APBSL and SLBA-UAE forge strategic partnership to fortify local banking professionals’ global reach

Anton Arumugam (second from left), exchanging the signed MoU with Isthiaq Razik (second from right), as Kapila Karunaratne from SLBA (far left) and Alexi Gunasekera look on

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 May 20 at the Consulate General of Sri Lanka for Dubai & the Northern Emirates.

The signing ceremony took place under the patronage of Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka for Dubai and Northern Emirates. The MoU was formally signed by Anton Arumugam, President of APBSL and Isthiaq Raziq, President of SLBA-UAE.

Commenting on the occasion, Arumugam 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 strategic 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 programmes, 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 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.”

Additionally, 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.