People’s Bank triumphs at AICPA & CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025

People's Bank wins Gold for Digital Transformation Project of the Year 2025

People's Bank wins Gold for Management Team of the Year 2025

People's Bank Head of Finance Azzam Ahamat wins Silver for Chief Financial Officer of the Year 

In a resounding affirmation of its industry leadership and commitment to excellence, People’s Bank secured multiple prestigious awards at the AICPA & CIMA – JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025, held on 11 June at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The glittering ceremony, which marked the revival of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered corporate recognitions after an 18-year hiatus, brought together leaders from across the public and private sectors to celebrate innovation, resilience, and outstanding performance across eight key categories.

People’s Bank was recognised with three major awards, cementing its position as a leader in corporate excellence and digital transformation in Sri Lanka’s banking sector:

• Gold Award – Management Team of the Year
• Gold Award – Digital Transformation Project/Practice of the Year
• Silver Award – Chief Financial Officer of the Year, awarded to Azzam A. Ahamat

These accolades are a testament to the bank’s holistic approach to leadership, strategic agility, and pioneering use of technology to redefine banking in Sri Lanka. The Gold Award for Management Team of the Year recognises a leadership group that has steered the institution through unprecedented macroeconomic challenges, while simultaneously achieving significant gains in profitability, customer outreach, and operational resilience.

The Gold Award for Digital Transformation further underscores People’s Bank’s position as a front-runner in the digital banking space. Over the past few years, the bank has launched a suite of groundbreaking digital platforms and value added features in addition to state-of-the-art self-banking centres. These innovations have empowered millions of customers across the island with secure, real-time access to banking services — contributing directly to enhanced financial inclusion and convenience.

In 2024, People’s Bank recorded a remarkable Rs. 25.3 billion in profit after tax, more than doubling its earnings from the previous year. This stellar financial performance reflects the bank’s disciplined risk management, prudent lending practices, and strong focus on digital efficiency — factors that were instrumental in this year’s awards recognition.

Head of Finance Azzam A. Ahamat was honoured with the Silver Award for CFO of the Year, distinguishing himself as the only banking sector professional to be recognised on the podium for this prestigious award.

Speaking on the achievements, People’s Bank CEO/GM Clive Fonseka said:

“This recognition from AICPA & CIMA affirms our commitment to delivering not just financial results, but transformational impact. Our management team, digital leadership, and financial stewardship continue to reflect our core mission: serving every Sri Lankan with trust, innovation, and responsibility.”

The Pinnacle Awards, presented in eight categories and judged by an independent panel, honoured excellence in areas such as leadership, finance, and innovation. With Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels awarded, the event marks a renewed commitment to celebrating individuals and teams shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future.

Nominations were open to both peer and self-submissions, with a rigorous evaluation process ensuring credibility and impartiality. As People’s Bank celebrates this momentous achievement, it reaffirms its pledge to remain at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s banking evolution — serving millions with integrity, foresight, and digital excellence.

- Pix by Shehan Gunasekara