DFCC Bank and APLA Partner to Empower Sri Lanka’s Private Lecturers Through the Freelancer Proposition

Having long recognised the vital role private lecturers play in shaping Sri Lanka’s education landscape, DFCC Bank has taken a major step to usher in financial inclusivity to this dynamic sector. The Bank has partnered with the All-Island Private Lecturers’ Association (APLA) to roll out DFCC Freelancer - a specialised financial solution designed exclusively for freelance educators.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place recently at Wet Water Resort, Gampaha, formalising a partnership that blends purpose with practicality. It also reinforces DFCC Bank’s commitment to empowering individuals who strengthen Sri Lanka’s knowledge economy from the ground up.

Private lecturers, often operating independently, have been instrumental in extending learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. However, many face challenges when accessing formal financial services. The DFCC Freelancer proposition aims to change that - offering personal and housing loans, leasing facilities, and credit card privileges, all designed to suit the financial rhythms of freelance educators.

“Freelance educators represent an important segment of Sri Lanka’s economy,” said Aasiri Iddamalgoda, Senior Vice President – Retail Banking and SME at DFCC Bank. “With DFCC Freelancer, we recognise their contribution and aim to provide them with a banking proposition that is capable of serving their needs. Our partnership with APLA reflects DFCC Bank’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that every professional is able to access financial solutions that help them thrive.”

In addition to financing, DFCC Freelancer provides practical benefits such as doorstep deposit collection, relaxed eligibility requirements, and a host of value-added services that make banking simpler and more accessible. Members of APLA will also enjoy exclusive concessions that ease entry into the formal financial system.

Through this collaboration, DFCC Bank and APLA target to elevate the professionalism and financial independence of private lecturers, while building a stronger bridge between education and enterprise. By empowering those who teach, DFCC Bank continues to advance its broader mission — to make progress purposeful, inclusive, and human.

Also present at the occasion (from left to right): Damith Jayasinghe, Vice Chairman, APLA; Maduka Weerasinghe, National Organiser, APLA; Nihal Liyanage, General Secretary, APLA; Kumudu Liyanage, Treasurer, APLA; Sisira Kumara Elvalage, Deputy Treasurer, APLA; Sanjeewa Dharmawardena, Vice Chairman, APLA; Duminda Silva, Vice President / Head of Branch Banking & Distribution, DFCC Bank; Samathri Kariyawasam, Vice President / Head of Corporate Legal and General Legal, DFCC Bank; Asitha Pinnaduwa, Vice President / Head of Products and Propositions, DFCC Bank; Rasika Senaratne, Assistant Vice President / Head of Retail Liabilities, DFCC Bank; Assajee Nawarathna, Assistant Vice President / Branch Manager, DFCC Bank – Gampaha Branch; and Kaveena Serasinghe, Legal Officer, DFCC Bank.

About DFCC Bank

DFCC Bank PLC, established in 1955 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1956, is one of Sri Lanka’s leading financial institutions. Regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and rated A (lka) by Fitch Ratings, the Bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of retail, corporate, and SME banking services, along with treasury, investment, and trade finance solutions.

With customer centricity and sustainable innovation at its core, DFCC Bank delivers seamless and secure banking experiences, which include digital platforms like DFCC MySpace, and through a network of 133 branches and access to over 6,000 ATMs via the LankaPay network.

A recognised leader in sustainable finance and renewable energy initiatives, DFCC Bank is committed to reducing environmental impact and fostering long-term economic resilience.