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ComBank supported VTA graduates find gainful employment

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The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has helped 210 school leavers find lucrative employment after completing Vocational Training Authority (VTA) training programmes and obtaining National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certifications.

The Bank has been a part of the VTA’s initiative to train students who drop out of school after Grade 10 to equip them with skills necessary to thrive in the country’s construction industry since VTA first launched a specialised intervention titled ‘120 Days Training’ in 2015 to address the skills gap in the construction sector.

The programme entailed providing students with theoretical and hands-on training in the fields of masonry, carpentry, and plumbing. Trainees that successfully complete their 120-day course are awarded the NVQ Level 3 certificate. The syllabus also includes English language training specific to the construction industry, which would enable students to be eligible for foreign employment.

Commercial Bank supported the initiative between 2015 and 2020 by funding the resource personnel who conducted motivational training at these programmes and printing and providing training material pertaining to the course.

Further, in collaboration with the VTA the Bank also helped find employment opportunities for these students at reputed companies including Maga Engineering, Nawaloka Construction, Sripalie Construction, and Access Engineering with an entry level salary of Rs 50,000 upwards. Officials of the VTA and the CSR Unit of Commercial Bank met with the management of these companies on many occasions and requested them to persuade the new recruits to continue their pursuit of NVQ Levels four, five, and six and ultimately earn the seventh and last certification which is a Civil Engineering Degree offered at the University of Vocational Technology, Ratmalana.

Commenting on its role in VTA’s training initiative, Commercial Bank Managing Director Mr S. Renganathan said: “We recognise that the country’s labour force is one of the most important factors in development, irrespective of the sector. A skilled workforce is critically important to the construction industry and by supporting VTA’s programme we hope to contribute to the sector’s development while helping build young Sri Lankans find rewarding careers.”

He noted that most of the students belonging to the first batch that completed VTA’s 120 Day Training programme are now NVQ Level 5 certified professionals who pursued their training while at work. “It is heartening to note that if one is enthusiastic in this field, he or she can become a qualified and experienced Civil Engineer at the age of 23,” Mr Renganathan added.

Notably, the VTA programme is the only option available to those who leave school after Grade 10, to earn a Civil Engineering Degree or an equivalent, without going to university.

VTA was established in 1995 with the intent to provide skills for employment, especially to the rural masses of the country which constitutes 72% of the total population, and equip them with skills necessary to find employment opportunities both locally and internationally.

Sri Lanka’s first wholly carbon neutral bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 10 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 268 branches and 932 automated machines in Sri Lanka. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 19 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.



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European Union has a favorable perspective on the current GSP+ review process.- Charles Whiteley

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The Head of South Asia Division, European External Action Service of the European Union Charles Whiteley stated that the European Union has a favorable perspective on the current GSP+ review process.

He made these remarks during a meeting held today (30) at the Presidential Secretariat with President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as part of an official visit by a European Union delegation to Sri Lanka.

Mr. Whiteley highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU, which has led to significant trade gains. He affirmed the EU’s willingness to continue supporting Sri Lanka in achieving further commercial progress.

He stated that the GSP+ concessions from the European Union are anticipated to encourage Sri Lanka to provide products that meet standardized quality requirements. He further said that the continuation of GSP+ trade concession is assessed on alignment with the current government’s policy commitments and progress.

The meeting assessed Sri Lanka’s advancements in executing 27 international conventions related to the European Union’s GSP+ tax concession, known as the Generalized System of Preferences.

President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for the EU’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. He acknowledged that the GSP+ facility has played an important role in supporting the country’s export sector and economic recovery.

The President further noted that the collapse of Sri Lanka’s economy was the result of a deeply flawed political system, marked by corruption and mismanagement. The President stated that the current administration is working to rebuild the country through stable and transparent governance, though this transformation will require time.

Highlighting a key shift in political support, the President pointed out that unlike previous governments, which relied heavily on support from the South, the current administration was elected with the collective support of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities from across the country. The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering on the promises made to all citizens.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Labour, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-law, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma , Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, the Ambassador designate of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives . Carmen Moreno, General for Trade and Economic Security – Policy Officer of the European Commission’s Directorate Guido Dolara, Desk Officer for Sri Lanka at European External Action Service Ms. Galija Agisheva along with other EU and Sri Lankan officials.

[PMD]

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CBSL presents Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 to President

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, officially handed over the Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (29).

A copy of the report was also presented to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Several senior officials from the Central Bank were present at the occasion.

 

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HNB Investment Bank promotes Hayleys’ Rs. 7 billion debenture issue as Joint Placement Agent

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Hayleys PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost diversified conglomerates, has announced its plans to raise up to Rs. 7 billion through a debenture issue, marking one of the largest corporate debt offerings scheduled for Q2 2025. This strategic initiative has received in-principle approval from the Colombo Stock Exchange.

At the core of this transaction, HNB Investment Bank (HNBIB) plays a leading role as Joint Placement Agent to the issue, alongside Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. Renowned for its bespoke financial solutions and strong track record in capital market transactions, HNBIB’s involvement is pivotal to the success of this offering, reaffirming its expertise in structuring and placing sophisticated debt instruments, most recently demonstrated by way of being the exclusive manager for the country’s first-ever high-yield bond issuance earlier this year.

Hayleys’ initial tranche will offer 50 million listed, rated, unsecured, senior, redeemable five-year debentures priced at Rs. 100 each, aiming to raise Rs. 5 billion. In the event of oversubscription, the company retains the flexibility to issue an additional 20 million debentures, increasing the total potential value to Rs. 7 billion. The funds raised are intended to further optimize Hayleys’ capital structure, underlining the company’s forward-looking financial strategy.

The subscription list for the debentures will officially open on 5th May 2025.

Backed by a strong AAA (Lka) rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and senior status, the securities offer a compelling investment opportunity, combining stability with the potential for attractive returns.

As Hayleys PLC gears up for this significant fundraising exercise, the selection of HNB Investment Bank as a trusted partner, reinforces confidence in the success of the offering, once again highlighting its role in delivering value for issuers and investors alike.

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