* Criteria for banks entering Sri Lanka:
Support infrastructure development, remittances and SME sector

The government would support the establishment of new banks in Sri Lanka if they supported infrastructure development, the inflow of remittances and provided finance and expertise to the country’s SME sector, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.

Speaking at the recent inauguration of Amana Bank, the Governor said, "We have set out the areas in which we are particularly looking to see new banks being formulated in Sri Lanka. We have been supporting new banking institutions to come in if they were to support the infrastructure developments in our country or if they were supporting remittances into the country or if it they were instrumental in providing finances and expertise to the SME sector.

"I think your overall vision and plans encompass all these three criteria and we are hopeful that you will play a very significant role in the economic development of our nation," he said.

In his address he also mentioned that he was confident that with the directors, advisors and other stakeholders Amãna Bank has, including the three banking giants from Malaysia, Bangladesh and the Middle-East, the bank could transform itself into a star in the banking sector.

Also sharing his thoughts at this occasion was the Chairman of Amãna Bank, Osman Kassim, who was instrumental in formulating the vision for the establishment of a fully fledged Islamic Bank 15 years ago. "I feel honoured and happy to witness this day and I would like to express our gratitude and thanks for the confidence placed on us by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapakse and in addition, for the support extended by the Governor and officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. My heart- felt gratitude also goes out to each and every one of the large number of people who rallied around us, be they, shareholders, employees, customers and well-wishers throughout this journey."

Amãna Bank offers a range of financial products and services including Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Children’s Savings Account, Term Investment Accounts, Home Financing, Leasing, SME Banking, Corporate Banking, Trade Services and Treasury Services. Its doors will be open to the public across 14 branch locations in Colombo 3 (Main Branch and Ladies’ Branch), Pettah, Kandy, Kurunegala, Akurana, Gampola, Mawanella, Galle, Oddamavadi, Kattankudy, Kalmunai, Akkaraipattu and Sammanthurai.