July 14, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has launched a countrywide initiative aimed at educating the public on the dangers of illegal pyramid schemes.
The campaign, which begins today and runs until July 18, forms part of a broader effort to protect citizens from financial exploitation and to uphold confidence in the nation’s economic system.
Organised by the Financial Consumer Relations Department of the Central Bank, the awareness week is being held under the slogan “Pyramid is a trap – don’t get into the wrong track”.
The programme is designed to alert the public to the deceptive nature of such schemes, which often lure victims with promises of quick profits and guaranteed returns, only to collapse, leaving participants with substantial financial losses.
A central feature of the campaign is its grassroots reach. Educational sessions and outreach activities are set to take place across more than 6,000 schools and over 14,000 Grama Niladhari divisions, ensuring communities in both urban and rural areas are informed.
Target audiences include students and teachers, members of the armed forces, police officers, civil defence personnel, government workers, and the general public.
Throughout the week, the initiative will focus on key messages including the legal restrictions on pyramid operations, how these schemes function, the risks involved, and the personal stories of those who have been misled by them.
The Central Bank hopes that real-life case studies will serve as a sobering reminder of the emotional and financial toll these scams can take.
To ensure widespread awareness, a comprehensive media strategy is being rolled out. This includes print media notices, social media outreach, televised discussions, radio segments, online seminars, posters in public spaces, and community events.
These efforts aim to make the information accessible to all segments of society, regardless of age, education, or location.
The Central Bank has urged the public to actively engage with the campaign and take its messages to heart. It reiterated that safeguarding individuals from financial fraud is not only about enforcement, but also about empowerment through education.
