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Friday, 8 March 2013 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Today, the world celebrates and pays homage to the honour and dignity of women, their catalytic role and their massive inputs into the global family’s socioeconomic, cultural, religious and political spheres, as well as their massive inputs into education, sports, entertainment, health and almost every single sphere of human activity.
In the family unit and across all frontiers of national and global economic activity in today’s world, we see an unprecedented massive contribution made not only by academically and professionally qualified women but also by their dynamic counterparts from all walks of life and all levels of society, who have by sheer hard work and commitment, perfected their business capabilities.
The Bank of Ceylon takes pride in the fact that it pioneered the financing that spurred women on into starting businesses of their own and helped fine tune those business skills to make them the successes that they are today.
The Bank of Ceylon therefore experiences a great sense of joy and satisfaction as it joins every Sri Lankan woman to celebrate all her socioeconomic successes. The bank is also most gratified to see that the women’s successes have triggered waves of enthusiasm among women of all ages in this nation to also turn seriously to some kind of business venture. The Bank of Ceylon stands ready to offer help to all of those who want to seriously consider some business undertaking.
On this occasion, the bank encourages all women in Sri Lanka to stay positive in the face of all challenges as it will then be inevitable that they will all taste success. The bank’s mission is to ensure that every woman is helped to tap into latent potential and to exploit every ability to its fullest with all forms of assistance and every financial instrument that the bank possesses.
Bank of Ceylon recognises that the role the Sri Lankan woman plays, directly and indirectly, shapes the nation’s economy. Looking back over the years, it is evident that it is in fact the woman – the heart of the home – that exercised the habit thrift and engaged saving for the future.
A savings account that pays special tribute to women, titled ‘Kantha Ran Ginum’ was therefore launched by Bank of Ceylon. A number of privileges are offered with this account – eligible account holders will receive a complimentary life insurance cover up to Rs. 500,000 that remains effective until the age of 60, a debit card for shopping and ATM withdrawals, instant loan facilities up to 90% of balance, SMS and internet banking.
BOC’s other special loan schemes such as the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ loan scheme and the extremely popular poverty alleviation microfinance project (PAMP) continue to enable thousands of women island-wide to step out confidently on the road to steady accumulation of wealth and success, and happy home lives, plus a plethora of opportunities.
Over 17,000 women’s groups in Sri Lanka whom the bank has financed to the tune of over Rs. 1.5 billion are already reaping the benefits of the PAMP scheme and are enjoying transformed circumstances in their lives, enjoying the sweet taste of success, fulfilment and happy, contented family lives.