(Created date: 10-Apr-2012)

The Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka, which celebrates 30 years of successful banking operations in March this year, plans to expand its service network by adding 16 branches and windows offices, to commemorate this momentous occasion. This venture is undertaken with the banks vision not only the expand their network to 30 branches ,but to also facilitate and extend their reach to the larger segment of people of the country.

All of the branches are to be built upon a modern concept that consist of the state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the most up-to-date computer networks, communication facilities and customer conveniences along with all aspects of modern banking, thus taking banking to a new level of sophistication - a reward that is offered to the bank's loyal customers that has made them the premier merchant bankin Sri Lanka today. All branches will provide customers with fast, efficient and convenient banking services that will be on par with the other bests in the industry.

Speaking of this venture, the Chairman of the Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka, Mr.M.R.Shah , said “Our theme for this year is to endeavor to lend a hand for local business and that will in turn culminate in the development of the nation .With the expansion of our branch network to 30 ,we are hoping to give them the opportunity to access and utilize our expertise such as corporate advisory services , that will enable business at various levels from SME’s to large business, to engage in business activities in a prudent and systematic manner to achieve high performance levels .In addition, the bank also offers Investment banking services, leasing and hire purchase packages, Trade Finance that are designed with the convenience of our customers in mind. We have always worked hard at understanding the diverse needs within our community . Our focus has been to deliver a personalized service, where customers meet face-to-face with their banker – a banker who knows them by name. One of the key focus areas this year will be on sustainable business growth for customers at grass root level, which will also assist in the development of the country after a 30 year war . We have looked at where the biggest potential is, in terms of growth of the future of the country and it goes without saying it is the Retail and SME (Small and Medium scale Enterprises) segment which would benefit the most out of this opportunity. We therefore wanted to be an aggressive player in this segment. We will also work to fulfill the expectations of the government to distribute the national growth to the village levels which will help to capitalize on opportunities that arisen in Sri Lanka with the end of the war and further enhance the growth of our Country. “

Since its inception , the Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka , served as a pioneer in the industry , providing a wide array of banking services to customers. A vital pillar of stability has always been the bank’s customer base. Taking it one step further from offering customer service, Merchant Bank has believed in striving on appealing to its customers’ emotional and rational aspects, ensuring a high-quality ‘customer experience’ each and every time you visit the Bank along with a range of products and services which adds value to their customer’s day to day banking. It is this end to end customer experience that has made them a preferred banking option They have therefore grown steadily through word of mouth and by the strength of their services provided to customers that has ensured timely and responsive answers to their banking needs. The bank where has now taken the initiative to play a pivotal role in the development of the Sri Lankan economy, introduced an array of loan schemes to those in the rural areas, to improve their standard of living while assisting them in their business activities. The success stories of small scale entrepreneurs, retailers and industrialists are numerous, and are ever increasing, a praise worthy point for Merchant Bank .

As the bankers of aspiring people in Sri Lanka, whilst passing the 30th milestone in unsurpassed service towards the nation, The Merchant Bank vows to continue to fulfill the needs of its valued customers and make a better future for all Sri Lanka.