Our Sustainability

To employees

DFCC Bank is an equal opportunity employer. The Bank has in place / provides the following to its employees, with regard to gender Diversity & Inclusion:

• Gender sensitization programs
• Provision of training to all staff members regardless of their gender or any other divisive factors
• Targeted leadership development programs for female staff
• Holding women empowerment programs
• A secure work culture through a secure employment / anti-harassment policy
  • Reach-out Committee – cross functional committee comprised of female staff exclusively to address concerns of female employees
  • Grievance Committee – Comprises of cross functional staff with gender mix
  • Listening wall

• Health and Wellness activities – some specifically targeted at female employees
• A formal whistle blowing policy
• Flexible working arrangements during the on-going pandemic – Pregnant staff are given Work From Home (WFH) / Special Leave options throughout the period of their pregnancy
• Partnering with IFC and Australia Aid in “women in work” initiative

DFCC Bank,  through its efforts to create an inclusive and participatory work environment, has been recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Women Friendly Workplaces, at the first ever Women Friendly Workplace Awards (WFWP Awards) in November 2021, jointly pioneered by CIMA Sri Lanka and Satynmag.com.

The awards program showcases the importance placed on the role of women across workplaces in Sri Lanka, and further emphasizes the nation’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 05 – Gender Equality. The awards program seeks to pave a path for the betterment and enrichment of gender inclusive workplaces, ensuring the provision of equal opportunity to all employees irrespective of gender.

Product offerings to Women

• “Aloka” – An exclusive Women’s Savings Product launched in December 2021
• Special emphasis to lending to women under ADB and DFC facilities
• 35% – 40% of loans granted by the Bank’s MSME unit (both number and value of loans) have been made to women entrepreneurs.

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

• Conducting customized knowledge enhancement programs in identified sectors to empower and educate women entrepreneurship
• Success stories of women entrepreneurs funded by DFCC Bank

Mrs. Indrani Fernando – Managing Director/ Chairperson of New Philip Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd.

New Philip Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd. (NPH) has been a limited liability company of which the directorate is comprised of Dr. MLC Fernando, Mrs. KMI Fernando (Chairperson), and their children. The hospital was first commenced by late Dr. Leo Fernando, father of Dr. MLC Fernando in the 1970s by the name of Philip Nursing Home.

The venture was operated as a nursing home for nearly 15 years and it was in the declining stage in 1980s after the demise of Dr. Leo Fernando. Then in 1994 Mrs. Indrani Fernando being an entrepreneur joined the business actively embarking on the administration of the business. After foreseeing the future potential of the business, in 1994 the total stake of Dr. Leo Fernando’s daughter was purchased by Mrs. Indrani Fernando. Thus Dr and Mrs Fernando became the owners of this hospital.  Since then, the business has developed into the leading private hospital cum health care institution in the Kalutara district.

The company started its new operations in 1994 to provide high quality healthcare services to the patients in the area.  The name of the company was changed to NPH in early 2001. In 2002 the modernization project was approved by the BOI and construction of the hospital was started in the same year. DFCC has been the financial partner of the New Philip Hospital since its inception and the first project was granted in 1994 by the bank.

Currently NPH is equipped with many modern medical facilities and also is the leader in medical channeling service in the area. The current bed capacity of NPH is 50. There are about 300 patients on average who arrive daily to NPH for outdoor medical treatment and channeling. Currently the hospital is open 24 hours on all 365 days. NPH is equipped with a well-trained staff comprising of 25 consultants on fee basis, 20-25 medical officers which include 4 permanent and another 17-21 part time medical officers. The total workforce of the company is over 250.

At present, the hospital is providing the following services to patients.

Profile of Managing director/ Chairperson Mrs. Indrani Fernando

Mrs. Fernando, a directress, a businesswoman who has initiated buying of the stake of other owners of Philips Nursing home which was operated until 1994. Mrs. Fernando hails from a respectable family and her father was a director of Browns Group of Companies. She is a member of the British Management Association. She counts over 30 years of service in the management field. She plays a pivotal role in managing the business even visiting the hospital daily and is also involved in the day-to-day operations. She has a sound knowledge and skills in management, marketing and public relations. She has also been a council member of the Private Health Services Regulatory Council of the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition.

She has won several awards which are mentioned below.

Two National Honors were awarded to her for the contribution made to the nation.

• National Honors – Deshamanya
• National Honors – Lanka Maatha
• “Zonta” International Award for “Woman Entrepreneur for the Year 2004 and 2005
• “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 – Large Category – Chamber of Industry and Commerce –
• Business Excellence award for Year 2007/2008 – Large Category from Kalutara District Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
• Best Woman Entrepreneur for the Year 2007/2008 – Large category from Kalutara District Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2009- Women’s chamber of Industry and Commerce
• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 – Gold Award Large Category – Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce
• Western Province Bronze Award for winner for Year 2010 – Large category Business- Federation of chamber of commerce and industry of Sri Lanka
• National Bronze Award winner for year 2010 – Large category business – Federation of chambers of commerce and industry of Sri Lanka.
• Liyaabhimanee Award 2011 – Ministry of Child development and women’s affairs – for the contribution made to the health sector.

Mrs Chamika Sugandhi Wanniarachchi – Manufacturing of confectionery products

Mrs Chamika Sugandhi Wanniarachchi used to be a fully engaged housewife. She started to make sesame rolls as a small business after she was praised for the quality and taste of her food items when she prepared sesame rolls for a neighbor’s almsgiving.  She initially made arrangements with a reputed bakery outlet in the area. She gained the necessary knowledge through training programs conducted by the Divisional Secretariat and gradually expanded her business with a range of other confectionery products as well. During the expansion stage she approached DFCC Bank to purchase machinery, equipment and to shift the operations to a new location.

The MSME officer at DFCC Bank granted her the first MSME loan of LKR 450,000 in 2019. She has effectively utilized the funds for the intended purposes and thereby increased the production capacity as well. Today, after 6 years of business commencement, she provides 7 job opportunities mostly to the women in the area, while making sales over LKR 1 Million per month. She also obtained a current account, LKR 25,000 credit card, LKR 32,000 AIA Insurance and savings accounts for the employees from DFCC Bank. Recently she has requested for another LKR 1m MSME loan facility to finance machinery required for further expansions.

Quote from the customer ‘’I started this business with just 1 Kilo of sesame and assistance from my family members. Initially all production was handmade and gradually I added some machinery to the operations. My first buyer was a reputed bakery outlet in the area and after one year of commencement I could distribute my products to reputed Supermarkets as well. Today I have created 7 job opportunities through my business and I supply various other confectionery products to the market. I have come this far facing great difficulties and obstacles, so what I really want to tell is that everyone has a fair chance to grow, if you identify your true talent and are keen to learn further and work hard with commitment and dedication until achieving your goals. As a woman, engaging in your own business will also help to engage more time in family affairs that will ensure having a good relationship with your family members as well. Finally I would like to thank each and everyone who supported me in this journey, specially to the DFCC Bank for the friendly and professional service extended.