“HNB is one of the first financial institutions that responded swiftly to the nation’s call to assist the financial inclusion of Northern Region” commended The Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal. Addressing the gathering of recipients of CBSL sponsored Re-Awakening of North Credit Scheme at Hatton National Bank Manipay Customer Centre in Jaffna, Mr. Cabraal mentioned that the post conflict situation offers opportunities to leap frog three decades of missed opportunities. He also commended the resilience of Northern entrepreneurs and wished them to reap the fruits of their hard work as quickly as possible.

Welcoming the Governor with a garland made of grapes whose visit to Jaffna is the first visit of a Governor of CBSL, probably after the independence, the Deputy General Manager- Network Banking of Hatton National Bank Mrs. Cryssanthi Thambiah reiterated the commitment of HNB to the development of Northern Region. She said HNB has been in the peninsula for over 37 years. “We have 6 customer centers at present and will add one more in Chavakachchery next month. Our uninterrupted presence amidst all the turbulence in the last three decades helped the survival of the local economy despite the hardships. Above all we have been here to help all the sectors from commercial to micro-finance” she pointed out. “We are not just building branches, we build confidence’” she remarked.

The products of leading SME’s in the region namely Anna Industries, KRS Food Products and the products of Rosarian Sisters and Palmyrah Development Board were showcased at this event. A group of Grape Farmers from Periya Vilan Village and members of Self-Help Group from Nitchamam Village received their loans from the Governor. A young enterprising engineer Mr. T Senthan received a lease facility for a start up Ice Factory.

Dr. Rani Jayamaha, Advisor to HE the President on Banking, Assistant Governors Mr. W M Karunaratne, Mr. Ananda Silva and Mrs. Evert Fernando accompanied the Governor. Mr. A V Beadle, Regional Senior Manager and Managers of HNB Branches in the Peninsula also participated.