People’s Bank recently hosted an Industry Exposure Visit for first-year undergraduates from the Department of Finance of the University of Kelaniya, who are currently pursuing the Bachelor of Business Management (Hon.) in Finance.
The initiative aimed to provide students with early exposure to the banking and financial services sector, enabling them to connect academic knowledge with practical industry experience. Through structured discussions and a guided site visit, participants gained insights into the structure, functions and operations of the Bank, as well as emerging trends, challenges and innovations shaping the modern banking landscape.
The programme also helped students better understand industry expectations, essential skills and potential career pathways in banking, while offering opportunities to engage with experienced professionals.
Held under the guidance and patronage of Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando and CEO/GM Clive Fonseka, the visit was organised by the Staff Training College led by Manjula Dissanayake, Deputy General Manager – Human Resources, and coordinated by Mr. Upesh Gunaratne, Assistant General Manager – Human Resources Development.
Both the Chairman and CEO addressed the students, sharing insights and experiences while encouraging leadership and professionalism among future banking professionals.
Sessions conducted by Wickrama Narayana, Deputy General Manager – SME, Development & Microfinance; Naleen Pathiranage, Deputy General Manager – Channel Management; and Nalin Perera, Assistant General Manager – Retail Banking, provided practical industry perspectives, while operational exposure during the site visit was facilitated by Indumini Rathnayake, Deputy General Manager – Banking Support Services.
Representing the University, Prof. Aruni Fernando, Head of the Department, and Lecturer Ms. Nethmi Herath accompanied the students, further strengthening academia–industry collaboration. The programme concluded with students presenting a token of appreciation to the CEO in recognition of the valuable learning experience.
People’s Bank stated that it remains committed to sharing knowledge and nurturing future professionals, recognising its responsibility to support the next generation of finance and banking leaders alongside its broader national priorities as a responsible corporate citizen.
