People’s Bank, together with Sri Lanka’s pioneering state-owned non-banking financial institution People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) launched a co-branded credit card under the name CLASSIQUE VISA Infinite at a special ceremony held at the PLC CLASSIQUE premier center recently.
The launch event was attended by People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager Clive Fonseka, People’s Leasing & Finance Chairman Pradeep Amirthanayagam, Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager Sanjeewa Bandaranayake, VISA Country Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives Avanthi Colombage. People’s Bank Deputy General Manager – Payment, Process Management & Quality Assurance Nilmini Premalal, Head of Cards Jayanath Dias and several staff members from both organizations.
VISA Infinite is designed to cater to a sophisticated niche consumer through four primary pillars of exclusivity – lifestyle, entertainment, retail and travel. In each of these, VISA Infinite cardholders will find unique privileges in a variety of categories spanning from dining, entertainment, shopping, VIP travel benefits, self-enrichment and exclusive experiences. Also with VISA Infinite cards customers can enjoy the privileges such as meet and greet at airports, access to exclusive restaurants and luxury hotel booking privileges are provided under VISA Concierge services in over 500 cities.
The People’s Bank and PLC co-branded CLASSIQUE VISA infinite credit card provides customers with a wide array of benefits including complimentary lounge key membership and two free airport lounge accesses per annum. These CLASSIQUE cardholders are also entitled up to USD 500,000 overseas travel insurance to enjoy a hassle-free travel experience. exclusive WhatsApp Concierge Service 24/7 is available to serve these elite clients with convenience.
Customers will also receive special discounts when purchasing goods and services from selected outlets throughout the year, especially during the holiday seasons. Supplementary cards can be obtained with Easy Settlement Plans of up to 24 months and an interest-free credit period of 51 days. The People’s Bank 24-hour Customer Services Hotline (1961) is on hand for any customer inquiries while balance transfer facility and travel insurance are also available. In addition, 0% installment plan for Insurance Payments are also offered to these cardholders.
Addressing the audience at the event, People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse stated, “Today, two of the largest financial institutions in the country have joined forces for a one-of-a-kind collaboration. People’s Bank is one of the best brands in the country while PLC is also one of the largest organizations with a highly reputable brand name. This co-branded credit card is going to be one of the best credit cards in the market, one which everyone would like to have in their wallet. We will continue to look at providing value additions to these cards so that customers will continue to use them regularly.”
People’s Leasing & Finance Chairman Pradeep Amirthanayagam stated, “It is a proud occasion for both People’s Leasing & Finance and People’s Bank as we now have launched CLASSIQUE VISA Infinite co-branded credit card. I must say we can’t get a better brand out there into the market from a local perspective for People’s Bank is such a trusted brand by almost every individual and every household in Sri Lanka. There is no doubt that this card would be the most sought after credit card for anyone in Sri Lanka. This collaboration shows that together we can form a very powerful financial operation, be it conventional banking or leasing, and it will be a real powerhouse in the country.”
Established under the People’s Bank Act No. 29 of 1961, Peoples’ Bank has the largest customer base of over 15.2 million customers in the country and also the largest branch network of 747 physical contact points to serve them. The bank provides its services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year via its Self-Banking Units amounting over 300 across the island. It has played a pivotal role in taking digital banking benefits to the masses and thereby has positioned itself as the leading digital banking service provider in the country. People’s Bank has been repeatedly lauded for proving its mettle with consistency, authority and sustainable growth, delivering an excellent overall business performance. Over 63 years, People’s Bank has evolved from being a provider of financial solutions to the masses to a leader in the digital banking sphere that simplifies cutting edge technology to benefit the entire nation.
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC is a leading Non-Bank Financial Institution in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of People’s Bank. Commencing operations in 1996 as a specialized leasing company, People’s Leasing was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2011. People’s Leasing has grown to become a diversified non-banking financial powerhouse with six subsidiaries in areas including overseas operations in Bangladesh and celebrated its 29th anniversary on 31st May 2024.
