‘Bouncing Back...
Opportunities Unleashed’

APB celebrates its 21st Anniversary with Bankers’ Convention

The Association of Professional Bankers (APB), Sri Lanka held their 21st Anniversary Convention recently, on the pertinent theme “Bouncing Back…Opportunities Unleashed” at Hotel Galadari, Colombo, recently with the participation of over 400 delegates.
Ajantha Madurapperuma, President, APB welcomed the guests and participants on behalf of the Association.

Nihal Fonseka gets Lifetime award

Recipient of the coveted Lifetime award “Outstanding Contribution to the Banking Industry”, Director / CEO, DFCC Bank Nihal Fonseka (left) receiving the award from the Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal. President APB, Ajantha Madurapperuma looks on

The Chief Guest, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ajith Nivard Cabraal delivered the inaugural address and set the tone for the conference by highlighting the unique opportunities available in post-conflict Sri Lanka and the Banker’s role in taking the country forward. Delivering the key note address, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Dr. K.C Chakrabarty shared RBI’s experience in managing the effects of the Global financial crisis and the Financial Sector’s role in catering to the needs of the real economy with targeted “inclusive growth”. A highlight of this year’s conference was the release of a Commemorative Volume with 19 well researched articles contributed by leading personnel of the industry. The coveted Life Time Award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Banking Industry - 2009” was presented to Nihal Fonseka, Director / CEO, DFCC Group for his predominant role for the upliftment of the financial services sector.
The technical sessions on day two commenced with a thought provoking presentation by Professor Gunapala Nanayakkara, Managing Director, Postgraduate Institute of Management International Centre, UAE on the theme, “Bouncing Back - The Winning Strategies” followed by Nihal Welikala, Senior Advisor NDB Bank, who spoke on “The Vulnerability of Financial Institutions and Markets”. Welikala underscored the issues faced by the local banking industry and the need for higher capital to support growth whilst highlighting the difficulties in raising additional capital in the prevailing tax environment. Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Uthum Herat delivered a presentation on “Regulations, Governance and Financial System Stability with relevance to the Global Crisis” whilst Ashvin Parekh, Partner and National Leader for Global Financial Services, Ernst and Young, India, spoke on the topic “Expected losses, Unexpected Losses and Crises”, underlining how financial Institutions can manage risks using the concept of expected and unexpected losses. R. Theagarajah, MD/CEO Hatton National Bank PLC discussed the “G20 Nations’ recommendations to address the Global Crisis” and presented some practical solutions in the Sri Lankan context. The final presentation was by Alok Tiwari, CEO, Aptivaa Consulting Solutions Ltd on “Financial Innovation Beyond Prudence”, highlighting the dangers of exceeding the boundaries of financial innovation.

Dr. K.C Chakrabati, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India receiving a token of appreciation from the President., APB Mr. Ajantha Madurapperuma, in the presence of Governor Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal

In conclusion, three key industries with opportunities to unleash were showcased by a panel of experts. Suren Amarasekera, CEO Mobitel Ltd presented the Telecom Industry perspective while Professor M T A Furkhan, Chairman Confifi Group spoke on the potential in the Tourism Industry and how we could exponentially grow our market similar to that of Malaysia and Thailand. Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe, Chairman, BoC offered his viewpoint on the role of the financial services industry as a catalyst to unleash opportunities in peace time Sri Lanka. Professor Gunapala Nanayakkara chaired the panel discussion.
Overall, the Convention, which is one of the key forums available to Bankers to discuss issues of current and mutual interest, was a resounding success. With over 800 members, APB which is a member organisation of the Organisation of Professional Associations continues with its endeavours in contributing to the professional development of Bankers whilst assiduously working towards the advancement of the banking industry in Sri Lanka.