NDB Bank, together with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) has taken steps to assist those affected by the armed conflict that ended last year, in the North and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka.

The VTA is currently engaged in conducting several vocational training programmes for those requiring knowledge and expertise in order to set up either a new businesses or even find employment. A comprehensive and diverse range of vocational training programmes are being conducted in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, offering a range of courses from, electrical training, masonry, carpentry, dressmaking/tailoring, welding, to aluminum fabrication.

NDB Bank established the IDP Empowerment Trust in 2009 with a seed capital of Rs. 10 million. The Bank hopes to raise further funds from commercial and private donors as well as through donor agencies. In addition, the Bank is keen to attract funds from internationally based organizations and communities. The funds from NDB Bank’s IDP Empowerment Trust are being utilized to donate tool kits/equipment for the participants who have successfully completed these vocational skills training programmes.

As the initial phase of this project, the Bank has donated 250 tool kits and sewing machines in Vavuniya recently, to those persons who completed the training courses conducted by the VTA. The Chief Executive Officer of NDB Bank, Mr. Eran Wickramaratne, speaking at the handing over ceremony said, “the people of these areas led normal lives before the military conflict affected them. Though opportunity was lost, those skills and talents can never go away. The skills they have developed, can be used in a discipline of their choice; empowering them to contribute towards the development of their respective areas while creating job opportunities not only for themselves but also for many others”.

The Trust will be providing tool kits solely to the top performers during the first phase as additional funds are needed to provide tool kits for all participants. However, with the progress of the project and as funding from donors escalate, it will be possible to provide the tool kits to all those who successfully complete the training programmes.

NDB Bank and the VTA recognize that there is a need to equip the vocational training centers, increase the number of centers and offer more vocational courses in the post conflict areas, going beyond its present CSR initiative of providing tool kits and equipment.

About NDB Bank
NDB Bank is one of the fastest growing commercial banks in the country with NDB Group having regional operations in Maldives and Bangladesh. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking services through its growing island-wide branch network; which is has now grown in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. In addition, as part of the NDB Group, its customers have access to a full range of banking and financial services, including Retail banking, Corporate banking, Project finance and SME lending though NDB Bank; Investment banking, Stock brokering and Wealth management though the Investment Banking Cluster, and Insurance solutions though AVIVA NDB Insurance, making NDB truly universal. The Bank’s AA (lka) rating by Fitch Ratings Lanka, is amongst the best in the industry and reflects NDB Bank’s strong financial profile in terms of its capital base, profitability and asset quality. Maintaining the highest standards of competence and probity, NDB Bank is firmly on track to achieve its cherished vision - to be a World Class Sri Lankan Bank.