“Proving the Value: Real Impact of L&D in Sri Lanka’s Financial Sector”

 

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Theoretical discussions on learning and development (L&D) tactics are common, but what happens when we examine their real application and results? Several financial institutions in Sri Lanka have implemented structured learning and development (L&D) programs to solve skills gaps, boost innovation, and improve compliance in addition to upskilling staff. This blog examines quantifiable results and real-world examples to show how L&D has a noticeable effect on worker and organisational performance.

 

 

Results and Examples of Institutional Cases

 

1. People's Leasing & Finance PLC: Improving Risk Management and Compliance

In 2022, People's Leasing introduced an L&D program with a compliance focus via their internal digital learning platform. Modules on financial crime, anti-money laundering (AML), and CBSL regulatory changes were also covered in the curriculum. The organisation claimed a 28% decrease in internal compliance-related escalations over a 12-month period after the distribution to over 900 workers. This illustrates how well focused training works to lower operational risk.

 

2. LOLC Finance PLC: Improving Customer Service by Training in Soft Skills

Targeting employees that interact with customers, LOLC Finance launched a "Service Excellence" development program throughout its branches. Workshops on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and communication were part of the effort. According to Net Promoter Score (NPS) data, LOLC's customer satisfaction scores improved by 17% six months after the campaign. Additionally, it was associated with a little rise in client retention rates.

 

3. Commercial Credit & Finance PLC: Internal Mobility and Leadership Development

Commercial Credit's "NextGen Leader" program included a structured leadership development approach. Workshops, coaching, and rotating assignments were provided to staff members. The percentage of mid-level managerial positions that were filled internally increased from 38% in 2021 to 63% by the end of 2023. This validated the long-term worth of structured internal development by supporting a robust succession pipeline and lowering recruitment expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

Employee-Centered Effect

 

Feedback frequently indicates greater job clarity, confidence, and motivation from the viewpoint of the employee. Financial services workers who participated in structured L&D were more likely to report high job satisfaction and obvious career possibilities, according to the Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (2023).

This is also in line with Maslow's hierarchy of wants, which states that after fundamental job security is satisfied, the need for self-actualization and career fulfilment becomes a motivator.

 

 

“These actual instances from the finance industry in Sri Lanka show that learning and development (L&D) is a practical approach that produces quantifiable results rather than merely being a theoretical ideal. Effective L&D has an impact on service delivery, workforce retention, regulatory compliance, and general competitiveness. We shall examine some of the major obstacles that organisations have when putting these effective initiatives into action in the upcoming blog.”

 

 

 


References:

Armstrong, M. and Taylor, S. (2020) Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. 15th ed. London: Kogan Page.

 

Barney, J.B. (1991) Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), pp.99–120.

 

Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (2023) Annual HR Outlook Report. Colombo: IPM Sri Lanka.

 

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (2023) Annual Report 2022/23. [online] Available at: https://www.plc.lk

 

LOLC Finance PLC (2023) Sustainability Report 2022/23. [online] Available at: https://www.lolcfinance.com

 

Commercial Credit & Finance PLC (2023) Annual Report 2022/23. [online] Available at: https://www.cclk.lk

Comments

  1. Tasni YoshiniApril 15, 2025 at 3:10 AM

    A wonderful breakdown indeed, structured L&D programs are having a quantifiable impact across Sri Lankan financial institutions. Theory converting into reality is good to see. My question is-how are these organizations ensuring the sustainability and scalability of these L&D initiatives over time, especially in the face of digital disruption and changing expectations of employees?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lakshan AbeysekaraApril 16, 2025 at 9:10 AM

      I'm grateful. What a wonderful question. To ensure sustainability, many organizations are concentrating on scalable digital platforms, ongoing feedback loops, and coordinating learning and development with long-term business objectives. Additionally, they are modifying content to accommodate changing tech trends and employee expectations.

      Delete
  2. Pawan AmayuruApril 16, 2025 at 9:04 AM

    This is a great reflection on the importance of moving beyond theory to see the real impact of L&D strategies. It’s encouraging to see Sri Lankan financial institutions taking a structured approach to learning and development—not just for upskilling, but also to drive innovation and ensure compliance. Highlighting measurable outcomes and real-world success stories adds real value to the conversation, showing how L&D can be a powerful tool for both employee growth and organizational excellence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lakshan AbeysekaraApril 16, 2025 at 9:11 AM

      I appreciate your insightful comments. I'm happy you found resonance in the emphasis on quantifiable results and real-world influence. The way that organized L&D is promoting innovation and compliance in the industry is encouraging. Thank you for your support!

      Delete
  3. Kasuni SamaranayakeApril 16, 2025 at 9:05 AM

    This blog effectively highlights how L&D initiatives in Sri Lanka’s financial sector lead to tangible improvements, such as enhanced compliance, customer service, and internal mobility. Real-world examples from institutions like People’s Leasing, LOLC Finance, and Commercial Credit demonstrate that strategic L&D programs can boost both employee performance and organizational success. A great reminder of the real impact of investing in development!








    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lakshan AbeysekaraApril 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM

      Many thanks! I'm happy the real-world examples had an impact on you. The way that strategic L&D efforts are genuinely improving corporate performance and employee growth in Sri Lanka's finance industry is heartening. Thank you for your insightful comments!

      Delete
  4. Rashini Maleesha DevindiApril 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM

    This is a fantastic example of how targeted learning and development initiatives can directly impact organizational performance. People's Leasing & Finance PLC’s results clearly show the value of investing in compliance-focused training. What key factors do you think contributed most to the success of People's Leasing’s compliance training program?

    ReplyDelete

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