| Introduction
Our branch commenced its operations initially as a sub-branch (a special window) on 13th August 1997 with two staff members. However, due to the increasing demand for its services and the business potential in the area, the sub-branch was converted into a full-fledged branch on 25th March 1998 with a staff of five.
The branch has now completed two financial years and 36 months in Gampaha. During this period it has made remarkable progress despite stiff competition from eleven other banks and financial institutions. This is mainly due to the tireless and personalized customer services provided at the branch, which is an advantage over our competitors.
Lending
During the last 3 years we have assisted over 600 entrepreneurs through loan and lease facilities. Up-to-date our loan and lease portfolio has exceeded Rs 300 Mn. Some large and successful entrepreneurs such as the Damro Group of Companies, Ranasinghe Construction Contractors (winner of a Silver Medal and Bronze Medal at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, 1997), Armstrong Products, P.T. Gardens Hotel & Restaurant, J U Caterers, and a large number of pineapple cultivators have benefited from our financial and professional assistance.
According
to the Central Bank Rural Development Department, our
branch is the largest financier in the Perennial Crop
Development Project Scheme II, which started at the end
of 1998. More than 700 acres of pineapple, banana, and
other perennial crops have been cultivated in the Gampaha
District with our assistance. Our most valuable customer,
Damro Office Furniture (Pvt) Ltd. recently opened a showroom
in Chennai, India, and our branch continues to assist
them in many ways. |
