HDFC to set up branches in NE

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The HDFC Bank will set up branches in the North and the East to develop the housing industry in the provinces, said Chairman, HDFC Bank, S.M.M. Yaseen.

He was addressing the media at the opening ceremony of the Nugegoda branch on Wednesday.

He said, the bank has adopted a customer centric approach which has helped increase the number of depositors and promote savings in the country.

"The new branch opened at the Nugegoda Railway Station will help take banking services closer to people and make banking convenient in a busy environment", Yaseen said.

The HDFC Bank made great strides in the banking sector since the launch of the palm top banking facility last year.

The concept helped customers to adhere to non formal transactions and also save them from untrustworthy banking institutions.

Yaseen said, the bank enrolled around 52,000 customers through the high tech facility which is a popular banking system.

The HDFC Bank operates 26 branches and plans to open branches in Vavuniya and Mannar early this year.

CEO, HDFC Bank, Suresh Amarasekera said the aim of the bank is to develop the housing and lifestyle requirements in the country by promoting savings.

General Manager CGR, P.P. Wijesekera said the CGR will increase the number of stations with modern banking and other commercial businesses.

Railway stations will be a one stop shop for commuters. "The housing requirements of people occupying land belonging to the CGR will be released through a program ", he said.

He said the CGR owns a large extent of land but most of it is used by squatters and as a result the development of the railway services was hampered for several years.

"The standard of services provided in railway stations has been unsatisfactory. Steps will be taken to improve services and make stations people friendly.

The CGR employees' salaries will be remitted to their bank accounts which will also encourage them on savings", Wijesekera said.