National Development Bank PLC (NDB) has been honoured with the award for Best Financial Institution for Empowering Women at the Global Banking and Finance Awards 2024. This recognition acknowledges NDB’s unwavering commitment to promoting financial inclusivity and gender equity through its innovative programs and initiatives aimed at empowering women.

NDB has consistently prioritised the empowerment of women, particularly through its Banking on Women platform, driven under the NDB Araliya brand. This strategic focus has been a cornerstone of NDB’s efforts to provide financial guidance, support, and opportunities to Sri Lankan women, helping them to grow and achieve their aspirations in life. NDB’s commitment extends to supporting women from all walks of life. This includes working women (salaried), homemakers, and those engaged in business. By offering tailored financial solutions and educational programs, NDB is enabling these women to become financially independent, contribute to the economy, and take charge of their futures.

A highlight of NDB’s efforts is the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana initiative, the largest private sector women’s empowerment program, which was launched in 2020. The program celebrates, rewards, and recognises the outstanding contributions of women across various sectors at a national level. Having successfully concluded four seasons, Vanithabhimana has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for women across the nation, providing them with a platform to showcase their achievements and further their growth.

Kelum Edirisinghe, CEO of NDB Bank, remarked on this win, “Empowering women is an integral part of our mission at NDB. We firmly believe that by fostering financial independence and providing opportunities for women to excel, we are contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our continued commitment to supporting women through innovative financial solutions and empowerment programs in their personal and professional journeys.”

Through its SME and Micro Finance initiatives, NDB has played a key role in providing women entrepreneurs with access to financial resources, helping them to build and expand their businesses. The Banking on Women platform is specifically designed to support women-led enterprises, offering targeted solutions that address their unique needs and challenges.

NDB remains steadfast in its dedication to driving positive change for women in Sri Lanka, recognising that the empowerment of women is essential for sustainable economic development. The Bank will continue to champion financial inclusivity and gender equity, ensuring that women from all walks of life have the opportunity to thrive.

This award from the Global Banking and Finance Awards further solidifies NDB’s position as a leader in women’s empowerment within the financial sector, and the bank said it looks forward to continuing its impactful work in supporting women across the country.