People’s Bank powers youth tech skills programme to shape a digital economy for Sri Lanka

People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka and Sarvodaya Movement President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne
PIC BY KITHSIRI DE MEL

As one of Sri Lanka’s most digitalised banks and a pioneer in digital financial inclusion, People’s Bank recognises the growing importance of empowering youth in digital technologies and skills to take Sri Lanka to the next level as a digital economy.
Marking a strategic shift in its corporate social responsibility approach as a leader in the use of cutting-edge technology in the banking industry, People’s Bank is proud to power the ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Youth Tech Skill Development Project’, in collaboration with Sarvodaya Fusion as the Implementation Partner. 

The inauguration ceremony of this programme was held recently at the People’s Bank Staff Training College, Colombo 05 and was graced by the presence of People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka, Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangayama (Sarvodaya Movement) President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne and Sarvodaya-Fusion General Manager Maithree Malwattegoda. 

By funding this project, the bank not only contributes to societal development but also positions itself as a catalyst for positive change and innovation in Sri Lanka. This project aims to provide scholarships for talented youth in the Diploma in Computer Science (DICS) programme, thereby addressing youth unemployment, bridging the skill gap and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Commenting on this landmark partnership, People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse said, “We see great potential in this country to develop an IT-based export-oriented economy. To realise this dream, we need to ensure that IT education is available for each and every young person regardless of their financial capability. That is why People’s Bank is pleased to champion the ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Youth Tech Skill Development Project’, as it represents a bold vision for the future of Sri Lanka’s youth at a critical juncture in the nation’s history. We believe this project to enhance digital skills of the youth will transform their future by opening up new opportunities and making them globally competitive.” 

Elaborating further, Fonseka said, “As a leader in digital banking in Sri Lanka, People’s Bank is proud to come forward to support this impactful project, which will nurture local talent by providing scholarships for students to learn the latest digital technologies, which are in demand in the workplace. We firmly believe that investing in a knowledge economy will pay great dividends over the time for our country. People’s Bank’s has a proven track record in commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Through this new project, the bank will be able to enhance digital literacy, generate employment, ensure regional inclusivity by selecting youth from diverse provinces and enhance global competitiveness amongst youth.”
Dr. Ariyaratne said, “Investing in the technological education of our youth is an investment in the future. Sarvodaya Fusion looking forward to be part of this initiative and I commend the efforts of People’s Bank in shaping the innovators of tomorrow.” 

The Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Youth Tech Skill Development Project will provide 100 scholarships to school students aged 15-19 for the DICS programme, which covers various aspects of computer science, including programming, web development, networking, graphics and computer mathematics. It spans nine months and is equivalent to NVQ level 4, providing a solid foundation in computer science. Possessing this qualification empowers the diploma recipient to advance towards degree-level certifications at NIBM and various other higher education institutions. 

Moreover, year one of the project includes activities such as launching the programme, beneficiary selection through People’s Bank branches and the commencement of the DICS programme. The year concludes with a hackathon and graduation ceremony. Year two expands the project’s impact by offering funded higher education opportunities to the top 10 performers from the hackathon.