Marking International Women’s Day, DFCC Aloka – the women-centric total banking proposition from
DFCC Bank– held an exclusive event to honour and support female entrepreneurship. The event,
themed “DFCC Aloka Celebrates Women Entrepreneurial Excellence,” was held on the 26th of March
2024 at DFCC Bank’s Head Office Auditorium. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung was a notable
presence amongst the distinguished guests at the event, which was attended by several leading women
entrepreneurs, DFCC Board Members, senior management officials and staff members from DFCC Bank,
Chairperson and Board representatives from the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC)
and DFCC customers who are female entrepreneurs. Amongst the distinguished guests at the event
were also Anojie De Silva, Chairperson of the WCIC, accomplished female entrepreneurs Otara
Gunawardene, Taniya Polonnowita, and Nayana Karunaratne, Chairman of DFCC Bank, J Durairatnam,
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thimal Perera.
In a message filled with encouragement and a vision for progress led by the women of Sri Lanka, U.S.
Ambassador Julie Chung highlighted the role of the DFCC Aloka program, noting it is one of many
programs the United States supports to help Sri Lankan female entrepreneurs bring light to their
communities. She urged: “When you’re in new places, places where women haven’t been in the past,
don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be there. Ask questions, take risks, learn new skills, and push
forward – and always take your Aloka with you and shine everywhere you go. The world is only going to
change if we push, challenge, dream bigger. If we look up and change our horizons, we’ll change our
destinations – both for ourselves AND for our daughters and sons.
Structured around a lively panel discussion and a series of talks, the event served as a source of
inspiration, highlighting the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs. It also appreciated their
resilience, innovation and invaluable contributions to business and society. The panel discussion focused
on the challenges faced by women in business whilst providing strategies for financial empowerment
and discussing the significance of mentorship and networking. DFCC Bank also used the opportunity to
highlight its Aloka proposition and reaffirm its commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs. Aasiri
Iddamalgoda – Senior Vice President of Retail Banking and SME at DFCC Bank, delivered a moving
keynote address on DFCC Aloka and how the Bank sees female entrepreneurship as a key part of the
puzzle in driving an economic renaissance in Sri Lanka.
CEO of DFCC Bank, Thimal Perera also addressed the gathering, saying, “DFCC Bank stands firmly behind
women within the Bank and in society at large. Internally, we have several empowerment initiatives
with measurable KPIs, and externally, DFCC Aloka represents our vision for a prosperous future driven
by powerful and independent female entrepreneurs. For this reason, Aloka promises not just
transactional finance but a comprehensive, integrated approach to banking and financial services,
including preferential lending terms, business guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities for
female entrepreneurs. We are therefore incredibly pleased to have been able to host this exceptional
event, honouring both our women and the women making a positive impact on our communities.”
A complete banking solution, DFCC Aloka caters to women of all income levels and categories, ensuring
inclusivity for a diverse range of women with unique needs and backgrounds. Addressing the unique
challenges females face, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and senior citizens, DFCC
Aloka has launched tailored products to support women at every stage of life and accommodate various
lifestyle requirements.
In addition to financial support, DFCC Aloka actively engages in various initiatives aimed at supporting
financial literacy among females, providing the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial
decisions. Recognising that access to information is a powerful tool for empowerment, DFCC Aloka is
committed to providing resources for women to take control of their finances and achieve their
aspirations.
