DFCC Aloka partners with WCIC Prathibhabisheka, Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023 as Diamond Sponsor

Left to Right: Shera Hassen- Vice President-Head of Pinnacle, Branch Banking Planning and Implementation, Aasiri Iddamalgoda- Senior Vice President- Head of Retail Banking and SME- DFCC Bank, Nilmini Gunaratne- Vice President- Head of Marketing and Sustainability- DFCC Bank, Ruwini Weerasinghe- Senior Relationship Manager- Retail Banking and SME and Anoji De Silva- Chairperson WCIC.

DFCC Aloka, the empowering, female-centric banking proposition from DFCC Bank, is taking centre stage as the Diamond Sponsor for the much-awaited WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023, underscoring its commitment to fostering financial empowerment and inclusivity. Going beyond banking, DFCC Aloka is a catalyst for positive change for women in Sri Lanka, providing accessible and innovative financial and non-financial solutions. From supporting entrepreneurs to enhancing financial literacy and providing tailored female-centric banking solutions, DFCC Aloka is dedicated to being a trusted partner on every woman's journey towards financial independence and prosperity.

DFCC Bank actively engages with the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), recognising the pivotal role of female entrepreneurs. The Bank's steadfast commitment to empowering women thus aligns with the cause championed by WCIC. Accordingly, driven by its sustainability strategy, which calls for women's empowerment, and acknowledging the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable change, DFCC Bank has partnered with the WCIC to make the WCIC Prathibhabisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023 possible. DFCC Bank also collaborates with other chambers, associations, financial and non-financial organisations, government entities, and other stakeholders that advocate for and support financial and social empowerment for women. This collaborative approach enhances the scalability and effectiveness of DFCC Bank's sustainability initiatives and women's empowerment programmes.

Accordingly, the grand celebration of women's entrepreneurship, the WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023, is set to take place in early 2024, with the Awards Ceremony scheduled for February 2024. The occasion will recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and the SAARC Region.

Commenting on the partnership, Aasiri Iddamalgoda- Senior Vice President- Head of Retail Banking and SME at DFCC Bank said, "DFCC Aloka's role as the Diamond Sponsor reflects our dedication to fostering financial empowerment and inclusivity. We are proud to support initiatives like WCIC Prathibhabhisheka, which highlight the achievements of women entrepreneurs and contribute to positive change in society. We remain committed to creating an environment where women can thrive and reach their fullest potential."

DFCC Aloka's products are designed to cater to females above 18 across all income levels and categories, ensuring inclusivity for a diverse range of women with unique needs and backgrounds. Addressing the individual challenges females face, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and senior citizens, DFCC Aloka has launched tailored products to support women at every stage of life and accommodate various lifestyle requirements.

In addition to financial support, DFCC Aloka actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy among women, providing the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. Recognising that access to information is a powerful tool for empowerment, DFCC Aloka is committed to providing resources for women to take control of their finances and meet their objectives.

Anoji De Silva- Chairperson WCIC added, "We are delighted to have DFCC Aloka as the Diamond Sponsor for the WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023. Their commitment to empowering women aligns with our mission, and we look forward to a successful collaboration in recognising and celebrating outstanding women entrepreneurs."

DFCC Aloka, together with the WCIC Prathibhabisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023, extends its gratitude to the many partners and sponsors that have contributed towards making this event a possibility, including WCIC, Doc990, local women's chambers in other regions, DFC, partner supermarkets, supportive successful female entrepreneurs, Sri Lanka SAARC Chapter, and the Siddhalepa Group. This collective effort is helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women across Sri Lanka and the SAARC region.

About DFCC Bank

DFCC Bank is a full-service commercial bank with a rich history of 68 years and offers a diverse range of commercial and development banking services. As part of its Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030, the Bank aims to become a leading institution contributing to greater resilience by creating resilient businesses and supporting green financing and sustainable, socially responsible entrepreneurship. The Bank has received numerous accolades, including being named the 'Most Trusted Retail Banking Brand' and the 'Best Customer Service Banking Brand' in Sri Lanka in 2021 by Global Brands Magazine UK and 'Market Leader and Best in Service in Cash Management 2022' by Euromoney. Additionally, DFCC Bank is ranked among Business Today's Top 40 Corporates in Sri Lanka, is rated A- (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and is regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Attesting to its commitment to sustainability, DFCC Bank is also the first, and presently only, entity in Sri Lanka to have received accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), granting it access to concessionary funding worth USD 250 million to support climate mitigation and adaptation projects across the Island.