Cargills Bank created a major landmark by expanding supermarket banking convenience to 51 new Cargills supermarkets yesterday with a symbolic branch opening at Attidiya.
Cargills Bank is unique among Sri Lankan banks in offering cash deposit and withdrawal facilities via Cargills Supermarket checkout counters through its Supermarket Banking service, increasing the number of banking-enabled supermarkets from 479 locations to 530 supermarkets. This initiative leverages Cargills supermarkets’ extensive islandwide retail network and is part of the bank’s ongoing mission to drive inclusivity by bringing essential financial services closer to every corner of the country.
Chairman of Cargills Bank Ranjit Page said that soon after ending of hostilities in 2009 with LTTE they were looking at avenues as to how they should assist the rural agri and daily sector and rural entrepreneurs in the country. “This results in us providing low interest loans via Cargills bank and most importantly providing a readymade market through Cargills supermarkets to sell their produce. (Eliminating both the middle man and money lender) In addition this concept has helped people to increase their savings which is very low in Sri Lanka when compared to the region.
“This is our value addition to give back to the society.” Cargills Bank was the first to introduce agency banking in Sri Lanka through a unique partnership with the Cargills Retail network, allowing customers to manage their basic banking needs while shopping for groceries providing convenient access to services such as deposits, withdrawals and the collection of local and foreign remittances for Sri Lankans in both rural and urban areas. This unique model operates 365 days a year, from 8 am to 1 pm, providing a level of accessibility that goes well beyond a conventional bank branch.
MD/CEO of Cargills Bank Senarath Bandara, said, “The expansion of supermarket banking is yet another step towards fulfilling our commitment to provide our customers with unmatched benefits and convenience. We strive to be the most progressive and inclusive bank in Sri Lanka, providing innovative financial solutions that fulfill the needs of all Sri Lankans, whether in bustling cities or remote villages.”
Cargills Supermarket banking is particularly useful in towns and rural areas, where traditional banking services are less accessible. Customers and even non-customers of Cargills Bank can save valuable time and resources by attending to their financial service requirements at their nearest Cargills supermarket.
In addition to Supermarket Banking locations, Cargills Bank also operates 30 Cargills Bank MINI service points at selected Cargills Food City outlets, providing access to even more banking services, such as account opening and customer support. (SS)
