By Nimuthu Pathiraja (Web Content Team)
In today’s world, financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills are essential. Trinity College, in partnership with Hatton National Bank (HNB), is educating and empowering students through the Student Savings Unit (SSU), fostering saving habits and entrepreneurial skills, marking a new chapter for students who are not only learning to save but also developing skills that could shape them as future entrepreneurs and leaders.
The Power of Early Financial Literacy
Trinity College enhances financial literacy with hands-on banking experiences, which go beyond classroom lessons into the experiences of the real world. Through the SSU, students learn budgeting, savings, and customer service—skills foundational for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Student Managers: Leaders in the Making
Nine selected student managers from the Advanced Level Commerce Society and Middle School are trained by experienced staff: Mrs. Suneetha Kumari, Mr. Mohamed Sajath, and Mrs. Shanika Karunarathne. These students manage daily operations, gaining business skills like record-keeping, communication, and problem-solving. This diverse team reflects the school’s belief in nurturing young leaders across different age groups, each bringing fresh perspectives and unique ideas to the unit.
Furthermore, HNB hosted a bank tour and workshop at their Kandy branch, where students learned banking operations under the guidance of HNB’s Senior Manager, Mr. Indika Ekanayake, and bank staff Ms. Shamini and Ms. Malki. These sessions inspired a business mindset, encouraging students to view finance as opportunity and growth.
The Student Savings’ Unit at Trinity College operates with designated hours for each school section, ensuring students across different age groups have access to the banking facility.
Middle School: Mondays from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (morning) and 12:20 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. (lunch interval).
Upper School: Wednesdays from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (morning) and 12:20 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. (lunch interval).
Junior School: Collection is managed every Wednesday, where appointed student managers assist, and the Teacher-in-Charge will oversee the process.
Banking officials from HNB will collect all savings and necessary documents before 2:30 p.m. on both days, ensuring smooth processing and documentation.
Students are advised to have their savings ready and properly documented before each collection to streamline the process and reinforce responsible financial habits.
The SSU student managers will also continue to receive training sessions led by HNB professionals. By fostering this entrepreneurial mindset, Trinity College and HNB are paving the way for a generation of students who are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern economy.
The new Student Saving Unit near the ILT Store provides students with a practical business environment. Student managers gain experience managing accounts, interacting with clients, and learning responsible money management.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rev. Father Araliya Jayasundara, Principal of Trinity College, and the College Executive Council, whose vision and guidance have been a constant source of inspiration. Special thanks to Mr. Indika Ekanayake, the Senior Manager HNB, and the team for their invaluable support.
We are also deeply grateful to the Director of the Trinity College Co-Curricular Enrichment Initiative (TCCEI) Mr. Wasana Dissanayake, the Headmistresses of Junior and Middle School, and the Sectional Heads of the Commerce Section for their dedicated services and contributions.
