COVID-19 pandemic will not deter development - PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa participating at the foundation laying ceremony, from Temple Trees via video technology, for the new People’s Bank headquarters to be built at Ibbanwala Junction in Colombo.

The Government is working for the country’s development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

He pointed out that the future hopes of the country should not be abandoned because of the pandemic.

“We embarked on constructing Expressways, Ports and Airports even while fighting a war against the LTTE terrorists. Therefore, we are well-accustomed to continue development work even amidst challenging situations,” he said. The Prime Minister was speaking at the occasion of the foundation laying for the new People’s Bank headquarters at Ibbanwala Junction in Colombo.

The Prime Minister joined the programme from Temple Trees via video technology and unveiled the plaque at the venue using modern technology.

The new People’s Bank building will be constructed under the green concept and it will have state-of-the-art technology. It will comprise 26 floors including three underground floors. The People’s Bank Headquarters, which has been located at Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha for nearly 44 years, will be relocated at this new location once the constructions are completed.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the People’s Bank has supported the financial stability of the country during difficult periods.

“We embark on massive constructions like this even during this difficult period because of the hopes we have kept on the future of the country. The People’s Bank has made remarkable progress in its journey spanning for six decades now. It has an islandwide network of 741 branches and service centres, and provides service to 14 million customers. In addition to that, the People’s Bank has provided financial assistance to export, education, health, expressway, tourism and infrastructure projects. The Bank currently has a balance sheet of Rs 2.2 trillion. The total amount of deposits stands at Rs 1.8 trillion,” the Prime Minister added.

State Ministers Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Shehan Semasinghe also attended the event.

 

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