Big changes in banking and finance have taken place over the past five decades when Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC) and Browns Group Chairperson Rohini Nanayakkara first joined the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) in April 1959. She was described as an 'iron lady in financial services' by LOLC which recently hosted a felicitation ceremony with Browns to commemorate her 'trailblazing success'.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Nanayakkara said the world of banking was very different in the 50's, 60's and 70's.
"The emphasis at the time was in line with the political thinking, that the economy could be transformed rapidly and a high rate of economic development achieved, by the government taking over the development process. Private sector role was limited to clearly defined areas in order to prevent concentration of economic power." Ms. Nanayakkara added that Sinhala and Tamil were adopted as official languages, and banking business was extended to cover the urban and rural areas, with the setting up of Kachcheri branches and agricultural service centres.
The radical economic changes which took place in the early 70's, consequent to the land reform laws, and the vesting of privately and publicly owned companies, in the Land Reform Commission were highlights of the economic activities of this period."
According to a LOLC press release, Ms. Nanayakkara began her career in banking and finance when she joined the Bank of Ceylon in 1959 and upon retirement, she took an integral part in setting up Seylan Bank. LOLC said Ms. Nanayakkara has dedicated her career to create excellence in service to the customers at large. She was also described as a remarkable woman who created history by advancing in a territory henceforth considered a male domain. |
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