Amana Bank, in collaboration with Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, conducted a Financial Literacy Programme for undergraduates of the Department of Accountancy and Finance on 14 September 2026. The programme was designed to enhance students’ understanding of financial management, informed financial decision-making and responsible financial practices, equipping them with practical knowledge relevant to both their personal and future professional lives.
The Bank’s financial literacy initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Financial Literacy Roadmap of Sri Lanka 2024–2028, introduced under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) with the goal of creating a financially literate Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the programme contributes towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), supporting broader efforts towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
Commenting on the programme, Prof. J. Sandya Kumari, Head of the Department of Accountancy & Finance, Faculty of Management Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka said, “We highly appreciate Amana Bank’s initiative in bringing financial literacy knowledge to our undergraduates. Programmes of this nature provide students with practical financial knowledge that complements their academic learning and prepares them to make more informed financial decisions. This programme also reflects Amana Bank’s commitment to social upliftment through knowledge sharing. We sincerely appreciate Amana Bank for making this programme a meaningful and valuable learning experience for our students. We were also intrigued to learn on the Bank’s unique non-interest banking model”
Speaking about the initiative, Siddeeque Akbar, Vice President – Retail Banking and Marketing at Amana Bank, stated, “We are committed to enhancing financial literacy through our Knowledge Marketing initiative, carrying out programmes for various segments of society, with a particular focus on empowering undergraduates and young people with practical financial knowledge. We take pride in championing initiatives that empower individuals to navigate their financial journeys with confidence and purpose. Through these programmes, we encourage individuals to make sound financial decisions, support their aspirations and enhance their economic well-being, while also creating greater awareness of the benefits of our unique development focused people friendly banking model.”
The Bank’s Financial Literacy Programme has also gained recognition at national and international award platforms as a leading social upliftment initiative in Sri Lanka. The programme was recognised as a Gold Winner in the Social Upliftment Project in Sri Lanka at the IFFSA Awards 2025, while it also received recognition at the SLIBFI Awards 2026.
During 2026, Amana Bank has conducted 60 Financial Literacy Programmes, reaching approximately 6,000 participants across six provinces. These programmes have engaged a diverse range of participants, including students, undergraduates, women entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate employees and government staff. These initiatives reinforce the Bank’s continued commitment to advancing financial inclusion and contributing towards a more financially literate and empowered Sri Lankan society.
Amana Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, with the Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder of the Bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. Testifying to its position as a leading practitioner of the non-interest-based banking model, Amana Bank was recognized amongst the Top 50 Strongest Islamic Banks in the World by The Asian Banker. Amana Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates, or affiliated institutions apart from its engagement with OrphanCare as its Founding Sponsor.
