PLC empowers deserving youth by offering “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarships

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) in collaboration with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA), successfully empowered a group of deserving youth offering “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarships. Entry criteria for the rural youth identified from the economically disadvantaged households was NVQ Level – 3 qualification. The objective of this programme was to empower the skilled workforce of the nation, increase their employability and attract prospective foreign revenues for the nation while contributing to the advancement of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Two vocational education programmes were completed at the Vocational Training Centres located in Narahenpita (Colombo Region). and Wegiriya (Kandy Region).

In a context where the rising global temperature has created an increased demand for hybrid automobiles that offer positive environmental impacts including high fuel efficiency and low emissions, there is a significant shortage for skilled labour in the field of hybrid motor mechanics. Hence, “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarship programme also aimed at meeting the unmet demand by empowering a group of youths on Hybrid Automobile Technology covering 100 course hours. All youth who successfully completed the programme received NVQ Level – 4 qualification.

The last session of each programme was held at both centers and graced by Mr. Sanjeewa Bandaranayake, Head of Sustainable Finance, Ms.Roshni Motha, Manager – Sustainable Finance Unit, Mr. Hishan Welmilla, Manager – Marketing & Communication, Mr. Senaka Munasinghe, Branch Manager of PLC Kandy, Mr.Minthaka Deeyagahage, FD & Savings Officer and staff members of the Sustainable Finance Unit in the presence of instructors from the VTA.  Both sessions were resourced by Mr. G.P. Sirikumara, Assistant Manager – Credit Risk & Analytics of PLC covering fundamentals on financial literacy, prudent management of cash flows of a newly set up SME business as well as interactive knowledge sharing on preparation of a sound business proposal to qualify for a credit facility from a reputed bank or a financial institution. In total, 35 deserving youth were benefitted through this worthy corporate social responsibility initiative.

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC is a leading Non-Bank Financial Institution in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of People’s Bank, one of the largest State-owned banks in the country. Commencing operations in 1996. People’s Leasing was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2011. People’s Leasing has grown to become a diversified non-banking financial powerhouse with six subsidiaries in allied areas of specialization, including a venture overseas in Bangladesh

The Awareness session conducted by PLC on Financial Literacy in Narahenpita VTA Centre & Katugastota VTA Centre.