellence on Selected Banking Operations in 2018 under the categories of Development Finance, Loan Approvals and NPL Management; and the Grade D Winner Award in the grade-wise selection. The Colombo Branch also fared well. They won the Grade A Winner Award; the Award for Best Regional Performance in the Colombo City Region; and the Special Award for Performance Excellence in the category of Fixed Deposit Mobilisation.
The other Special Awards for Performance Excellence on Selected Banking Operations in 2018 were won by the Embilipitiya Branch (Leasing Finance), Kiribathgoda Branch (Gold Loan), Ja-Ela Branch (Savings Mobilisation) and Piliyandala Branch (Staff Efficiency).
The other awards in the grade-wise selection went to Kandy Branch/Kalutara Branch (Grade B) and Horana Branch (Grade C). Regional Performance Excellence Awards were presented under seven regional categories. They were: Western 01 (Winner - Nugegoda Branch, Runner-up - Horana Branch); Western 02 (Winner - Peliyagoda Branch, Runner-up - Kiribathgoda Branch); Colombo City (Winner - Colombo Branch); Central (Winner - Kegalle Branch, Runner-up - Kandy branch); Southern (Winner - Embilipitiya Branch, Runner-up - Kalutara Branch); North Central (Winner - Jaffna Branch, Runner-up - Anuradhapura Branch); Uva (Winner - Badulla Branch, Runner-up - Nuwara Eliya Branch).
Interestingly, the 1st place winner of Best Palmtop Performance was V. Gowthaman from the Jaffna Branch. The 2nd place was won by H.M.A.L. Sandaruwan of the Piliyandala Branch while 3rd place went to K.G.J.A. Bandara of the Kandy Branch. These three winners symbolise the great popularity of the HDFC palmtop banking service. It is a very convenient, hassle-free doorstep banking service. At present, over 12,000 customers use it, and the number is constantly growing. It has proved quite beneficial for small-time businesspeople and the self-employed for whom time is a barrier for entering formal banking practices.
Today, HDFC Bank is a market leader in housing development finance. With over three decades of experience in the field, its core business is providing home loans for low and middle income people in the country. Besides housing finance, the bank is involved in leasing, deposits, business loans, educational loans, and pawning. It caters to various population segments with different financial requirements. They range from professionals, state/ private sector employees and pensioners to SME entrepreneurs and micro entrepreneurs.
HDFC Bank currently offers a diverse portfolio of loan and savings products. These are delivered through its 39 branches located across the country.
