People’s Bank reinforces leadership with landmark year of awards in 2025

Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando (left) and CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka

People’s Bank further consolidated its standing as one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished and trusted financial institutions by securing an exceptional range of national and international accolades during 2025. These recognitions reflect the bank’s consistent performance, strategic focus on digital transformation, robust governance framework and steadfast commitment to financial inclusion, sustainability and national economic development.

With a proud legacy of over 64 years, People’s Bank continues to serve more than 15.2 million customers across the island, supported by consolidated assets exceeding Rs. 3.6 trillion and an extensive network of 747 branches and service outlets, complemented by a rapidly expanding digital banking ecosystem.

At the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, People’s Bank was recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Digital Bank and Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion, underscoring its leadership in technology-driven banking and inclusive organisational practices. Its digital excellence was further validated at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards, where the bank secured the Gold Award for the Most Popular Digital Payment Product in the state banks category for Internet and Mobile Banking, along with accolades for its digital payment strategy, financial inclusivity initiatives and ATM network enablement.

The bank’s commitment to best-in-class management practices was recognised at the CPM Best Management Practices Awards 2025, where People’s Bank emerged as a Gold Winner in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Cluster, Winner in the Banking (Public Sector) Category, and received additional honours for Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, and Digital Literacy initiatives. Excellence in data governance and regulatory compliance was also highlighted at the Data Management and Compliance Awards 2025, with top awards for maintaining the highest data validity and updated information standards.

Leadership strength and transformation excellence were further acknowledged at the AICPA and CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025, where People’s Bank secured Gold Awards for Management Team of the Year and Digital Transformation Project/Practice of the Year.

At the National Business Excellence Awards 2025, People’s Bank delivered a strong all-round performance, winning the Banking Sector Award, Excellence in Local Market Reach and Excellence in Capacity Building, in addition to being named 1st Runner-Up in the Extra-Large Category and receiving a Bronze Award for Overall Excellence.

People’s Bank’s progressive workplace culture gained further recognition in 2025, with the bank being named one of Sri Lanka’s Most Outstanding Women Friendly Workplaces and winning the Best Talent Acquisition Organisation of the Year at the Great HR Awards 2025. Its digital presence was also acknowledged at the BestWeb Awards 2025, where it won Most Popular Banking and Finance Website and Best Banking and Finance Website – Silver Winner.

On the regional and global front, People’s Bank received multiple honours at the South Asian Business Excellence Awards 2025, CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2025, and the Global Business Review Magazine Awards 2025, including titles such as Best Bank in the Public Banking Sector, Most Sustainable Bank Sri Lanka 2025, Best Consumer Digital Bank Sri Lanka 2025, Best Digital Wallet App Sri Lanka – People’s Pay, Best Financial Inclusion Programme Sri Lanka 2025 and Most Responsive Bank Sri Lanka 2025.

Reinforcing its reputation as an employer of choice, People’s Bank was named among the Top 20 Employers at the AICPA and CIMA Top Employers Awards 2025, while its international stature was further endorsed through recognition by Bizz Worldcob (World Confederation of Business).

People’s Bank Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando said: “These recognitions in 2025 clearly demonstrate People’s Bank’s commitment to inclusive growth, strong governance and delivering long-term value to the nation.”

CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka said: “Our continued focus on digital innovation, customer-centric banking and sustainable practices has enabled People’s Bank to achieve these milestones and strengthen its role in Sri Lanka’s economic progress.”

Collectively, these achievements in 2025 reaffirm People’s Bank’s position as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial system, distinguished by its strong governance, digital leadership and people-centric values. As the bank continues to evolve in line with national priorities and global best practices, People’s Bank remains firmly committed to delivering sustainable value, expanding financial access and supporting inclusive economic growth across the country.