Financial Times

Celltel, Sampath Bank launch 'Cell Banking SMS'

Celltel subscribers who bank with Sampath Bank can virtually carry their bank in their pockets, through an innovative SMS-based facility launched this week by the pioneer cellular operator.

'Cell Banking SMS' is an advanced, secure mobile communications link provided to all Celltel GSM users jointly by Celltel and Sampath Bank, to provide an instant real-time transaction facility that can be activated by a simple SMS command.

"It is quite amazing how much can be packed into a user-friendly service like this," Celltel CEO Dumindra Ratnayaka said. "Cell Banking SMS is one of the most meaningful and utilitarian value additions in the cellular industry to-date, and we are grateful to the Sampath Bank for their support and innovative spirit."

Sampath Bank Managing Director Anil Amarasuriya said: "As a leader in IT-based banking we are happy to provide SMS banking facilities to our customers.

We believe in smart applications which give convenience and speed in contacting the bank and SMS Banking does just that. This facility allows customers to do everything that one can do at an ATM except cash withdrawals.