People’s Bank, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of Sri Lanka, has officially launched an islandwide initiative for school chil - dren titled ‘People’s BizTeens Challenge 2025’. This pioneering programme is designed to empower and uplift the next generation of young entrepre - neurs by providing them with a platform to showcase their inno - vative business ideas and entre - preneurial concepts. The official agreement mark - ing the commencement of this partnership was signed recently at the auditorium of the People’s Bank Staff Training College.

The event was graced by People’s Bank Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka, IDB Chairman Ravi Nissanka, Acting Director General W.A.P. Kapila Nishantha, Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking and Overseas Customer Services Aruni Liyanagunawardana, as well as members of the Bank’s corporate and executive manage - ment, school principals, teach - ers, and a large number of schoolchildren.

The People’s BizTeens Challenge 2025 aims to nurture future entrepreneurs by encouraging students to con - tribute towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy through the introduction of new prod - ucts and business innovations. The programme will run from 15th July to 30th September 2025 and is open to students aged between 11 and 18 years. People's Bank and the IDB have signed a formal agreement for the successful execution of the programme.

The People’s BizTeens Challenge 2025 aims to nurture future entrepreneurs by encouraging students to contribute towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy through the introduction of new products and business innovations. The programme will run from 15th July to 30th September 2025 and is open to students aged between 11 and 18 years. People's Bank and the IDB have signed a formal agreement for the successful execution of the programme

Under the IDB’s existing "Industry Entrepreneurship Circles" initiative, 590 schoolbased entrepreneurship circles have already been established. These circles are facilitated by over 1,000 trained teachers, with more than 30,000 student members currently engaged. In addition to the existing partici - pants, the IDB will register new students into both existing and newly formed circles through - out the competition period. Applications for People’s BizTeens Challenge 2025 have been distributed to all schools island-wide and are also availa - ble for download via the official websites of People’s Bank (www.peoplesbank.lk) and the IDB.

Completed applications must be submitted to the IDB via Registered Post, duly authorised by the respective school principals. All submissions will be eval - uated by a panel of industry experts. Winners will be select - ed at both District and National levels. At the District level, cer - tificates will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners. Additionally, three special recognition certificates will be presented to students aged 11–15 and 15–18 years who demonstrate exceptional talent. At the National level, the first, second, and third place winners will receive cash priz - es of Rs. 250,000, Rs. 150,000, and Rs. 100,000 respectively. Furthermore, 10 consolation prizes of Rs. 25,000 each will be awarded.

With a proud legacy of more than 64 years, People’s Bank has consistently contributed to Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development by offering inclu - sive financial services to the nation. The launch of People’s BizTeens Challenge 2025, in col - laboration with the IDB, under - scores the Bank’s ongoing com - mitment to national progress and youth empowerment. People’s Bank warmly invites enthusiastic young innovators from across the country to step forward and submit their entrepreneurial ideas—laying the foundation for a future shaped by creativi - ty, resilience, and enterprise.