NDB donates tool kits for people in NE

NDB Bank, together with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) has taken steps to assist those affected by the armed conflict in the Northen and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka.

The VTA is currently engaged in conducting several vocational training programmes for those requiring knowledge and expertise to set up either new businesses or even find employment.

A comprehensive and diverse range of vocational training programmes conducted in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces offer a range of courses from electrical training, masonry, carpentry, dressmaking/tailoring, welding and aluminum fabrication.

NDB Bank established the IDP Empowerment Trust in 2009 with a seed capital of Rs. 10 million. The Bank hopes to raise further funds from commercial and private donors as well as through donor agencies.

In addition, the Bank is keen to attract funds from internationally based organisations and communities.

The funds from NDB Bank's IDP Empowerment Trust are being utilised to donate tool kits/equipment for the participants who have successfully completed these vocational skills training programmes.

As the initial phase of this project, the Bank donated 250 tool kits and sewing machines in Vavuniya recently, to those persons who completed the training courses conducted by the VTA.

The Chief Executive Officer of NDB Bank, Eran Wickramaratne, speaking at the handing over ceremony said, 'the people of these areas led normal lives before the military conflict affected them. Though opportunity was lost, those skills and talents can never go away.

The skills they have developed, can be used in a discipline of their choice; empowering them to contribute towards the development of their respective areas while creating job opportunities not only for themselves but also for many others.'

The Trust will be providing tool kits solely to the top performers during the first phase as additional funds are needed to provide tool kits for all participants.

However, with the progress of the project and as funding from donors escalate, it will be possible to provide the tool kits to all those who successfully complete the training programmes.