Seylan Bank conducts knowledge sharing event for women employees
Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, recently conducted a knowledge sharing programme for all its women employees. Dr. Linda Speldewinde, Founder and Chairperson – Design Corp Group of Companies and Dr. Lanka JayasuriyaDissanayake, Chairperson and Trustee – Indira Cancer Trust were the guest speakers at the event.
Speaking to the participants, Dr. Linda Speldewinde drew attention to the fact that gender equality and empowerment of women and girls have long been part of the development process of this country. She explained how the Design Group of Companies provides a platform to empower women in Sri Lanka to initiate innovative plans that will support them to sustain themselves in the current context and be economically successful. A visionary leader with global experience, Dr. Speldewinde looks to exchange new knowledge, with Academy of Design as a globally accessible learning center for design and innovation from South Asia.
Speaking on a different yet equally important topic, Dr. Lanka JayasuriyaDissanayake educated the attendees about prevention of cancer. Dr. JayasuriyaDissanayake currently serves as the Chairperson and Trustee of the Indira Cancer
Trust, a non- governmental organization that supports patients with cancer and their families through over 20 projects.
The talks received positive feedback from the participants with the opportunity to raise concerns and discuss ways to overcome challenges in self- development and healthy living. Women empowerment is not a novel concept to Seylan Bank, which has been at the forefront in growing female leaders within its ranks since inception. The women employees of the Bank number at 45% currently, women also make up 27% percent of the Board of Directors and almost half of the board committees. In addition, 20 % out of the total staff cadre is managed and led by women. Seylan Bank was recognized as one of the Best Women Friendly Workplaces in Sri Lanka in 2021 by Great Place to Work, a testament to the culture of equality that is perpetuated in the Bank.