DFIN News
Finance Students Association, Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya organized “Banking and Insurance Summit,” which was part of Investment Week 2024 and was held on the 4th of September at the Duncan White Auditorium, Ministry of Sports. The summit, themed "Bridging Knowledge and Innovation: The Future of Banking and Insurance," successfully expanded upon last year's Banking Summit by incorporating the insurance sector, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these vital industries.
Distinguished panelists from both the banking and insurance sectors shared valuable insights and experiences on topics such as digital transformation, risk management, regulatory changes, and customer-centric strategies. The event provided a wealth of knowledge for students and professionals interested in these fields.
Dr. P. A. Kiriwandeniya, the founder of the SANASA Movement in Sri Lanka, was the Chief Guest of the event and summit also featured esteemed guests including Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Mr. Halin Hettigoda, President of the Association of Professional Bankers of Sri Lanka; Mr Chandana Aluthgama, President of Insurance Association of Sri Lanka; Prof. W. M. C. B. Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Ruwani Fernando, Head of the Department of Finance; and Senior Prof. R. P. C. Ranjani, Cadre Chair and Senior Professor of Finance.
The discussion forum included panelists: Mr. Sumudu Gunawardhana, Chief Information Officer at Commercial Bank of Ceylon; Mr. Harsha Wanigatunga, Chief Information Officer at Seylan Bank; Mr. Nuwan Hettiarachchi, Director and Chief Information Officer at Continental Insurance Lanka; and Mr. Clement Jayaraj, Chief Technology Officer at Fairfirst Insurance. The session was expertly moderated by Prof. Narada Fernando, Professor, Department of Finance at the University of Kelaniya.
A significant moment during the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Association of Professional Bankers of Sri Lanka and the University of Kelaniya, reinforcing the collaboration between academia and the banking industry. The objectives of the MOU are to award the most outstanding graduate in the Bachelor of Business Management Honors in Banking with a gold medal and a cash prize. Additionally, the Association of Professional Bankers of Sri Lanka will offer opportunities for selected top-performing third-year undergraduates in the banking degree to enroll in their Junior Bankers Programme.