ICICI Bank, India’s second largest bank, announced a tie up with the Lions Club of Moratuwa Ratmalana whereby ICICI Bank would be the main sponsor of Sri Lankan Masterminds, an annual quiz programme which has been organized by the Lions Club of Moratuwa Ratmalana since 1993.

Speaking on the occasion, Club President, Lion Charuka Perera, said that he was indeed indebted to ICICI Bank for having come forward so readily to sponsor this event. “ The fact that a leading global financial institution such as ICICI Bank is associated with this event, gives us even greater impetus to carry this event to even greater heights’. Perera said that last year the quiz had attracted a total of 47 teams. “This year with the backing of ICICI Bank we are confident of attracting at least 60 teams to participate in this event”.

The Quiz is open to 4 categories, namely the Mercantile and Public sectors, Schools and Educational institutions, the Banking and Financial sectors, as well as individual groups of people. Each team has to comprise 8 members and the event will be held on 8 October at Waters Edge.

“ICICI Bank has always prided itself on its professional approach to banking, whilst endeavouring to hire the best corporate minds in the industry. Hence it is fitting that we associate ourselves with Sri Lankan Masterminds which will no doubt bring together the cream of Sri Lanka’s Masterminds”, said Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Liabilities, ICICI Bank, Sachin Sikka. Sikka said that the ICICI Group as of 30 June 2007 had an asset base of US $88 billion, a market capitalization of US $ 20 billion, a Retail customer base of over 24 million, had a leadership position in consumer credit and was ranked # 1 in India for syndicated loans.

“Therefore we feel that by sponsoring an event such as Sri Lankan Masterminds, we are not only helping to foster and promote local talent, but are underlining the fact that ICICI Bank is a leader in its field, one that believes in and is committed to professional upliftment”.
Explaining the workings of the Quiz, Lion Perera said that there would be 5 rounds of 10 questions each, with each team being given 30 seconds in which to answer a given question.

“The winning team would be awarded a prize of Rs 60,000, the first runners up Rs 32,000, the second runners up Rs 24,000, the third runners up Rs 16,000, while each category winner will be presented with Rs 10,000”.

“We feel that by sponsoring this event we are helping to boost leadership qualities, intellectual skills and decision making abilities, not just among professionals but amongst school children as well, and ICICI Bank feels privileged to be associated with Sri Lanka Masterminds,” said Sikka.