DFCC Aloka Diamond Sponsor and Official Banking Partner of WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024 for 3rd Consecutive Year

DFCC Bank continues to strengthen its role as a key advocate for female entrepreneurship, as DFCC Aloka partners with the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) as the Diamond Sponsorsor, Banking partner for the WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024. This marks the 3rd consecutive year DFCC Aloka has supported this prestigious event, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and the SAARC region. The awards provide a vital platform for recognising the significant contributions of women, economically and socially, aligning with DFCC Bank's commitment to fostering empowerment and financial inclusivity.

The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards is a unique initiative designed to highlight the success stories of female-led businesses, offering women entrepreneurs the recognition and encouragement they deserve. DFCC Aloka, as the official banking partner for the event, reinforces its commitment to championing female empowerment through tailored financial solutions and non-financial services. This ongoing partnership reflects DFCC Bank's dedication to supporting women-led businesses, offering comprehensive banking and non-banking services that enable them to grow and thrive.

Shera Hassen – Vice President | Head of Pinnacle / Branch Banking Planning & Implementation at DFCC Bank, commented, "We are proud to support the WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024 for the 3rd consecutive year. Through DFCC Aloka, we strive to create an environment where women entrepreneurs can excel. We aim to foster financial inclusion and empower women by offering solutions that meet their unique needs and challenges, ensuring no one is left behind on their journey to success. Thus, our goals align with this platform, and we are excited to continue supporting WCIC."

DFCC Aloka – an exclusive banking proposition for women – has emerged as a trusted financial partner for women in Sri Lanka. It offers a comprehensive suite of products and services that cater to women at every stage of life. Whether they are entrepreneurs, professionals, or students, DFCC Aloka is designed to empower women by providing accessible financial solutions and resources tailored to their specific needs. The proposition is focused on addressing the challenges faced by women in the financial landscape, offering them support, knowledge, and the resources required to make informed financial decisions. DFCC Aloka also provides extensive support for female entrepreneurs, including non-financial support such as knowledge-sharing workshops, technical guidance, and free market space for their products and services. The Bank also offers low-cost credit lines and grants to female entrepreneurs.

The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024 programme is a multi-stage event that will unfold through late 2024 and early 2025, with the main Awards Ceremony scheduled in 2025. As the Diamond Sponsor, DFCC Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that align with its broader sustainability goals. The Bank's focus on female empowerment extends beyond financial services, creating opportunities for women to develop their skills, grow their businesses, and achieve financial independence. Through strategic collaborations, DFCC Bank maximises its impact and reach in promoting inclusive, sustainable growth and gender equality in Sri Lanka.

About DFCC Bank

DFCC Bank is a full-service commercial bank with a rich history of 68 years and offers a diverse range of commercial and development banking services. As part of its Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030, the Bank aims to become a leading institution contributing to greater resilience by creating resilient businesses and supporting green financing and sustainable, socially responsible entrepreneurship. The Bank has received numerous accolades, including being named the 'Most Trusted Retail Banking Brand' and the 'Best Customer Service Banking Brand' in Sri Lanka in 2021 by Global Brands Magazine UK and 'Market Leader and Best in Service in Cash Management 2022' by Euromoney. Additionally, DFCC Bank is ranked among Business Today's Top 40 Corporates in Sri Lanka, is rated A- (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and is regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Attesting to its commitment to sustainability, DFCC Bank is also the first, and presently only, entity in Sri Lanka to have received accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), granting it access to concessionary funding worth USD 250 million to support climate mitigation and adaptation projects across the Island.