People’s Bank joins hands with NII Bank of Russian Federation

To offer convenient remittances to Sri Lanka

People’s Bank recently entered into an agreement with the National Investment Industrial (NII) Bank in Russia to facilitate a novel remittance mechanism that enables efficient and convenient fund transfers from Russia to accounts in Sri Lanka.

According to this arrangement, beneficiaries in Sri Lanka, especially service providers, exporters etc. will be able to receive funds quickly and cost effectively. Most importantly, Russian tourists will be able to remit funds to an account at People’s Bank in Sri Lanka prior to their visits, through the National Investment Industrial Bank in Russia without involvement of an intermediary bank. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, tourists will be issued Debit Cards which can be used to make payments seamlessly from the remitted funds.

Sujeewa Rajapakse, Chairman of People’s Bank, speaking about the partnership said, “We are happy that People’s Bank could establish this arrangement with NIIB in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation. The introduction of this payment platform will be highly beneficial to Russian tourists visiting Sri Lanka to make hassle free payments during their tour. Our own network of 818 ATMs, 315 CDMs and 743 branches will allow them easy access across the island. We are delighted to enable this novel service which will also contribute towards growth of local tourism related businesses”

Ranjith Kodituwakku, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of People’s Bank, added, “People’s Bank will be able to offer this facility at significantly reduced banking charges for both tourists or any other party that want to remit funds to Sri Lanka. A main objective of this collaboration is to increase inflow of valuable foreign exchange to Sri Lanka through a proper financial channel.”