Hatton National Bank (HNB) has taken yet another step in setting up student bankers association (SBA) as part of their social responsibility towards the economic development of the country, says a press release. "In an effort to stabilize the relationship between student bankers and HNB, this project, without doubt will gain momentum with its progress and will have a lot to gain for the students in the future," said Rienzie T. Wijetillake, the managing director of HNB at its inauguration.

The inauguration ceremony of the students bankers association was held recently at the HNB training centre in Borella with 16 schools from Colombo district taking part in the project. It was attended by the principals of all participating schools and their student bankers.

The architect of the project, Chandula Abeywickrema, deputy general manager - marketing and business development said this Association of Student Bankers will benefit them in the future to be on part with the rapid globlization of the world economy and this occasion would be ‘a turn in Sri Lankan banking sector’.

Speaking at the occasion, the principal of Royal College H. L. B. Gomes, Devi Balika Vidyalaya Mrs. K. Laksman and Warden of S. Thomas’ College Dr. David Ponniah were of the view that HNB’s innovative concepts in student banking has supported their course of building a sound future for the pupils, since they consider education is always an invaluable investment for the future. Gomes, in particular, praised the bank for improving the knowledge of the pupils in the banking process.

The establishment of SBA is also aimed at drawing the young generation closer to the banking sector leading to steady economic development in the future. Wijetillake said that employment in a bank is not what they are looking at as an objective but to give students more exposure on how an individual can earn with the assistance from the banking sector.

The students in the association welcomed the move in the words "this is a step forward in our relationship with HNB and most importantly, a privilege to be involved in the adult world of banking in our student days". The consortium of student bankers agreed that the banking expertise they had gained so far had been a rewarding experience.