During May 13-26 2009, Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka launched an internationally reputed Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme, for the introduction of a Microfinance Diploma Course, which is developed in collaboration with Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (FSFM) a leading private business school based in Frankfurt, Germany.

The training was delivered by highly recognized international trainers from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and there were 28 participants registered for the programme. They were from various backgrounds and disciplines with a variety of experience in the Microfinance and Banking sector/s.

The 10 day ToT seminar was divided into two components: During the first week participants were acquainted with Frankfurt School's teaching methodologies and training skills. This also included presentation and evaluation techniques for adult training and methods for optimum transfer of knowledge. In the second week, participants got an overview of the different topics covered in the Microfinance Diploma course and familiarized themselves with the course content.

The Microfinance Diploma Course aims at combining international best practice standards with banking, finance and management skills and in addition, refers to the specific situation and stage of development of microfinance in Sri Lanka.

This programme is supported by the Promotion of Microfinance Sector (ProMiS) programme which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GTZ) in Sri Lanka.

Upon completion of the course, successful candidates were awarded with a recognized certificate from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and will be enrolled to the pool of IBSL trainers to function as lecturers in IBSL's Microfinance Diploma Course in future.