People’s Bank Wins Overall Gold Award at National Business Excellence Awards 2026

People’s Bank has won the Overall Gold Award at the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) 2026, along with three key category awards — Excellence in the Extra-Large Category, Local Market Reach, and Banking Sector. In this interview, Ms. Nilmini Premalal, People’s Bank Deputy General Manager – Finance and Acting DGM – Strategic Planning, Performance Management & Research, shares her insights on these achievements and the key factors behind the Bank’s success.

Q: People’s Bank has won four prestigious awards at the NBEA 2026, including the Overall Gold Award. What does this achievement mean to the Bank?

Winning four prestigious awards at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026, including the Overall Gold Award, is a significant achievement for People’s Bank. It is particularly meaningful because this year we are celebrating 65 years of dedicated service to Sri Lanka.

Since our establishment in 1961, our purpose has remained unchanged to serve the people of Sri Lanka, expand financial inclusion, empower communities and support national development. Today, with assets exceeding Rs. 3.7 trillion, a network of 745 branches and service centres, more than 300 Self Banking Units and the trust of over 15.2 million customers, we remain the bank with the largest customer base in Sri Lanka.

These awards recognize much more than our financial performance. They reflect the confidence placed in us by millions of Sri Lankans, our commitment to public welfare alongside commercial excellence, our leadership in digital transformation, and our continued support for entrepreneurs, farmers, exporters, SMEs and families. Today, more than 80% of customer transactions are conducted through digital channels, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and future-ready banking.

Despite a challenging economic environment, People’s Bank remained resilient and recorded its highest ever Profit After Tax of Rs. 40.2 billion in 2025, while maintaining strong capital, liquidity and governance standards. This reflects disciplined stewardship, prudent risk management and a clear long term vision.

Most importantly, this recognition belongs to the entire People’s Bank family   our leadership, employees across the island, regulators, stakeholders and, above all, our valued customers whose trust is the foundation of our success.

As the “Pride of the Nation,” People’s Bank has always grown alongside Sri Lanka. These awards are therefore not the culmination of our journey, but another important milestone that inspires us to aim even higher to drive greater excellence, create more value for our customers and contribute even more meaningfully to the economic and social development of our country.

Q: What do you believe were the key factors that contributed to People’s Bank being recognized as the Overall Gold Award winner? 

I believe several key factors contributed to People’s Bank being recognized as the Overall Gold Award winner at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026.

First, the Bank’s strong financial performance and sustainable growth demonstrate the effectiveness of its business strategy and prudent financial management. Secondly, our customer centric approach and extensive island wide reach enable us to serve a diverse customer base and support financial inclusion.

Another important factor is our focus on digital transformation, innovation and operational efficiency, which has strengthened customer convenience and improved the quality of our services. Strong corporate governance, risk management and compliance have also contributed to building a resilient and responsible institution.

In addition, People’s Bank has maintained a strong commitment to employee development, organisational culture, sustainability and social responsibility. As a state owned bank, our contribution to SMEs, agriculture, entrepreneurs and national development further strengthens our role in the economy.

Ultimately, I believe the award reflects the collective effort, commitment and professionalism of our employees, supported by strong leadership and a clear strategic direction. The Overall Gold Award is therefore recognition not of one achievement, but of excellence across the Bank as 

a whole.

Q: People’s Bank also won awards for Excellence in the Extra-Large Category, Local Market Reach and Banking Sector. How do these awards reflect the Bank’s commitment to its customers and the wider economy? 

These three awards strongly reflect People’s Bank’s commitment to its customers and the wider economy, while reinforcing our strategic objectives of driving economic development, promoting financial inclusivity and building a future ready Bank.

The Excellence in the Extra Large Category reflects our ability to manage a large and complex organisation while maintaining high standards of performance, efficiency and service excellence. It demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving the value we deliver to our customers and stakeholders.

The Local Market Reach Award is particularly significant as it reflects our deep connection with customers across the country. Through our extensive branch network, digital channels and inclusive financial solutions, we continue to bring banking services to diverse communities, support SMEs, entrepreneurs and individuals, and contribute to financial inclusion and economic development.

The Banking Sector Award demonstrates our commitment to innovation, customer centricity and excellence within the financial sector. We are continuously embracing digital technologies and new ways of delivering banking services to meet changing customer expectations and remain future ready.

Therefore, these awards are not merely recognition of past achievements. They reinforce our commitment to driving excellence today, creating greater economic and social value, and building a stronger, more innovative and inclusive People’s Bank for the future.

Q: Looking ahead, what are People’s Bank’s key priorities for maintaining this momentum and delivering greater value to customers and the country?

Looking ahead, People’s Bank’s priority is to build on this momentum and create greater and sustainable value for customers, employees and the country.

Our first priority will be to further strengthen customer centricity by making banking simpler, faster, more accessible and responsive to changing customer needs. We will continue to enhance digital banking and innovative solutions while maintaining the trust and personal connection that customers value.

Secondly, we will strengthen financial inclusion and economic development by expanding access to financial services and providing greater support to SMEs, entrepreneurs, agriculture, exporters and other productive sectors of the economy.

Thirdly, innovation and digital transformation will remain key priorities. We aim to become increasingly future ready by adopting new technologies, improving operational efficiency and developing products and services that anticipate future customer expectations.

At the same time, we will continue to focus on sustainable growth, strong governance, risk management, employee capability and sustainability.

Ultimately, our objective is not simply to maintain our position, but to drive excellence continuously, create greater economic value and remain a trusted, innovative and inclusive bank for the future.