Conducts hybrid interactive session titled “Counting HER in, and Investing in HER”
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s initiatives to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, also encompassed the Bank’s own female staff across the country with a special knowledge sharing session titled “Counting HER in, and Investing in HER.”
Organized by the Bank’s Women Banking Unit and the Staff Development Center (SDC) of the Bank, the event was intended to promote inclusivity, enhance potential, and foster growth among female staff members, the Bank said.
The event, in hybrid format with in-person and virtual attendance, comprised of a session at the Bank’s auditorium, with virtual access via MS TEAMS, ensuring participation from all parts of the island.
Speaking at the event, Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Mr Sanath Manatunge emphasised the Bank’s dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for all staff members, regardless of gender, and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all employees can thrive and succeed. Stressing the importance of recognising and investing in the potential of female staff members and acknowledging their contributions to the Bank’s success, Mr Manatunge said the Bank was already concentrating on female staff development and empowerment, and this programme was intended to motivate them further.
Commercial Bank Deputy General Manager – Human Resources Management Mr Isuru Tillakawardana also reaffirmed the Bank’s policy of promoting gender equality and creating pathways for career advancement for female employees.
A panel featured eminent personalities including Ms. Chathuri Munaweera, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director of AIA Insurance Lanka, Ms. Anika Williamson, Non-Executive Director of JAT Holdings and Ms. Ruvinika Ranasinghe, Founder/Director of Terapy Ayurvedic Tea, all of whom provided invaluable perspectives on women’s empowerment and leadership in the corporate sector.
The topics covered included building self-confidence, how to be successful in one’s chosen sectors and fields with professional ethics and networking, achieving work-life balance as working women and mothers, the need to be assertive and goal oriented, the importance of professional qualifications and how to be an inspiration to other career women.
The event concluded with a Question and Answer session and refreshments, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and build a sense of community and support among female staff members.
Commercial Bank is the largest private sector bank in Sri Lanka and the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World. The Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector, and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. Commercial Bank has the widest international footprint among Sri Lankan Banks, with 20 outlets in Bangladesh, a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, and a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake in the Maldives.