People’s Leasing & Finance, in collaboration with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA), successfully empowered a group of deserving youth offering “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarships. Entry criteria for the rural youth identified from economically disadvantaged households were NVQ Level – 3 qualifications. The objective of this program was to empower the nation’s skilled workforce, increase their employability and attract prospective foreign revenues for the nation while contributing to the advancement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Two vocational education programs were completed at the Vocational Training Centres in Narahenpita (Colombo Region). and Wegiriya (Kandy Region). In a context where the rising global temperature has created an increased demand for hybrid automobiles that offer positive environmental impacts, including high fuel efficiency and low emissions, there is a significant shortage of skilled labor in the field of hybrid motor mechanics. Hence, “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarship program also aims to meet the unmet demand by empowering youths on Hybrid Automobile Technology, covering 100-course hours. All youth who completed the program received NVQ Level – 4 qualifications.
The last session of each program was held at both centers and graced by Sanjeewa Bandaranayake, Head of Sustainable Finance; Roshni Motha, Manager – Sustainable Finance Unit; Hishan Welmilla, Manager – Marketing & Communication; Senaka Munasinghe, Branch Manager of PLC Kandy, Minthaka Deeyagahage, FD & Savings Officer and staff members of the Sustainable Finance Unit in the presence of instructors from the VTA. Both sessions were resourced by G.P. Sirikumara, Assistant Manager – Credit Risk & Analytics of PLC, covering fundamentals on financial literacy, prudent management of cash flows of a newly set up SME business as well as interactive knowledge sharing on the preparation of a sound business proposal to qualify for a credit facility from a reputed bank or a financial institution. In total, 35 deserving youth were benefitted through this worthy corporate social responsibility initiative.
The Awareness session conducted by PLC on Financial Literacy in Narahenpita VTA Centre & Katugastota VTA Centre.