The people of the Northern Province continue to be deceived by financial institutions and microfinance companies due to a lack of awareness. In this context, the financial literacy initiatives undertaken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka are both commendable and essential. This was stated by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethnayaham.
The Financial Literacy Month event, organized by the Northern Regional Office of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, was held today, Friday morning (26.09.2025), at its office in Kilinochchi Ariviyalnagar, under the chairmanship of Regional Manager Mrs. Bageerathy Senthilmaran.
In his guest address, the Governor noted that our country has made significant progress in financial inclusion, with the majority of the population now holding bank accounts. However, according to the 2021 Financial Literacy Survey, while financial knowledge is at a satisfactory level, financial behavior still lags behind. This gap must be addressed. Financial literacy is not just about managing money, it is about having the ability and confidence to make informed decisions that contribute to a better quality of life.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has a legal responsibility to promote financial inclusion. As a strong testament to this commitment, initiatives like the Financial Literacy Roadmap (2024–2028) have been launched. The objective is to bridge the gap between financial knowledge and behavior, particularly among youth, women, and small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, to create empowered citizens.
The Central Bank’s regional office in Kilinochchi Ariviyalnagar plays a significant role in these efforts, conducting programs and webinars tailored to regional needs. The FinLir Expo held today serves as a vibrant platform to provide the community with essential tools and knowledge.
“I urge you to make full use of the resources available here. Engage with representatives from financial institutions, participate in sessions, and ask your questions and doubts. Let us work together to create a future where every individual and family in Kilinochchi and beyond can achieve financial well-being,” the Governor said.
Addressing the event, Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. S. Muralitharan stated that the people of the Northern Province have maintained the highest levels of fixed deposits in Sri Lanka. They are well-versed in saving money and understanding the value of hard work. Even during the war, their savings protected them. However, post-war circumstances have changed, and people now make mistakes in managing their earned income. Aspiring for lifestyles beyond their means and turning to microfinance institutions has led to the destruction of families. This event will play a crucial role in raising awareness to address these issues.
He further urged banks and financial institutions in the region to adopt the same procedures for loan requests from farmers and entrepreneurs as those followed in other provinces. The stringent practices of these institutions often drive people to microfinance organizations, and he requested that this issue be taken into consideration.
The event was attended by Mr. Sathura Ariyadasa, Director of Regional Development at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, an exhibition was also held today at the Northern Regional Office of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which was visited by school students and many others.
