Marking International Women’s Day, DFCC Aloka – the women-centric total banking proposition from DFCC Bank– held an exclusive event to honour and support female entrepreneurship. The event, themed “DFCC Aloka Celebrates Women Entrepreneurial Excellence,” was held on the 26th of March 2024 at DFCC Bank’s Head Office Auditorium. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung was a notable presence amongst the distinguished guests at the event, which was attended by several leading women entrepreneurs, DFCC Board Members, senior management officials and staff members from DFCC Bank, Chairperson and Board representatives from the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) and DFCC customers who are female entrepreneurs. Amongst the distinguished guests at the event were also Anojie De Silva, Chairperson of the WCIC, accomplished female entrepreneurs Otara Gunawardene, Taniya Polonnowita, and Nayana Karunaratne, Chairman of DFCC Bank, J Durairatnam, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thimal Perera.
In a message filled with encouragement and a vision for progress led by the women of Sri Lanka, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung highlighted the role of the DFCC Aloka program, noting it is one of many programs the United States supports to help Sri Lankan female entrepreneurs bring light to their communities. She urged: “When you’re in new places, places where women haven’t been in the past, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be there. Ask questions, take risks, learn new skills, and push forward – and always take your Aloka with you and shine everywhere you go. The world is only going to change if we push, challenge, dream bigger. If we look up and change our horizons, we’ll change our destinations – both for ourselves AND for our daughters and sons.
Structured around a lively panel discussion and a series of talks, the event served as a source of inspiration, highlighting the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs. It also appreciated their resilience, innovation and invaluable contributions to business and society. The panel discussion focused on the challenges faced by women in business whilst providing strategies for financial empowerment and discussing the significance of mentorship and networking. DFCC Bank also used the opportunity to highlight its Aloka proposition and reaffirm its commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs. Aasiri Iddamalgoda – Senior Vice President of Retail Banking and SME at DFCC Bank, delivered a moving keynote address on DFCC Aloka and how the Bank sees female entrepreneurship as a key part of the puzzle in driving an economic renaissance in Sri Lanka.
CEO of DFCC Bank, Thimal Perera also addressed the gathering, saying, “DFCC Bank stands firmly behind women within the Bank and in society at large. Internally, we have several empowerment initiatives with measurable KPIs, and externally, DFCC Aloka represents our vision for a prosperous future driven by powerful and independent female entrepreneurs. For this reason, Aloka promises not just transactional finance but a comprehensive, integrated approach to banking and financial services, including preferential lending terms, business guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs. We are therefore incredibly pleased to have been able to host this exceptional event, honouring both our women and the women making a positive impact on our communities.”
A complete banking solution, DFCC Aloka caters to women of all income levels and categories, ensuring inclusivity for a diverse range of women with unique needs and backgrounds. Addressing the unique challenges females face, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and senior citizens, DFCC Aloka has launched tailored products to support women at every stage of life and accommodate various lifestyle requirements.In addition to financial support, DFCC Aloka actively engages in various initiatives aimed at supporting financial literacy among females, providing the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. Recognising that access to information is a powerful tool for empowerment, DFCC Aloka is committed to providing resources for women to take control of their finances and achieve their aspirations.
In addition to financial support, DFCC Aloka actively engages in various initiatives aimed at supporting financial literacy among females, providing the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. Recognising that access to information is a powerful tool for empowerment, DFCC Aloka is committed to providing resources for women to take control of their finances and achieve their aspirations.
About DFCC Bank
DFCC Bank is a full-service commercial bank with a rich history of 68 years and offers a diverse range of commercial and development banking services. As part of its Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030, the Bank aims to become a leading institution contributing to greater resilience by creating resilient businesses and supporting green financing and sustainable, socially responsible entrepreneurship. The Bank has received numerous accolades, including being named the ‘Most Trusted Retail Banking Brand’ and the ‘Best Customer Service Banking Brand’ in Sri Lanka in 2021 by Global Brands Magazine UK and ‘Market Leader and Best in Service in Cash Management 2022’ by Euromoney. Additionally, DFCC Bank is ranked among Business Today’s Top 40 Corporates in Sri Lanka, is rated A- (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and is regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Attesting to its commitment to sustainability, DFCC Bank is also the first, and presently only, entity in Sri Lanka to have received accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), granting it access to concessionary funding worth USD 250 million to support climate mitigation and adaptation projects across the Island.