The People’s Bank yesterday said that Thursday’s fire at the Lucky Plaza did not originate in its branch there nor did it affect it the bank.

DGM – Branches and Personal Banking of People’s Bank P. Rajapakse clarifying the issue said, "The fire that started at the Lucky Plaza building recently did not originate at the computer section of the People’s Bank branch situated there, but did in fact originate at an upstairs place outside Bank premises.

"Although the ceiling and several partitions were harmed in the fire, none of the equipment and important documents were destroyed.

"At present, a mobile bank service with PET facilities is operating at the premises, and arrangements have been made to conduct further banking requirements at the Liberty Plaza branch of People’s Bank. Customers can conduct their transactions through any People’s Bank branch, since the Lucky Plaza branch is connected to the centralized Core Banking System."

He added that plans are underway to recommence work at the Lucky Plaza branch on Monday at the same premises.