APBSL and SLBA-UAE Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Sri Lankan Banking Professionals’ Global Reach

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 09:50

APBSL and SLBA UAE Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Sri Lankan Banking Professionals Global Reach

Businesscafe - In a landmark move to enhance cooperation between Sri Lankan financial professionals and their counterparts in the United Arab Emirates, the Association of Professional Bankers – Sri Lanka (APBSL) and the Sri Lanka Bankers Association in the UAE (SLBA-UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20th May 2025 at the Consulate General of Sri Lanka for Dubai & the Northern Emirates.

The signing ceremony took place under the patronage of Hon. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka for Dubai and Northern Emirates.


The MoU was formally signed by Mr. Anton Arumugam, President of APBSL, and Mr. Isthiaq Raziq, President of SLBA-UAE.


This strategic agreement establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at promoting the mutual interests of both associations, with a focus on knowledge sharing, professional development, and strengthening financial ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Anton Arumugam, President of APBSL, stated,


“This partnership is a key step in APBSL’s mission to extend its global footprint and provide support to our members worldwide.


We recognise the vital role of international connectivity for Sri Lankan banking professionals and are committed to creating collaborations that enhance their opportunities.”

The agreement creates a framework for collaboration focused on sharing knowledge, supporting professional development, and strengthening financial ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE.


It includes joint training programs, webinars, and certification courses for finance professionals, as well as networking opportunities.


The partnership will also encourage collaborative research on industry trends, provide career mentoring, and host joint events and conferences to foster greater engagement between both associations.

Commenting on the partnership, Consul General Hon. Alexi Gunasekera stated,


“Banking professionals are the cornerstone of economic stability and growth, and supporting Sri Lankan bankers in the UAE remains a vital priority, and I wholeheartedly endorse this initiative.


The Consulate will continue to champion the efforts of both associations to ensure this partnership delivers valuable and lasting impact.”

Additionally, Mr. Isthiaq Raziq, President of SLBA-UAE highlighted that the MoU offers SLBA-UAE members a significant opportunity to broaden their knowledge and advance both academically and professionally.

This agreement marks the beginning of a dynamic partnership that promises to elevate Sri Lankan banking professionals and strengthen cross-border connections between financial institutions, fostering greater collaboration and growth in the industry.

 

Photo Captions : Mr. Anton Arumugam, President of APBSL (second from left), exchanges the signed MoU with Mr. Isthiaq Razik, President of SLBA-UAE (second from right), as Mr. Kapila Karunaratne from SLBA (far left) and Hon. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General (far right), look on.

Last modified on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 10:03