11 April (Citizen.lk News) - The Commercial Bank commemorated International Women’s Day with a series of initiatives across the country under the theme “Forward Together. Invest in Her”. As part of the celebrations, the Bank organized over 20 special women’s forums nationwide, benefiting more than 1,500 women entrepreneurs. These programmes focused on enhancing financial literacy, financial management, digital literacy, digital safety and awareness of cybercrime, while also promoting women’s health and wellbeing. Through these initiatives, participants were equipped with practical knowledge and skills to strengthen, sustain, and grow their businesses.
The main event, held at The Kingsbury Hotel, brought together around 200 women entrepreneurs for a forum featuring industry professionals. The panel included Dr. Sulochana Sigera, Global Advocate for Women and Youth Empowerment; Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE); Mrs. Samitha Ethuldoraarachchi, Psychologist and Development Trainer; and Mrs. Gayani De Alwis, Interim Global Chairperson of WiLAT.
A guest session was delivered by S. D. Nilanka Chamindani, Deputy Director – Department of Financial Inclusion at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; focusing on advancing women-led small and medium enterprises for economic impact. Meanwhile, Women Police Inspector Thejani Weerasekara addressed participants on cybercrime and digital safety for businesses.
The bank also continued its outreach through additional branch-level programmes conducted throughout the month of March, further extending its engagement with women across communities.
Separately, a medical camp was organised for 200 janitorial staff members attached to the Colombo Municipal Council, offering services including blood tests, breast cancer screenings, BMI checks and medical consultations.
Holders of the bank’s ‘Anagi’ Women’s Savings Account are being offered concessions during March and April, including reduced documentation fees on selected loan products, preferential interest rates and discounts at partner merchants.
