HNB's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte (fourth from left) and the President of Sasnaka Sansada Foundation, Hasitha Wijesundara (fifth from left) exchanging the MoU in the presence of corporate management and officials from both organizations.
Sri Lanka's leading private sector bank, HNB PLC, recently announced its groundbreaking partnership with the Sasnaka Sansada Foundation, a government-registered charitable social service organization for youth development and entrepreneurial training across the island.
The MOU was ceremoniously signed at the HNB Towers amidst a gathering of distinguished guests from both the Sasnaka Sansada Foundation and HNB PLC. In attendance at event was HNB's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte, the President of Sasnaka Sansada Foundation Hasitha Wijesundara, and senior management and officials from both organizations.
"The last few years have underscored the importance of developing the next generation of Sri Lanka's leaders. Cultivating good entrepreneurial and leadership habits early on is crucial, and partnering with a renowned organization like the Sasnaka Sansada Foundation allows us to provide the opportunities and nurturing our youth deserve. By supporting two of their key initiatives focused on early development, alongside our own financial and educational programs, we believe this partnership is a vital step towards fostering the next generation of leaders and promoting sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka." said HNB Chief Human Resource Officer, Kailaivasan Indravasan.
Under this partnership, HNB is sponsoring and supporting two flagship programs of the Sasnaka Sansada Foundation: the "Sisu Saviya" School Prefects' Leadership Development Program and the "EntreGate" School Entrepreneurship Development Program.
The "Sisu Saviya" Program is an innovative initiative tailored for Sri Lankan youth gearing up for the GCE (A/L) examinations. Its curriculum is designed to cultivate leadership qualities and build character, preparing students by providing comprehensive capacity-building workshops and opportunities for scholarship recipients, student leaders, undergraduates, and young professionals.
"EntreGate" stands as a cornerstone in Sasnaka Sansada's efforts to enhance Sri Lanka's economic landscape by nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and improving financial literacy through targeted educational programs and hands-on support for emerging business minds, aiming to spark a significant entrepreneurial shift in the nation. By addressing youth unemployment head-on and fostering a culture of innovation, EntreGate seeks to drive sustainable economic growth and empower Sri Lanka's burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit.
These programs are being held in 12 selected schools across the island, with an estimated 120 students per school. In total, Sasnaka Sansada aims to reach over 1,400 students in these 12 selected schools.
The schools include Poramadulla Central College, Pinnawala Central College, Ratnapura Seevali Central College, Matara Central College, Ampara D.S. Senanayake Central College, Hambantota Debarawewa Central College, Kalutara Taxila Central College, Peradeniya Central College, Puttalam Nandimithara Central College, Kantale Central College, Galle St. Theresa's Convent, and Gampaha Anura Central College. The total number of impacted students will be further increased through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and activities.
One of the 12 organized programs by HNB and the Sasnaka Sansada Foundation.
