DFCC Bank PLC, one of Sri Lanka's most trusted banks and a leader in inward remittances, has partnered with Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) one of the top four largest non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) in Sri Lanka, to promote convenient access to inward remittances. CDB is the 10^th financial institution to become a partner on the Lanka Money Transfer (LMT) platform; a comprehensive, secure, seamless, and reliable remittances platform designed, created and operated by DFCC Bank PLC. As a result, DFCC Bank PLC, a bank with over 65 years of experience and CDB, a well-established and multi-award-winning financial institution, can now work together to facilitate inward remittances to Sri Lanka.

The partnership aims to form a strong bond between these two financial services giants with a view to reaping mutual benefits. It also further expands the collection points of remittances sent from UAE, Qatar, Oman, Israel, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore via DFCC Bank's LMT remittances platform, reaching customers who prefer to do business with NBFIs. Adding CDB to the LMT network is a significant milestone for DFCC Bank, as it aims to consolidate its position further in the foreign currency inward remittances market.

Discussing the importance of the partnership, the CEO of DFCC Bank PLC, Thimal Perera commented, "We are delighted to partner with CDB to expand our remittance services and provide more options for our valued customers. This partnership creates a win-win situation for DFCC and CDB by expanding accessibility and sharing the platform. We are committed to providing the best customer service and compliance with international standards, and this partnership will only enhance our ability to do so."

Mahesh Nanayakkara, the MD/CEO of Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), also expressed his positive sentiments towards the partnership, "It is indeed an exciting time as we join forces with DFCC Bank to provide our customers with convenient, seamless, secure and reliable remittance options. This partnership will benefit our customers and contribute to the national effort to overcome the present economic challenges through increased inward foreign currency inward remittances."

Customers using the LMT platform are assured of exceptional customer service standards, with each transfer complying with international standards, and each transaction is instantly credited to the beneficiary customer account in real time. This reassures Sri Lankans working abroad and supporting their families back home. It also further incentivizes people to choose legitimate inward remittances, as speed is no longer an issue with LMT. Furthermore, by remitting legitimately, customers are further empowered to enjoy all the perks of receiving inward foreign currency remittances, including tax benefits.

Inward remittances are a top priority at the national level to address Sri Lanka's present economic challenges. DFCC Bank was the first Bank in Sri Lanka to launch a targeted campaign introducing incentives for remittances, leading the way for others to follow. The Bank is continuously working towards improving the flow of legitimate inward remittances by reaching out to an increasingly diverse range of customers. By coming together, DFCC Bank and CDB have taken a monumental step towards addressing the needs of Sri Lankans living and working abroad who make regular remittances to Sri Lanka to support their families.

Thimal Perera - Director/CEO DFCC Bank PLC exchanging the MOU with Mahesh Nanayakkara - MD/CEO - CDB

From Left to Right - Lakshitha Maduranga, Senior Executive - CDB, Christie Mariyadasan - Assistant Vice President, Remittances - DFCC Bank PLC,  Anton Arumugam, Senior Vice President, Offshore Banking, Remittances & Business Development - DFCC Bank PLC,  Thimal Perera - Director/CEO - DFCC Bank PLC, Mahesh Nanayakkara - MD/CEO - CDB , Sasindra Munasinghe - Director Sales & Business Development - CDB , Roshan Abeygoonawardena - Director Corporate Finance - CDB, Ashad Weerabangsa - AGM Remittances - CDB

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) presented a paper at the ‘Case Study’ session of the recently concluded 06^th International CIPM Research Symposium 2022; on the best practices followed at CDB to face the unprecedented COVID-19 challenge. The theme of this year’s Research Symposium, ‘Glocalization of HRM Practices for Business Resilience’, focused on the effectiveness of HRM practices in the performance of private, public, and NGO sector organizations locally and internationally.

Titled “Resilience amid challenges”, the paper studied how CDB prepared for and successful responded to the crisis. In the study, CDB discusses its agility and proactive decision-making skills which ensured that the team, their families, and CDB customers were healthy and safe, while honouring its commitments to stakeholders and ensuring the continuity of business operations. The study further explains how CDB understood that green recovery and being more sustainable and inclusive societies and economies; are the keys to a resilient future. The case study presented at the forum also added that CDB reaffirmed its commitment for sustainable growth and maintained focus on long- term sustained value creation leading towards a green economy, during the time of a global challenge.

Chathuri Weththasinghe, Deputy Manager - HR of Citizens Development Business Finance PLC, presenting the case study at the symposium on behalf of the organisation.

Image caption :  U.A.C. Obeysekara, Chief Executive Officer/Director Business Operations of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka presents a plaque to Chathuri Weththasinghe, Deputy Manager - HR of Citizens Development Business Finance PLC with Prof. Prasadini Gamage, Symposium Chair -  06^th International CIPM Research Symposium 2022.

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has stepped up to the crease to empower the winning spirit of Sri Lankans as the Associate Sponsor of the Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2022. As a progressive organisation that empowers aspirations, CDB came forward to sponsor the full international series in a show of support to the nation’s sporting legacy. Long associated with Cricket at all levels of the game, the company has sponsored the Mercantile Cricket Association’s domestic tournament for many years, and also partnered the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka in 2021.

Australia tours Sri Lanka from June 7 to July 12, 2022, after a six-year gap since its last outing in 2016, to play a full complement of matches in all formats of the game. The number one ranked test team in the world will play two test matches against the home side, with the Lions and Kangaroos also scheduled to face off in five One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals.

“Cricket has always lifted the spirit of Sri Lankans, and we are humbled to be able to empower the winning spirit in the Sri Lankan team and the people during the Australian Tour. Cricket Australia has been a true friend of Sri Lanka at all times, and it is our honour be an associate sponsor for the long awaited series.” stated Darshana Jayasinghe, Senior Deputy General Manager, Marketing at CDB.

The teams will compete in a power packed schedule of matches played in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy. The tour starts with the first two T20Is on the 7^th and 8^th June, in Colombo before moving to Kandy for the last T20I on the 11^th and the first two one-day internationals on the 14^th and the 16^th of June. Colombo will play host to the remainder of the ODIs from the 19^th to 24^th June, before Galle entices the players down-south for the two test matches scheduled from 29^th June to 3^rd July and again from 8^th to 12^th July 2022 to conclude the series.

“Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka comes at a crucial time for the country and is therefore of extra significance. As an organisation that has stood with the people at all times, CDB invites all Sri Lankans to extend the legendary hospitality we are renown for to the Australia team, and to enjoy the brilliant Cricket that is sure to be on display, in the true winning spirit of the game.” added Jayasinghe.