Amana Bank empowers Sri Lanka through Financial Literacy Programmes

Amana Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering citizens through financial literacy, promoting informed financial decision-making to drive personal and professional success. In 2024, Amana Bank successfully conducted 68 Financial Literacy Programmes across the country, reaching out to over 8,500 individuals from diverse communities including A/L school children, undergraduates, women entrepreneurs, trade associations, and professionals from industries encompassing agriculture, apparel, and healthcare.

The Bank’s financial literacy initiative aligns well with the Central Bank’s ‘Financial Literacy Road Map of Sri Lanka 2024-2028,’ introduced under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) with the goal of creating a financially literate Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the programme also contributed to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Nos 3, 4, 5, 10 and 17.

Speaking on the initiative, Siddeeque Akbar, Vice President of Retail Banking and Marketing at Amana Bank, stated, “Amana Bank is committed to enhancing Financial Literacy as part of our mission to enabling growth and enriching lives. We take pride in championing initiatives that empower people to navigate their financial journeys with confidence and purpose. Through these programs, we empower individuals to make sound financial decisions, supporting their aspirations and enhancing their economic well-being while also showcasing the benefits of our unique banking model.”

The Bank’s Knowledge Marketing and Financial Literacy unit, established in 2018, has to date carried out over 175+ awareness sessions. Emphasizing the program’s overarching objectives, Muath Mubarak, Head of Knowledge Marketing and Financial Inclusion of Amana Bank, remarked, “Our Financial Literacy Programs are more than just educational – they empower individuals to grow and succeed. By engaging with diverse groups across Sri Lanka, we are fostering a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.”

Amãna Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, with Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder of the Bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. Testifying its position as a leading practitioner of the non-interest based banking model, Amãna Banks continued to be recognised amongst the Top 100 Strongest Islamic Bank’s in the World by The Asian Banker.

Amãna Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates, or affiliated institutions apart from its engagement with OrphanCare as its Founding Sponsor.