>First Capital Recognised as Great Workplace for Young Talent in Sri Lanka
By Vipula Amarasinghe
Chamara Pussella, Head of Human Resources at First Capital Holdings PLC, Amaya Gunasekara, Assistant Vice President – Brand and Partnerships, First Capital Holdings PLC
First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a longstanding player in Sri Lanka’s capital markets, has been recognised among Sri Lanka’s Great Workplaces for Young Talent 2026 by Great Place To Work® Sri Lanka.
The recognition highlights First Capital’s efforts to build a workplace that enables young professionals to develop their skills, take on greater responsibilities and contribute to the company’s growth.
The award is based on the Great Place To Work® For All™ model, which assesses employee experience and organisational culture through the Trust Index™ Employee Experience Survey and Culture Audit™. The Trust Index™ examines areas including trust, pride and camaraderie, while the Culture Audit™ evaluates workplace practices designed to support a positive employee experience.
The 2026 assessment covered organisations evaluated between June 2025 and May 2026. To qualify, organisations must be registered in Sri Lanka, employ more than 20 people aged 35 or below representing at least 10% of their workforce, meet the requirements for Great Place To Work Certified™ status and demonstrate people practices aligned with the Great Place To Work® For All™ framework.
For First Capital, the recognition reflects its focus on creating opportunities for young employees to learn, take ownership and build long-term careers within the organisation. The company said its approach includes learning and development opportunities, collaboration and practices aimed at empowering employees to contribute meaningfully.
Chamara Pussella, Head of Human Resources at First Capital Holdings PLC, said the recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to providing an environment where young professionals can learn, contribute and progress.
He noted that First Capital places emphasis on development opportunities, collaboration and creating a culture in which employees feel respected and empowered to take responsibility for their professional growth.
Amaya Gunasekara, Assistant Vice President – Brand and Partnerships at First Capital Holdings PLC, said the organisation provides young employees with opportunities to continuously learn, take on new challenges and contribute to meaningful work.
She highlighted an environment where ideas are encouraged and collaboration is supported, saying the recognition reflects the workplace experience of young professionals at First Capital.
The latest recognition adds to First Capital’s focus on strengthening its people and organisational culture as it continues to expand its presence in Sri Lanka’s financial and capital markets sector.
The company said it will continue investing in its people practices with the aim of ensuring young talent has the opportunities and support needed to build rewarding careers and play a role in shaping the organisation’s future.
07.09.2026
################################################################################################
DFCC Garusaru Expands Long-Term Financing for Pensioners with Loans of up to Rs. 12 Million
Repayment periods of up to 15 years provide eligible pensioners with greater flexibility
Eligible pensioners can now access financing from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 12 million through the DFCC Garusaru Pension Loan, with repayment periods of up to 15 years and a choice of fixed or variable interest rates.
The facility can be used for significant expenses that may arise during retirement, including medical needs, home improvements and other personal requirements. The longer repayment period can make monthly instalments more manageable, while the fixed-rate option gives customers greater certainty when planning their household budgets.
Commenting on the proposition, Asitha Pinnaduwa, Vice President and Head of Products and Propositions at DFCC Bank, said, “Retirement income may be predictable, but significant expenses do not always arrive in manageable amounts. We structured Garusaru to recognise both realities. The higher loan limit allows eligible pensioners to address larger needs, while the longer repayment period and fixed-rate option make their monthly commitments easier to plan.”
The loan is available to government pensioners, widows and widowers receiving state pensions, pensioners of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Electricity Board, and eligible ex-military personnel. Applicants must be below 74 years of age when applying, and the loan must be fully repaid before they reach 75. Monthly instalments may not exceed 60% of the applicant’s net monthly pension.
28.08.2026
############################################################################################
ComBank showcases global first in digital banking architecture with Axonect at DTW Ignite 2026
Mr Sumudu Gunawardhana, Chief Information Officer at Commercial Bank makes his presentation at DTW Ignite 2026.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has taken centre stage at a leading global technology forum in Copenhagen, becoming part of a groundbreaking industry-first that demonstrates how cutting-edge telecom architecture can transform modern banking.
At TM Forum’s ‘DTW Ignite 2026,’ a premier global platform that brings together communications service providers, technology partners and digital ecosystem leaders, Commercial Bank joined Axonect, formerly Axiata Digital Labs, to showcase the first successful deployment of the Open Digital Architecture (ODA) in the fintech sector powered by Axonect’s Fabric and API Management platforms.
This landmark deployment at Commercial Bank positions Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank at the forefront of global banking innovation, demonstrating how banks can modernise complex legacy systems while maintaining the high levels of governance, resilience and regulatory compliance required in financial services.
The presentation at DTW Ignite, delivered by Mr Sumudu Gunawardhana, Commercial Bank’s Chief Information Officer alongside Mr Anthony Rodrigo, CEO of Axonect, illustrated how ODA, originally developed for the telecommunications industry, has been successfully adapted to power a new generation of composable, agile and scalable banking systems.
Mr Gunawardhana explained that the deployment has significantly strengthened the Bank’s core technology ecosystem. He said Axonect’s ODA-aligned platform enables Commercial Bank to operate with the agility and scalability associated with cloud environments, while retaining full control over data governance, security and regulatory compliance, critical requirements for a leading financial institution.
The implementation has already delivered measurable outcomes, including substantial gains in operational efficiency and a sharply reduced cost footprint. It has also enabled several high-impact digital capabilities, including one of the fastest global rollouts of Google Pay, real-time PayPal cross-border remittance clearing, and the operation of a highly resilient, API-driven digital ecosystem with near-perfect system availability, he said.
The architecture supports an extensive network of microservices and active APIs, allowing the Bank to deliver seamless, secure and scalable services across multiple markets, while maintaining strict compliance and security protocols.
Mr Anthony Rodrigo, CEO of Axonect said the initiative demonstrates how the principles of ODA can extend beyond telecommunications to redefine enterprise transformation more broadly. He noted that as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, APIs and data governance increasingly converge, ODA has the potential to serve as a common blueprint for building secure, intelligent and future-ready organisations.
Commenting at the forum, Mr Willie Stegmann, TM Forum’s Executive Vice President – Composable IT & Ecosystems noted that the initiative underscores the growing relevance of open digital architectures beyond telecom. He said the collaboration between Axonect and Commercial Bank highlights how a common, open framework can unlock new opportunities for innovation, enable scalable AI adoption, simplify system integration, and support emerging digital business models across industries.
For Commercial Bank, this milestone marks the beginning of the next phase of its digital evolution. The Bank is now advancing towards what it describes as ‘agentic banking’ – an AI-driven, highly autonomous operating model supported by advanced software delivery systems, governed artificial intelligence, and robust data sovereignty frameworks.
This evolution is expected to further expand the Bank’s ability to participate in open finance ecosystems, deploy AI across a wider range of banking functions, and scale its digital capabilities across new markets and sectors.
Commercial Bank was the first Sri Lankan bank to achieve a market capitalisation exceeding US$ 1 billion. The Bank emerged as the No. 1 ranked Sri Lankan bank in the 2026 edition of the prestigious Top 1000 World Banks ranking published by The Banker magazine, UK. The Bank has the highest capital base among all Sri Lankan banks, and is the largest private sector lender in Sri Lanka. Ranked No. 1 in the Business Today Top 40, Commercial Bank is recognised as the most respected and most-awarded bank in Sri Lanka, is a leader in digital innovation and is the country’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank.
Commercial Bank operates more than 270 strategically-located branches and an extensive network of automated machines island-wide, and has the widest international footprint among Sri Lankan banks, with 21 branches in Bangladesh, a majority stake in a fully-fledged Tier I Bank in the Maldives, a microfinance company in Myanmar, and a representative office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Bank’s fully-owned subsidiaries, CBC Finance PLC and Commercial Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Limited, also deliver a range of financial services via their own branch networks.
28.08.2026
##########################################################################################
DFCC Bank Strengthens Core Business as Assets and Deposits Expand in First Half of 2026
By Vipula Amarasinghe
DFCC Bank PLC entered the second half of 2026 with continued growth in lending, deposits and fee-based income, while maintaining a cautious approach to risk amid changing global and domestic economic conditions.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026, the DFCC Group recorded a profit after tax of Rs. 4.1 billion, while the Bank’s core operations generated a profit after tax of Rs. 3.9 billion.
The Group’s loan and deposit portfolios expanded by 9% and 12%, respectively, from the end of December 2025. Total assets increased by 7% to around Rs. 919 billion, while total liabilities grew by 8% to Rs. 811 billion.
Net interest income increased by 6% to Rs. 16.1 billion, supported by balance sheet growth, funding optimisation and disciplined management of interest margins. Net fee and commission income recorded stronger growth, rising 29% to Rs. 4.19 billion.
The Bank said the first half of the year was characterised by heightened global uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elevated commodity prices. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka increased the Overnight Policy Rate by 100 basis points to 8.75% in May 2026 in response to inflationary pressures.
Against this backdrop, DFCC revised its lending and deposit rates in line with market conditions while maintaining a focus on liquidity and funding costs.
The Bank’s loan portfolio increased by Rs. 48 billion to Rs. 564 billion during the six months, representing a 9% increase from December 2025. Over the preceding 12 months, the loan portfolio expanded by 20%.
Deposits increased by Rs. 67 billion to Rs. 632 billion, representing 12% growth since December 2025. The CASA ratio stood at 24.99%, while the loan-to-deposit ratio was 97.44%.
DFCC said the use of medium- and long-term concessionary credit lines helped manage funding costs and support lending. Including these term borrowings, the CASA ratio improved to 29.42%, while the loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 91.68%.
Despite the growth in core income, profitability was affected by higher impairment provisions and increased operating costs. Group profit before tax stood at Rs. 5.8 billion, compared with Rs. 8.17 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, while profit after tax declined to Rs. 4.14 billion from Rs. 5.75 billion.
The Bank reported profit before tax of Rs. 5.48 billion and profit after tax of Rs. 3.9 billion from core operations.
DFCC increased impairment charges to Rs. 4.63 billion from Rs. 3.48 billion a year earlier. The Bank said the higher provisioning reflected refinements to its credit risk models and additional management overlays to account for potential risks arising from geopolitical and economic conditions.
At the same time, asset quality improved. The net Stage 3 impaired loan ratio declined to 3.61% at June 30, 2026, from 4.55% at the end of 2025.
Operating expenses increased to Rs. 10.97 billion from Rs. 8.33 billion, reflecting investments in technology, digital transformation, information security, marketing and business development, as well as salary revisions and performance-based incentives.
The Bank maintained strong capital and liquidity positions during the period. Its Tier 1 Capital Ratio stood at 11.947%, while the Total Capital Ratio was 15.707%. The Net Stable Funding Ratio stood at 124.43% and the all-currency Liquidity Coverage Ratio was 162.26%, both comfortably above regulatory requirements.
A major development following the reporting period was the completion of DFCC Bank’s acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank PLC’s Wealth and Retail Banking business in Sri Lanka. The transaction became effective on August 1, 2026, bringing approximately 50,000 customer accounts and around 260 employees into the Bank.
The acquisition has expanded DFCC Bank’s network to 139 locations and strengthened its retail and wealth management capabilities. The Bank expects the transaction to broaden its customer franchise and create further opportunities for sustainable growth.
DFCC also continued to strengthen its sustainability and capital market initiatives. Its pioneering Blue Bond secured supplementary listings on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s Luxembourg Green Exchange and India INX at GIFT City, while also receiving recognition at the Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards 2026.
The Bank also received a Gold Award for Financial Inclusivity and a Merit Award for Customer Convenience at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2026.
DFCC said its community initiatives continued during the first half through programmes including Ride for Life and Ride for Her, focusing on mental wellbeing and women’s empowerment, alongside its biodiversity conservation initiative, Ride for the Rosette.
As DFCC Bank moves into the second half of 2026, the institution is focusing on integrating its expanded retail and wealth management franchise, maintaining asset quality, strengthening sustainable income streams and improving customer experience.
The first-half performance reflects a balance between continued expansion and a more conservative approach to risk, as DFCC seeks to build scale while maintaining financial resilience in a changing economic environment.
14.08.2026
###########################################################################################
First Capital Reports Rs. 726 Million Loss Amid Challenging Capital Market Conditions
By Vipula Amarasinghe
First Capital Holdings PLC reported a loss after tax of Rs. 726 million for the first quarter of financial year 2026/27, as volatility in global markets and sharp movements in interest rates weighed on fixed income trading activities.
The result for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compares with a profit after tax of Rs. 2.15 billion recorded during the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
First Capital said the quarter was marked by heightened global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, particularly developments surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. These conditions were compounded by a 100-basis-point increase in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s policy rate during the quarter in response to inflationary pressures.
As a result, trading opportunities in the fixed income market were significantly constrained, while adverse mark-to-market movements affected trading portfolios.
The Group recorded a net trading loss before operating expenses of Rs. 565 million during the quarter, compared with net trading income of Rs. 3.43 billion in the same quarter of 2025/26.
The Primary Dealer division was the main contributor to the decline, recording a loss after tax of Rs. 741 million compared with a profit of Rs. 1.55 billion in the corresponding quarter last year.
The division generated net interest income of Rs. 351 million, while government securities recorded a trading loss of Rs. 1.80 billion. This compares with net interest income of Rs. 503 million and trading gains of Rs. 2.06 billion from government securities during the first quarter of the previous financial year.
Despite the difficult conditions in fixed income markets, First Capital’s diversified business platform continued to generate profits.
The Corporate Finance Advisory and Corporate Dealing Securities divisions together recorded profit after tax of Rs. 22 million, compared with Rs. 587 million a year earlier.
The Wealth Management division recorded profit after tax of Rs. 6 million. Its Assets Under Management remained substantial at Rs. 93.3 billion as at June 30, 2026, compared with Rs. 96.2 billion at the end of March.
The Stock Brokering division contributed Rs. 24 million in profit after tax, compared with Rs. 32 million during the corresponding quarter of 2025/26.
First Capital Holdings Chairman Rajendra Theagarajah said the company’s diversified presence across the capital markets had strengthened its ability to navigate different market cycles.
He said the challenging quarter for fixed income markets had highlighted the value of the Group’s broader platform, with advisory, dealing, wealth management and securities businesses continuing to make positive contributions.
Managing Director and CEO Dilshan Wirasekara said the results demonstrated the importance of maintaining a balanced business model in an evolving market environment.
He said that while interest rate movements had affected fixed income trading, the Group’s other core businesses continued to provide positive contributions. First Capital remains focused on strengthening execution, expanding its capabilities and identifying opportunities as market conditions change.
The company also continued its focus on responsible business practices. First Capital Holdings PLC and First Capital Treasuries PLC successfully obtained independent verification of their greenhouse gas emissions for 2025/26 through the Sri Lanka Climate Fund, in accordance with ISO 14064 standards.
First Capital said its established market capabilities, experienced professionals and diversified operations provide a strong foundation for navigating changing market conditions while continuing to strengthen client relationships and contribute to the development of Sri Lanka’s capital markets.
The latest results underscore the sensitivity of fixed income market performance to interest rate and global economic movements, while also highlighting the importance of diversification as First Capital moves through the remainder of financial year 2026/27.
14.08.2026
#######################################################################################
Commercial Bank Group Crosses Rs. 3 Trillion Deposit Milestone
By Vipula Amarasinghe
Mr. Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman, and Mr. Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has surpassed the Rs. 3 trillion mark in deposits, becoming the first private sector banking group in Sri Lanka to reach the milestone, while recording strong growth across its key business segments during the first six months of 2026.
The Group’s deposits increased by Rs. 315.13 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2026, to reach Rs. 3.02 trillion. This represents a 20.33% increase over the preceding 12 months, reflecting continued growth in customer deposits and the Bank’s role in financial intermediation.
Gross loans and advances also expanded significantly, increasing by Rs. 270.43 billion during the first half of the year to Rs. 2.36 trillion. Over the preceding 12 months, the loan portfolio grew by Rs. 624.48 billion, or 36.07%.
Total assets increased by Rs. 361 billion, or 10.68%, from December 2025 to reach Rs. 3.74 trillion at the end of June. Compared with June 2025, the Group’s total assets increased by Rs. 608.16 billion, or 19.42%.
The Group reported gross income of Rs. 209.16 billion for the six months, an increase of 18.28%. Gross income for the second quarter alone rose 24.04% to Rs. 110.16 billion.
Interest income increased by 17.05% to Rs. 171.65 billion, mainly supported by the expansion of the loan portfolio. Net interest income grew by 15.81% to Rs. 79.69 billion.
Total operating income increased by 17.85% to Rs. 109.07 billion, while operating profit before taxes on financial services rose 14.44% to Rs. 63.62 billion.
The Group recorded profit before income tax of Rs. 53.05 billion for the six-month period, an increase of 13.33%. Net profit after tax reached Rs. 35.42 billion, representing growth of 13.66%.
For the second quarter, the Group recorded profit before tax of Rs. 25.42 billion and net profit after tax of Rs. 17.49 billion.
At the same time, Commercial Bank increased impairment provisions to strengthen its financial buffers against potential risks arising from global and geopolitical uncertainties. Impairment charges and other losses increased by 33.44% to Rs. 14.85 billion during the six months. Second-quarter impairment charges rose to Rs. 11.67 billion.
Commercial Bank Chairman Sharhan Muhseen said the resilience of the Group’s core banking operations provided confidence amid continuing global and regional challenges.
He said the Bank continued to refine its projections and strategic responses to changing conditions while remaining focused on its strategic vision and its commitment to creating long-term value for customers, stakeholders and the wider community.
Managing Director and CEO Sanath Manatunge said the Group’s approach of maintaining adequate financial buffers was reflected in the six-month results.
He said the increase in impairment provisioning, particularly during the second quarter, demonstrated the Bank’s emphasis on prudent risk management in response to the volatile global economic environment, while noting that the Bank remained well positioned to support customers.
The Bank’s asset quality indicators also improved during the period. The net Stage 3 loans to total loans ratio declined to 1.38% at June 30, 2026, from 1.54% at the end of 2025. The gross Stage 3 ratio improved to 5.32%, compared with 5.81% at the end of 2025.
The Bank’s Tier 1 Capital Ratio stood at 13.23%, while its Total Capital Ratio was 16.58%, both above the applicable regulatory minimums.
Liquidity remained strong, with the liquidity coverage ratio standing at 444.92% for rupee operations and 253.94% across all currencies. The net stable funding ratio was 162.98%, also comfortably above the regulatory minimum.
Profitability indicators remained positive, with return on equity improving to 20.28% from 19.51% at the end of 2025. Return on assets before tax increased to 2.99%.
The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio excluding taxes on financial services improved to 27.82%, compared with 29.66% in 2025.
Commercial Bank operates more than 270 branches and an extensive network of automated banking machines across Sri Lanka. Its international operations include 21 branches in Bangladesh, a majority stake in a fully-fledged Tier I bank in the Maldives, a microfinance company in Myanmar and a representative office at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The latest results underline the continued expansion of Commercial Bank’s balance sheet and customer base, while the Rs. 3 trillion deposit milestone marks a significant development in the Bank’s growth and its contribution to Sri Lanka’s private sector banking industry.
14.08.2026
#############################################################################################
Nations Trust Bank Reports LKR 15.6 Billion Profit in First Half of 2026 After HSBC Retail Banking Acquisition
Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 15.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026, marking a 77% year-on-year increase as the Bank began benefiting from the strategic acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking business.
The Bank recorded Profit Before Tax (PBT) of LKR 18.4 billion, representing a 7% increase compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. The performance gained significant momentum during the second quarter following the commencement of operations under the acquired HSBC retail banking portfolio on May 1, 2026.
NTB’s loan portfolio expanded by 26% year-on-year to LKR 112 billion, reflecting stronger business activity and an enlarged customer base following the acquisition. Overall asset growth also reached 26% during the first half of the year.
The Bank said its first-half results were supported by healthy balance sheet growth, stable net interest margins and disciplined risk management. Net Interest Margin (NIM) stood at 5.58%, while the Net Stage 3 Ratio remained at a comparatively low 1.05%, highlighting the Bank’s continued focus on credit quality.
Return on Equity (ROE) increased to 31.33%, reflecting the stronger earnings momentum and expanded scale of operations.
The Bank also reported a Tier I Capital Ratio of 12.76% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.41%, maintaining capital levels that support its ongoing expansion and business growth.
The acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking business in May has strengthened NTB’s position in the country’s premium retail banking and credit card segments. The transaction has expanded the Bank’s customer base while creating additional opportunities across consumer, commercial and corporate banking.
Nations Trust Bank Director and Chief Executive Officer Hemantha Gunetilleke said the first-half results reflected the benefits of a larger customer base, a stronger balance sheet and new avenues for growth.
He described the HSBC retail banking acquisition as a strategic milestone in NTB’s growth journey, adding that the transaction would continue to contribute to the Bank’s performance while allowing it to maintain its focus on customers across its consumer, commercial and corporate businesses.
NTB said its performance was also supported by continued investments in service excellence, digital transformation and disciplined risk management. The Bank is focused on expanding its banking services through a combination of physical branches and digital platforms.
With the integration of the HSBC retail banking portfolio, NTB has further strengthened its presence in premium banking and remains the issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka.
The Bank said it will continue to focus on innovative banking solutions and advanced digital capabilities as it seeks to create further value for customers and sustain its growth momentum in the second half of 2026.
14.08.2026
#############################################################################################
Siyapatha Finance Completes Annual Sri Pada Cleanup, Removes Nearly One Tonne of Plastic Waste
By R.S.Kanthi
Siyapatha Finance PLC has successfully concluded its annual Sri Pada Cleaning Project, removing nearly one tonne of polythene and plastic waste from the sacred pilgrimage site as part of the company’s environmental conservation efforts.
The 2026 Sri Pada Cleaning Project was conducted in conjunction with Siyapatha Finance’s 21st anniversary and World Environment Day celebrations, bringing together more than 50 employees, including the company’s Chief Executive Officer and senior management.
This year’s initiative focused on both corrective and preventive measures, combining the physical removal of accumulated waste with efforts to raise awareness among pilgrims and visitors about responsible waste management.
The project encouraged visitors to play a more active role in protecting the sacred environment by disposing of waste properly and helping preserve Sri Pada’s unique ecological and cultural heritage.
The initiative was carried out under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Most Venerable Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera, with the support of the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Nallathanniya Police.
Sri Pada, one of Sri Lanka’s most important natural and cultural landmarks, is located within the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, the country’s third-largest peak wilderness sanctuary. The area supports approximately eight percent of Sri Lanka’s indigenous flora and fauna and provides habitat for a significant number of endangered species.
The sanctuary encompasses three major ecological zones—lowland rainforest, sub-montane rainforest and cloud forest—reflecting the changes in altitude across the region. It is also an important source of headwaters, including those feeding three of Sri Lanka’s major rivers—the Kelani, Kalu and Walawe.
Declared a Wildlife Nature Reserve in 1940 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, Sri Pada is valued for its biodiversity, wilderness, historical importance and cultural significance.
At the same time, the site faces growing environmental pressure due to the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors each year. The accumulation of plastic and polythene waste has emerged as a particular concern, threatening the sensitive ecosystem surrounding the sacred mountain.
Siyapatha Finance CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana said the company recognised early in its development that long-term business success is closely linked to environmental sustainability.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration and community participation in creating a positive impact, while expressing appreciation to all those who contributed their time and effort to this year’s initiative.
The Sri Pada Cleaning Project was launched in 2024 under Siyapatha Finance’s “Siyapathen Mihikathata Green Initiative”, which forms part of the company’s wider corporate social responsibility strategy focused on environmental conservation and preservation.
The annual project has since become a key event in the company’s CSR calendar, bringing together employees, government authorities and local stakeholders to protect one of Sri Lanka’s most significant natural, cultural and religious sites.
Through the continuation of the initiative, Siyapatha Finance aims to encourage greater public responsibility towards waste management while contributing to the long-term protection of Sri Pada’s fragile ecosystem and heritage.
13.08.2026
######################################################################################
CDB Monthly Medal at RCGC in its third consecutive year
By Vipula Amarasinghe
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) continues its strong partnership with the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) with the September edition of the CDB Monthly Medal announced at a media conference held on 5 August 2026 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. This year's edition coincides with the launch of CDB Private Wealth, the Company's new proposition for high-net-worth individuals and business leaders.
Now in its third consecutive year, CDB's partnership with the Monthly Medal has grown beyond a golfing fixture, providing a platform for RCGC members to engage in a setting that reflects CDB's broader focus on building lasting relationships within Sri Lanka's business and professional community. The launchpad of the September Medal is the ideal platform to launch CDB Private Wealth, as it offers direct access to the Company's affluent client base in a relevant, engaged setting.
The CDB Monthly Medal – September Edition will be held on 11 and 12 September 2026, open to RCGC members across the Men's and Women's categories. Alongside the tournament, the event will include networking and hospitality components, giving CDB the opportunity to introduce Private Wealth to members directly, in addition to its continued sponsorship of the fixture.
Speaking at the media conference, MD/CEO of CDB Mahesh Nanayakkara said: "Our continued partnership with the Monthly Medal is about far more than sport. It is a platform that lets us engage meaningfully with a community that values excellence, discipline and relationships – the very same values that define CDB Private Wealth. Launching this proposition alongside our third year with RCGC reflects our commitment to building genuine, lasting connections with Sri Lanka's business community, on and off the course."
Captain of the Royal Colombo Golf Club Mahela Jayawardena added: "With CDB joining the RCGC as title partner for the third consecutive year, the steadfast support given by CDB has elevated the Monthly Medal into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Club's calendar. Beyond the game itself, this partnership brings our members together in a spirit of community, and we are pleased to see it grow into a platform for wider engagement, as with the introduction of CDB Private Wealth this year."
07.08.2026
#################################################################################################
DFCC Bank Completes Acquisition of Standard Chartered Sri Lanka’s Wealth and Retail Banking Business
DFCC Bank PLC announced that it has completed its acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka’s Wealth and Retail Banking business. Approximately 50,000 customers, together with colleagues from the business, have now joined DFCC Bank.
The transaction includes customer relationships across Priority Banking, credit cards, retail lending, deposits, wealth management and small and medium enterprise (SME) portfolios, together with selected operating assets. It strengthens DFCC Bank’s retail, wealth management and SME capabilities while expanding the scale and reach of these businesses.
For customers, the transition has been planned around continuity. Months of detailed preparation and close collaboration across both organisations have enabled customers to retain many of the banking arrangements, relationships and services they use every day. Their existing Standard Chartered account numbers remain usable alongside their new DFCC Bank account numbers, while their existing credit and debit cards, card PINs, standing instructions, direct debits and recurring payment arrangements continue as before.
Saved payees and beneficiaries have also been migrated to the Bank’s digital banking platforms, DFCC ONE and DFCC iConnect, removing one of the most common inconveniences associated with changing banks. Customers with existing branch and Relationship Manager arrangements can continue banking through the same branches and with the Relationship Managers they already know and trust.
Customers who have joined DFCC Bank now have access to the Bank’s wider range of personal banking, wealth management, SME, card and lending solutions. They are supported by DFCC Bank’s islandwide network of over 130 branches, access to more than 5,000 ATMs through the LankaPay network, DFCC ONE, DFCC iConnect and dedicated customer service channels. Eligible customers will also have access to DFCC Pinnacle, the Bank’s premium banking proposition.
The acquisition is an important step in DFCC Bank’s long-term strategy to expand its retail and wealth management franchise, strengthen its SME business and broaden its ability to serve customers across Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the completion, Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank, said, “From the very beginning, our focus has been on making this transition as seamless and familiar as possible for customers. Behind that experience has been an exceptionally complex technology programme, supported by months of detailed planning, close collaboration and an extraordinary effort by teams across both organisations.
“Success meant ensuring that customers experienced as little of that complexity as possible. Their existing Standard Chartered account numbers remain usable alongside their new DFCC Bank account numbers. They can continue using the same credit and debit cards and the same card PINs, while their standing instructions, direct debits, recurring payments, instalment arrangements and other everyday banking arrangements continue as before. We have also transferred their saved payees and beneficiaries to our digital banking platforms, removing one of the most common inconveniences customers face when changing banks. Customers with existing branch and Relationship Manager arrangements can continue banking through the same branches and with the Relationship Managers they already know and trust.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues at DFCC Bank and our colleagues at Standard Chartered Bank, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, our technology and implementation partners, and everyone whose expertise and commitment made this possible. It is an honour to welcome our new customers and colleagues to DFCC Bank. We look forward to earning their trust and supporting them through every stage of their financial lives.”
Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Sri Lanka, added, “This transition reflects a strategic decision, in line with Standard Chartered Group’s global strategy, to focus our resources in areas where we have the necessary scale and most distinctive proposition. We are grateful to our clients for the trust they have placed in us over the years, and to our colleagues for their professionalism and commitment throughout this transition. We extend our best wishes to our clients and staff who have moved to DFCC Bank, and wish them every success for the future.”
05.08.2026
##################################################################################################
hSenidBiz Begins FY2027 with Strong Growth and Sustained Profitability
Founder and Chairman of hSenidBiz, Dinesh Saparamadu and Chief Executive Officer, Sampath Jayasundara
hSenid Business Solutions PLC (hSenidBiz) announced its financial results for the first quarter of FY2027, delivering strong revenue growth and sustained profitability as the Company continued to execute its SaaS-led growth strategy.
Total revenue for the quarter reached LKR 602.8 million, reflecting year-on-year growth of 28 percent. The Company’s recurring revenue model continued to strengthen during the quarter, with recurring revenues contributing 75 percent of total revenue. Exit Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) reached USD 5.7 million, representing a 26 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year, reinforcing the resilience and predictability of the Company’s revenue base.
The Company recorded a net profit of LKR 51.0 million, a turnaround from the net loss in the same quarter of the previous year. While foreign exchange gains contributed to the profitability, core operating performance remained solid, with EBITDA excluding forex gains reaching LKR 81.4 million. Gross profit rose to LKR 321.8 million, delivering a gross margin of 53 percent. Profit before tax reached LKR 66.1 million with an 11 percent margin, demonstrating the continued operating leverage of the business as it scales.
Commenting on the quarter’s performance, Founder and Chairman of hSenidBiz Dinesh Saparamadu stated, “We are seeing an increasing shift towards AI-enabled workforce transformation. Our investment in product innovation and market expansion positions hSenidBiz to capitalise on these opportunities and deliver long-term value.”
Chief Executive Officer of hSenidBiz, Sampath Jayasundara commented, “Our performance this quarter reflects the disciplined execution of the strategy we have been building over the past few years. We remain focused on strengthening our commercial execution, enhancing the PeoplesHR platform, and delivering solutions that help customers realise greater value from their HR technology investments.”
During the quarter the Company continued to refine its go-to-market approach across focus markets and advanced the Lexi AI platform with the introduction of multi-agent orchestration capabilities. These enhancements support more intelligent cross-module workflows and move the Company further towards its vision of a comprehensive Human Capital Operating System.
Looking ahead, hSenidBiz remains focused on accelerating Cloud ARR growth, expanding its presence in key markets, and investing in AI-driven innovation across the PeoplesHR platform.
Commercial Bank becomes world’s first bank to secure UNFPA CRJB Champion Status
Sets new global example for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace
Mr Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank, and Mr Phuntsho Wangyel, UNFPA Interim Representative in Sri Lanka and Interim Country Director Maldives, exchange the agreement and (Below) some of the women's wellbeing initiatives of the Bank.
Reflecting its dedicated focus on championing an inclusive and equitable corporate culture, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has become the first bank in the world to be accorded Champion Status by the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business (CRJB).
This global recognition marks a significant milestone in the integration of employee well-being, gender equality and women’s health into mainstream banking practice while highlighting the Bank’s leadership in driving sustainable business growth.
UNFPA, the United Nations agency dedicated to improving reproductive health and rights, advancing gender equality, works with governments, development partners and private sector organisations across the world to drive meaningful social change. Through its Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, UNFPA encourages businesses to adopt policies and practices that support reproductive health, gender equality and inclusive workplaces, helping to create healthier and more equitable societies.
Commenting on this global first achieved by the Bank, Mr Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “This recognition is both an honour and a responsibility. Becoming the first bank in the world to achieve UNFPA CRJB Champion Status reflects our deep commitment to building a workplace that genuinely empowers our people at every stage of life. We believe that employee well-being, gender equality and women’s health are not peripheral concerns, but central to sustainable business. By aligning with globally recognised UNFPA standards, we are not only elevating our internal practices but also setting a benchmark for the banking industry to follow. This is about creating lasting impact for our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.”
Commercial Bank’s selection for Champion Status recognises a powerful balance of industry-leading employee wellbeing and high-impact CSR initiatives. Internally, the Bank nurtures the employee by prioritising physical and mental care alongside personal enrichment. This comprehensive approach features annual health check-ups at hospitals, specialised eye and dental camps, and free professional counseling via the Damrivi Foundation, alongside mental health workshops.
Going beyond standard health and wellness initiatives, the Bank places a strong emphasis on progressive workplace benefits, particularly for working mothers. These enhanced maternity benefits include a monthly daycare allowance of Rs. 25,000 for up to one year, daily flexi-hours, adoptive maternity leave, and options for extended unpaid leave. Demonstrating the direct impact of these measures, the Bank achieved an over 90% return-to-work rate among female employees, post-maternity leave, effectively strengthening talent retention and institutional continuity.
Externally, the Bank has transformed community health through specialised medical camps for women micro entrepreneurs, large-scale breast cancer awareness programmes across multiple regions and workplaces, and specialised sessions for women customers, while also supporting national health priorities through partnerships and campaigns. Complementing these efforts, the Bank has made significant contributions to strengthening healthcare infrastructure island-wide, including the donation of life-saving medical equipment to hospitals, support for maternal and critical care facilities, and sustaining emergency response initiatives through its ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ partnership with the 1990 Suwa Seriya program.
As a UNFPA CRJB Champion, Commercial Bank said it will adopt globally recognised standards and performance metrics developed by UNFPA to further strengthen maternal health initiatives, family-friendly workplace practices, reproductive health awareness and menopause wellness.
The Bank will also expand employee awareness programmes, and systematically monitor and report progress through its sustainability reporting framework.
The initiative will be embedded within the Bank’s broader sustainability and employee engagement strategies, ensuring that workplace policies continue to evolve in line with international benchmarks while delivering meaningful impact for employees, the Bank said.
By achieving this status, Commercial Bank establishes a global benchmark for the banking sector in advancing workplace inclusion and reproductive justice, demonstrating how financial institutions can integrate social responsibility into core business strategy.
This recognition further affirms the Bank’s role as a pioneer in responsible banking and corporate sustainability, contributing to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a focused emphasis on gender equality, employee well-being and women’s health.
Customers of Commercial Bank also stand to benefit from this commitment, as it reflects the values of an institution that prioritises ethical leadership, inclusivity and long-term sustainability. The initiative complements the Bank’s ‘Anagi’ Women’s Banking proposition by extending its focus beyond financial empowerment to encompass broader dimensions of health, inclusion and well-being.
This latest achievement strengthens Commercial Bank’s standing as a global leader in sustainable and inclusive banking, while encouraging greater participation by the private sector in advancing women’s health and workplace equity.
The first Sri Lankan bank with a market capitalisation exceeding US$ 1 Bn., and the highest ranked bank in the country to be listed among Top 1000 Banks of the World, Commercial Bank has the highest capital base among all Sri Lankan banks, and is the largest private sector lender in Sri Lanka. Ranked No. 1 in the Business Today Top 40, the Bank is recognised as the most respected and most-awarded bank in Sri Lanka, is a leader in digital innovation and is the country’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank.
Commercial Bank operates more than 270 strategically-located branches and an extensive network of automated machines island-wide, and has the widest international footprint among Sri Lankan banks, with 21 branches in Bangladesh, a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake in the Maldives, a microfinance company in Myanmar, and a representative office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Bank’s fully-owned subsidiaries, CBC Finance PLC. and Commercial Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Limited, also deliver a range of financial services via their own branch networks.
02.08.2026
#########################################################################################
SDB bank Opens Business Centre at Union Place to Expand Corporate and Business Banking Services
SDB bank has strengthened its business banking footprint with the opening of its new Business Centre at 167, Union Place, Colombo 02, a strategic move aimed at expanding its presence within one of Colombo’s most prominent commercial districts. The relocation reflects the Bank’s continued focus on delivering specialised financial solutions, strengthening relationships with corporate clients, and providing greater accessibility to businesses, professionals and high-net-worth customers.
Located in the heart of Colombo’s business hub, the new SDB bank Business Centre has been established to bring the Bank closer to corporate decision-makers, mid-sized and large enterprises, institutional clients and mass affluent individuals. As a purpose-driven organisation, SDB bank envisions the Business Centre as a platform to connect these stakeholders more meaningfully with Sri Lanka’s national development by channelling their investments towards community upliftment, entrepreneurship development and the strengthening of the country’s SME sector. The enhanced location is also expected to support deeper engagement with Sri Lanka’s business community while creating new opportunities to expand the Bank’s corporate and business banking portfolio.
The Business Centre offers a comprehensive suite of tailored banking solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses. These include customised lending and deposit facilities, dedicated relationship management, short-term investment and money market solutions, and exclusive digital banking packages that help businesses manage their financial operations more efficiently. Customers will also benefit from personalised advisory services delivered by experienced banking professionals who understand the unique requirements of each business.
Beyond strengthening corporate banking relationships, the new location enables SDB bank to better serve professionals, mass-affluent customer segments and the growing business community within the surrounding commercial district. The Bank also plans to further enhance customer engagement through dedicated business development initiatives, digital banking adoption and integrated financial solutions that support long-term business growth.
Commenting on the opening, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SDB bank, Manoj Akmeemana, said, “The opening of the SDB Business Centre at Union Place represents an important step in strengthening our business banking proposition and bringing our expertise closer to Sri Lanka’s corporate community. By combining personalised relationship management, tailored financial solutions and advanced digital capabilities, we are well positioned to support businesses of every scale as they pursue sustainable growth while building long-term banking partnerships founded on trust, accessibility and value. Let this Business Centre stand as a symbol of our ambition, our commitment to excellence and our confidence in the future.”
The opening of the SDB Business Centre reinforces the Bank’s commitment to delivering customer-centric banking solutions while supporting the evolving financial needs of Sri Lanka’s corporate and business sector.
28.07.2026
##############################################################################################
Sarvodaya Development Finance Celebrates Excellence at Achievers’ Night 2026
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC celebrated excellence, dedication and performance at Achievers’ Night 2026, held under the theme “Rise to the Pinnacle.” The event, held on 11 July 2026 at Monarch Imperial, Thalawathugoda, recognized the outstanding achievements of employees, branches and regions during the 2025/26 financial year.
As a financial institution rooted in the values and development philosophy of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Sarvodaya Development Finance continues to support individuals, entrepreneurs and communities through responsible and inclusive financial solutions. Central to this mission is the contribution of its employees, whose commitment, customer focus and performance continue to strengthen the organization’s presence across Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by Sarvodaya Development Finance Chairman Channa de Silva, Chief Executive Officer Nilantha Jayanetti, members of the Board of Directors, senior management and employees representing the organization’s island wide branch network.
Achievers’ Night 2026 commenced with the welcome address by Chief Executive Officer Nilantha Jayanetti, followed by the keynote address delivered by Chairman Channa de Silva.
Commenting on the occasion, Nilantha Jayanetti said, “The achievements recognized at Achievers’ Night 2026 reflect the determination, discipline and commitment demonstrated by our employees throughout the past financial year. Their contribution has played an important role in strengthening our business performance, serving our customers and advancing our wider purpose of supporting communities across Sri Lanka. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to recognizing talent, encouraging excellence and creating opportunities for our people to reach even greater heights.”
The event focused on recognizing individuals and teams who had consistently exceeded expectations, strengthened customer relationships and contributed to the organization’s operational and business growth.
A total of 75 employees received cash awards in recognition of their performance. From among these award recipients, 29 top performers were selected to receive overseas tour awards in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
Awards were presented across 10 major categories, including Best Customer Relationship Officer, Best Monetary Transaction Officer, Best Performer – Supportive Department, Best Recovery Officer, Best Regional Recovery Officer, Best Deposit Mobiliser, Best Gold Loan Officer, Best Business Development Officer, Best Branch and Best Region.
Five Upcoming Branches were also recognized for demonstrating strong potential, improving performance and contributing to the continued expansion of the organization.
Achievers’ Night 2026 served as a celebration of what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration and a shared determination to excel. As Sarvodaya Development Finance continues its growth journey, it remains focused on developing its people, delivering responsible financial services and creating meaningful value for customers and communities across Sri Lanka.
27.07.2026
##############################################################################################
Janashakthi Finance launches ‘Project Compass’ to drive service excellence
Corporate Management and Management Team of Janashakthi Finance with representatives from Blue Mango Partners during the launch of Project Compass.
Janashakthi Finance PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), recently held a strategic retreat with its Corporate Management and Management Team to launch Project Compass, a service transformation initiative focused on enhancing customer experiences, strengthening processes and building a culture of service excellence. Held in partnership with Blue Mango Partners, the initiative marks the beginning of a series of programmes that will be rolled out over the coming months to embed a customer-first approach and drive meaningful transformation across the organisation.
26.07.2026
############################################################################################
DFCC Bank and SriLankan Airlines Partner to Reward Journeys Beyond Borders
– DFCC Bank PLC and SriLankan Airlines have partnered to launch the SriLankan Airlines DFCC Visa Platinum Credit Card, a premium co-branded credit card designed for customers whose lives increasingly extend beyond borders. The launch ceremony was held at the DFCC Bank Head Office, Galle Road, Colombo 3, on 21 July 2026, with the participation of senior management representatives from DFCC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and SriLankan Airlines, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership between two leading Sri Lankan brands.
The SriLankan Airlines DFCC Visa Platinum Credit Card allows cardholders to earn FlySmiLes Miles through both local and international spending while enjoying premium travel benefits including priority check-in, airport lounge access, additional baggage allowance, companion travel benefits, and a range of year-round lifestyle offers. Designed around the needs of today's globally connected customer, the card goes beyond rewarding travel to creating greater value throughout everyday life. Customers also receive 3,000 bonus FlySmiLes Miles upon enrolment, giving them an immediate head start towards future travel.
Today, travel is how businesses expand into new markets, how students pursue opportunities abroad, how families remain connected across continents, and how people discover new experiences. As lives become increasingly global, customers expect the financial products they carry to do more than facilitate payments. They expect them to quietly support the journeys that matter most.
For Thimal Perera, Director / Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank PLC, that changing lifestyle is shaping the future of banking.
"Today's customers expect banking to fit naturally into the way they live. Whether they are travelling for business, education, family, or leisure, they want the products they use every day to create value beyond the transaction itself. This partnership is about recognising that reality and rewarding customers for the lives they already lead. It reflects our commitment to designing banking around our customers, ensuring that the solutions we create evolve alongside their changing lifestyles and aspirations."
Bringing together trusted banking with meaningful travel privileges, the partnership transforms everyday spending into future travel opportunities while delivering greater value wherever life takes customers.
Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial, SriLankan Airlines, said the partnership reflects the changing way customers experience travel.
“FlySmiLes has always been about recognising and rewarding customer loyalty. Through our partnership with DFCC Bank, we are extending those rewards beyond the journey itself, enabling our members to earn FlySmiLes Miles through their everyday spending while enjoying benefits that enhance their travel experience.
Together, we are creating more opportunities for customers to turn daily transactions into rewarding journeys.”
The partnership reflects a broader evolution in banking, where financial services are becoming part of the experiences that matter most to customers. As people become increasingly connected to opportunities across borders, they expect banking to move with them. The SriLankan Airlines DFCC Visa Platinum Credit Card has been designed with exactly that in mind—helping customers turn everyday spending into more rewarding journeys beyond borders.
24.07.2026
#################################################################################################
CRIB Hosts Annual CEOs Forum and Institutional Rating Awards Ceremony 2026
By Vipula Amarasinghe
Mr. K.G.P. Sirikumara - Chairman, The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe - Central Bank Governor, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya - Chief Advisor to the President, Digital Economy, Mr. Pushpike Jayasundera - Director/General Manager, The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB)
The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB) recently hosted its Annual CEOs Forum & Institutional Rating Awards Ceremony 2026 under the theme "Credit Intelligence for National Progress." The prestigious event was held with the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The forum was attended by Chief Executive Officers and senior leadership from across the financial services industry and other sectors—including banks, non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), insurance providers, telecommunications companies, and key utility service providers—to shape the future of the nation’s credit intelligence landscape.
During this prestigious occasion, Mr. K.G.P. Sirikumara, Chairman, and Mr. Pushpike Jayasundera, Director/General Manager of CRIB, addressed the gathering. The Chief Guest, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, also addressed the audience, followed by an insightful keynote address delivered by Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy.
Addressing the gathering, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, stated: "A modern financial system depends on trust, transparency, and real-time information. Through digital transformation, AI, and alternative data, institutions like CRIB are not only overcoming information asymmetry to lower credit risks, but are actively driving financial inclusion for MSMEs, young entrepreneurs, and rural communities. As our financial sector becomes increasingly data-driven, maintaining strong governance, privacy, and responsible AI standards remains vital to safeguarding long-term financial stability."
In his speech, Chairman of CRIB, Mr. K.G.P. Sirikumara, mentioned: "As Sri Lanka’s financial landscape evolves from collateral-based lending toward sophisticated, risk-based evaluations, the future of banking stability lies in dependable, high-quality data. CRIB’s transformation into an advanced, multi-sector data platform empowers financial institutions to make timely, responsible credit decisions that ultimately drive resilient economic growth."
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the MyCRIB Mobile App—marking a significant milestone and a giant leap in advancing financial inclusion and credit literacy for every Sri Lankan. The app empowers citizens by providing real-time, seamless access to their personal credit profiles and scores. CRIB becomes one of the few credit bureaus globally to offer a comprehensive consumer mobile application. The app enables individuals to securely access their credit profile and credit score, raise disputes, share credit reports with third parties, receive alerts, complete identity verification, and access a learning center.
Director/General Manager of CRIB, Mr. Pushpike Jayasundera, said: “With the launch of the MyCRIB mobile app, CRIB becomes one of the few credit bureaus globally to give consumers secure, real-time access to their credit profiles, scores, and reports. Since establishing South Asia's first credit bureau in 1990, we have evolved from traditional reporting into a comprehensive credit intelligence platform that drives financial inclusion. Enriching our national credit data ecosystem empowers both lenders and consumers with trusted, data-driven insights that strengthen decision-making across Sri Lanka.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, emphasized that: "What CRIB has done is convert and transform the word 'risk' into 'trust.' By embedding citizen experience into an interoperable digital infrastructure, we are moving away from traditional, collateral-based lending toward data- and AI-driven trust evaluation. This enables micro-SMEs and everyday citizens to connect seamlessly, transact as equals with the top of the economic pyramid, and drive the true mobilization of Sri Lanka's digital economy."
In recognition of institutional excellence in data governance, data accuracy, and data quality, CRIB organizes the Institutional Rating Awards to honor institutions that demonstrate outstanding compliance, exemplary data governance practices, and excellence in credit data management.
This initiative promotes a culture of data excellence across the financial sector by encouraging institutions to adopt higher standards of data quality, governance, and regulatory compliance. High-quality and reliable data are fundamental to generating accurate credit intelligence, enabling sound lending decisions, effective risk management, and greater financial stability.
24.07.2026
##########################################################################################
Commercial Bank dominates as Sri Lanka’s most awarded bank at prestigious 2026 ABF Awards
Commercial Bank representatives Mr. Upul Perera - Head of Central System Support, Ms. Ruvini Samarasinghe - Head of Corporate Branch, Ms. Sonali Goonasekara - Chief Manager - Center for Excellence and Mr. Geehan Jayawickrama - Chief Manager - Corporate Banking Unit, with some of the awards won by the Bank at the Asian Banking and Finance Awards in Singapore.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again underscored its standing as one of Sri Lanka’s most formidable financial institutions, winning six awards – the highest number won by a Sri Lankan bank at the 2026 Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Awards in Singapore – across three key segments.
Presented at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the six-award haul spanned Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Corporate & Investment Banking, reflecting the Bank’s strength across customer segments, technology-led innovation, sustainability, and complex financial solutions.
In the Retail Banking category, Commercial Bank was named ‘Private Bank of the Year’ and ‘SME Bank of the Year,’ recognising both its sector-leading financial performance and its sustained leadership in supporting Sri Lanka’s SME sector. The Bank achieved a significant milestone in 2025, becoming the first private sector bank in the country to grow its loan book beyond Rs. 2 trillion, recording growth of Rs. 541 billion over 12 months while doubling its annual asset growth over the preceding year and leading peers across multiple key performance indicators. Its SME banking credentials are equally compelling, having been ranked the largest lender to the sector in Sri Lanka for five consecutive years by the Ministry of Finance.
The Bank’s commitment to innovation and sustainability was recognised in the Wholesale Banking segment, where it received the titles of ‘Sri Lanka Domestic AI Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Green Financing Bank of the Year.’ The AI award acknowledges the Bank’s pioneering AI-powered SME Credit Underwriting Solution, which has transformed credit evaluation processes, while the green financing accolade reflects its leadership in advancing sustainable lending and environmentally responsible banking practices.
In Corporate & Investment Banking, Commercial Bank won the awards for ‘Corporate Client Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Debt Deal of the Year,’ highlighting its advisory-led approach and execution capabilities. The Corporate Client Initiative award was presented for the impact of the Bank’s TradeLink platform, which has redefined trade finance for businesses, while the Debt Deal recognition was awarded for the Bank’s landmark Rs. 15 billion Green Bond issued in 2025 to fund sustainability-linked projects.
Commenting on these achievements, Mr Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “These awards are a powerful affirmation of the strength and balance of our strategy, one that is anchored in financial performance, deep customer relationships, technology-driven innovation and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth.”
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is its breadth, spanning private banking, SME banking, AI-led transformation, green finance and sophisticated corporate transactions. It reflects the collective effort of our teams and the trust placed in us by our customers, and reinforces our role as a bank that not only leads in performance, but also in shaping the future of banking in Sri Lanka and beyond.”
The Asian Banking & Finance Awards are among the region’s most respected platforms recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership in financial services. Commercial Bank’s performance this year is particularly significant, signalling a well-rounded and resilient franchise that demonstrates excellence in multiple domains.
The recognition provides independent regional validation of the Bank’s strategy and execution, strengthening its standing as Sri Lanka’s most awarded bank at the 2026 ABF Awards and as a leading Sri Lankan bank with robust capabilities across customer segments and financial services. For customers, the awards reinforce confidence in partnering with an institution acknowledged for service quality, innovation, and the ability to deliver sophisticated financial solutions, whether in private banking, SME development, corporate advisory, or sustainable finance.
The first Sri Lankan bank with a market capitalisation exceeding US$ 1 Bn., and the first bank in the country to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World, Commercial Bank has the highest capital base among all Sri Lankan banks, is the largest private sector lender in Sri Lanka. Ranked No. 1 in the Business Today Top 40, the Bank is recognised as the most respected and most-awarded bank in Sri Lanka, is a leader in digital innovation and is the country’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank.
Commercial Bank operates more than 270 strategically-located branches and an extensive network of automated machines island-wide, and has the widest international footprint among Sri Lankan banks, with 21 branches in Bangladesh, a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake in the Maldives, a microfinance company in Myanmar, and a representative office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Bank’s fully-owned subsidiaries, CBC Finance PLC. and Commercial Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Limited, also deliver a range of financial services via their own branch networks.
24.07.2026
######################################################################################
Ceylon Chamber to Host Business Networking Session with Visiting Indian Chamber of Commerce Delegation
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host an exclusive Business Networking Session with a visiting delegation from the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), India, on 28 July 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, providing Sri Lankan businesses with an opportunity to engage directly with Indian companies and explore new avenues for trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.
The 30-member delegation represents a broad cross-section of Indian industries, reflecting the growing scope of economic engagement between Sri Lanka and India. Participating companies represent sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering and infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, IT and digital services, renewable energy, agriculture, travel and tourism, water treatment, consultancy and advisory services, industrial mineral exports and imports, food processing, brewery, distillery and winery, exports and immigration services, fine arts and heritage, and sports products.
The networking session is designed to facilitate direct business interactions between Sri Lankan and Indian companies, enabling participants to identify partnership opportunities, discuss potential collaborations, and establish new commercial connections across a range of industries.
As India continues to be one of Sri Lanka's most significant trading partners and investment sources, the session provides a timely platform for businesses to strengthen cross-border relationships and explore opportunities in one of the region's fastest-growing markets. It is hosted in collaboration with the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), established under the Ceylon Chamber’s network to promote business engagement between Sri Lanka and India.
The session will be held from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, at the Hilton Colombo Residences. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to register early as places are limited.
Register via https://event.chamber.lk/event-register/490
24.07.2026
#######################################################################################
ඩී පී ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සමාගමට ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් ලොජිස්ටික්ස් ලෙස නව මුහුණුවරක්
ආසියානු සහ මැද පෙරදිග ඇතුළු ගෝලීය වෙළෙද පොළට පිවිසීමේ සැළසුම්
ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් සමූහ ව්යාපාරයේ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් ව්යාපාර ජාලය තවදුරටත් ශක්තිමත් කරමින්, එහි අනුබද්ධිත සමාගමක් වන ඩී පී ලොජිස්ටික්ස් (ප්රයිවට්) ලිමිටඩ්, නිල වශයෙන් ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් ලොජිස්ටික්ස් (ප්රයිවට්) ලිමිටඩ් ලෙස සිය නාමය වෙනස් කළ බව සමාගම නිවේදනය කර සිටියි.
මෙම වෙනස් කිරීම මඟින් ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් සමූහයේ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සේවා අංශය ශ්රී ලංකාව තුළ මෙන්ම ජාත්යන්තර වශයෙන් ද ප්රමුඛ පෙළේ අංගසම්පූර්ණ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සහ සැපයුම් දාම විසඳුම් සපයන්නෙකු ලෙස තමා සතු ස්ථානය තවදුරටත් ශක්තිමත් කෙරෙනු ඇත.
ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සමාගම දැනට මෙරට ගබඩා පහසුකම් සහ තෙවන පාර්ශවීය ලොජිස්ටික්ස් ක්ෂේත්රයේ ප්රමුඛතම සමාගම් දහය අතර රැඳී සිටින අතර, දේශීය ලොජිස්ටික්ස් ක්ෂේත්රය තුළ විශාලතම බහාලුම් රථ සමූහයකට හිමිකම් කියන සමාගමකි. දැඩි තරඟකාරීත්වයක් පවතින Freight Forwarding වෙළෙඳ පොළ තුළ වුවද, සිය වෙළෙඳ පොළ කොටස අඛණ්ඩව වර්ධනය කර ගැනීමට සමාගම සමත්ව ඇති අතර, ලොජිස්ටික්ස් ක්ෂේත්රයේ සියලුම අංශයන් ආවරණය වන පරිදි පුළුල් අත්දැකීම් සහිත දේශීය සමාගම් කිහිපය අතරින් එකක් ලෙසද සිය නාමය රඳවාගෙන සිටියි.
සිය ව්යාප්ති උපායමාර්ගයට අනුකූලව, ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් සමූහය විසින් 2022 වසරේ දී, එවකට එක්ස්පෝලංකා හෝල්ඩින්ග්ස් පීඑල්සී හි නැව්ගත කිරීමේ අංශය වූ Pulsar Shipping Agencies (Pvt.) Limited සමාගම අත්පත් කර ගන්නා ලදී. මෙමඟින් නෞකා නියෝජිත සේවා, හස්බන්ඩ්රි සේවා සහ සමුද්රීය ලොජිස්ටික්ස් වෙත යොමුවෙමින් සමූහයේ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සහ Shipping අංශය වඩාත් පුළුල් කිරීමට අවස්ථාව සැලසුණි.
මෙම උපායමාර්ගික ඒකාබද්ධතාවයන් ඔස්සේ ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සමාගම මේ වන විට බහාලුම් ප්රවාහනය, බෙදාහැරීම් සහ ව්යාපෘති ලොජිස්ටික්ස්, Freight Forwarding, රේගු නිෂ්කාශන කටයුතු, තෙවන පාර්ශවීය ලොජිස්ටික්ස්, ගබඩා පහසුකම් සහ සැපයුම් දාම කළමනාකරණය ඇතුළු අංගසම්පූර්ණ සේවා මාලාවක් පාරිභෝගිකයින් වෙත සමීප කරයි.
තම ජාත්යන්තර සබඳතා තවදුරටත් ශක්තිමත් කරමින්, ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් සමූහය ඩුබායි හි පිහිටි ප්රමුඛ පෙළේ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සමාගමක් වන Navire Logistics Services L.L.C හි 50%ක කොටස් හිමිකාරීත්වයක් අත්පත් කරගෙන ඇත. මීට අමතරව ඕමානයේ මස්කට් සහ සලාලා හි පිහිටි එහි පූර්ණ අනුබද්ධිත සමාගම්වල මෙන්ම, සෞදි අරාබියේ ජෙඩා හි පිහිටුවා ඇති හවුල් ව්යාපාරයේ ද කොටස් හිමිකාරීත්වය මීට ඇතුළත් වේ. මෙම උපායමාර්ගික ආයෝජනය ශ්රී ලංකාවෙන් ඔබ්බට ගොස් ජාත්යන්තර සහ කලාපීය ලොජිස්ටික්ස් වෙළඳපොළ තුළ ප්රබල දායකත්වයක් දැක්වීමට සමූහය තැබූ සුවිශේෂී පියවරකි.
මෙම සියලු නව සංවර්ධනයන් සමඟින්, ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් ලොජිස්ටික්ස් සමාගම දේශීය දක්ෂතා සහ ගෝලීය සබඳතා මනාව ඒකාබද්ධ කරමින්, කාර්යක්ෂම සහ විශ්වාසනීය සැපයුම් දාම විසඳුම් සඳහා වන ඉල්ලුම සපුරාලන පූර්ණ ඒකාබද්ධ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් බලවතෙකු ලෙස අඛණ්ඩව ඉදිරියටම ගමන් කරයි.
තවද, මේ වන විට ශ්රී ලංකාව, බංග්ලාදේශය සහ අනෙකුත් නව කලාපයන් ඉලක්ක කරගනිමින්, නැව්ගත කිරීමේ සහ ලොජිස්ටික්ස් ක්ෂේත්රයේ නව හවුල් ව්යාපාර ආරම්භ කිරීමේ මූලික කටයුතු ද සාර්ථකව සැලසුම් වෙමින් පවතී.
24.07.2026
###############################################################################################
ඇසට්ලයින් ඉන්ෂුවරන්ස් බ්රෝකර්ස් සහ ටොයෝටා ලංකා අතර උපායමාර්ගික හවුල්කාරිත්වයක්
ඩේවිඩ් පීරිස් සමූහ ව්යාපාරයේ රක්ෂණ අංශය මෙන්ම ශ්රී ලංකාවේ ප්රමුඛතම රක්ෂණ තැරැව්කාර සමාගමක් වන ඇසට්ලයින් ඉන්ෂුවරන්ස් බ්රෝකර්ස් (ප්රයිවට්) ලිමිටඩ්, දිවයින පුරා සිටින පාරිභෝගිකයින් වෙත ඉහළ වටිනාකමක්, පහසුවක් සහ පුළුල් රක්ෂණ විසඳුම් රැසක් සැලසීමේ අරමුණින් ටොයෝටා ලංකා පුද්ගලික සමාගම සමඟ උපායමාර්ගික හවුල්කාරිත්වයකට එළඹ ඇත. මේ වෙනුවෙන් දෙපාර්ශවය අතර අවබෝධතා ගිවිසුමක් පසුගියදා අත්සන් කෙරිණි.
මෙම සහයෝගීතාවය තුළින් පාරිභෝගික විශිෂ්ටත්වය සහ සේවා නවෝත්පාදනය වෙනුවෙන් කැපවී සිටින, ක්ෂේත්රයේ විශ්වාසය දිනාගත් දැවැන්තයින් දෙදෙනෙකු එක්ව කටයුතු කරනු ලබයි. මෙම හවුල්කාරිත්වය හරහා ටොයෝටා ලංකා සමාගමෙන් වාහන මිලදී ගන්නා සහ එහි සුප්රසිද්ධ අලෙවියෙන් පසු සේවාවන් ලබාගන්නා පාරිභෝගිකයින්ට, ඇසට්ලයින් ඉන්ෂුවරන්ස් බ්රෝකර්ස් විසින් සපයනු ලබන පුළුල් පරාසයක රක්ෂණ විසඳුම් වෙත ප්රවේශ වීමේ අවස්ථාව හිමිවේ.
දශක දෙකකට ආසන්න ක්ෂේත්ර පළපුරුද්දක් සහිත ඇසට්ලයින් ඉන්ෂුවරන්ස් බ්රෝකර්ස්, පුද්ගලයින් සහ ව්යාපාර සඳහා විශේෂඥ රක්ෂණ උපදේශන සේවා සහ පාරිභෝගික අවශ්යතාවලට ගැළපෙන අවදානම් කළමනාකරණ විසඳුම් ලබා දෙමින් ශ්රී ලංකාවේ දෙවන විශාලතම රක්ෂණ තැරැව්කාර සමාගම ලෙස ස්ථාපිත වී ඇත.
තමන් කැමති ඕනෑම රක්ෂණ සමාගමකින් රක්ෂණ ආවරණයක් තෝරා ගැනීමට පාරිභෝගිකයින්ට ඇති නම්යශීලීභාවය AIBL ආයතනය විසින් සලසා දෙන අතර, එහිදී ඔවුන්ගේ නිශ්චිත අවශ්යතා සපුරාලීම සඳහා සැලසුම් කළ වෘත්තීය මගපෙන්වීම් සහ පුද්ගලීකරණය කළ විසඳුම් ද හිමිවේ. මෙම පාරිභෝගික කේන්ද්රීය ප්රවේශය හේතුවෙන් වඩාත් තරඟකාරී කොන්දේසි යටතේ වඩාත් සුදුසුම ආරක්ෂාව ලබා ගැනීමට පාරිභෝගිකයාට හැකි වන අතර, එමඟින් නිවැරදි තීරණ ගැනීමට සහ ඉහළ විශ්වාසයක් ගොඩනගා ගැනීමට මග පෑදේ.
මෙම හවුල්කාරිත්වය, Loyalty, Integrity, Fairness සහ Ethics යන අගයන් මත පදනම් වූ "TOYOTA LIFE" හර පද්ධතියට අනුකූලව, පරිපූර්ණ Mobility විසඳුමක් සැපයීම සඳහා ටොයෝටා ලංකා සමාගම සතු කැපවීම තවදුරටත් ශක්තිමත් කරයි.
විශ්වාසනීය රක්ෂණ සේවාවන් පාරිභෝගික ගමනට ඒකාබද්ධ කිරීම මඟින්, බාධාවකින් තොර වාහන හිමිකාරීත්ව අත්දැකීමක් ලබා දීම ටොයෝටා ලංකා සහ ඇසට්ලයින් ඉන්ෂුවරන්ස් බ්රෝකර්ස්හි අරමුණයි. වාහනය මිලදී ගැනීම සහ නඩත්තු කිරීමේ සිට රක්ෂණ ආවරණය සහ හිමිකම් ඉල්ලීම් (Claims) සහාය දක්වා සෑම අදියරකදීම පාරිභෝගිකයින්ට පරිපූර්ණ සහයෝගයක් මින් ඉදිරියට හිමිවනු ඇත.
මෙම හවුල්කාරිත්වය පිළිබඳව අදහස් දක්වමින් දෙපාර්ශවයේම නියෝජිතයින් අවධාරණය කළේ, පාරිභෝගික කේන්ද්රීය සේවාව, ප්රවේශවීමේ පහසුව සහ නවෝත්පාදනය කෙරෙහි දෙපාර්ශවයේම එක හා සමානව අවධානය යොමු කරන බවයි. මෙම අවබෝධතා ගිවිසුම මඟින් පාරිභෝගිකයින්ට වැඩි පහසුවක්, රක්ෂණ විසඳුම් සඳහා වඩාත් පුළුල් ප්රවේශයක් සහ ඉහළ පාරිභෝගික තෘප්තියක් ලබා දීමට වේදිකාවක් සැපසේ.
24.07.2026
###############################################################################################
NDB Wealth Marks 34th Anniversary with Client Engagement Event in Kandy, Spotlighting Family Business Succession and Global Geopolitical Shifts
Daham Hettiarachchi - Chief Investment Officer, Amaya Nagodavithane - Snr. VIce President - Asset Management, Dr. Harinda Vidanage, strategist and security and defense specialist, Sunil Jose, Managing Director of Kernal Multifamily Office, UAE, Ruwan Perera - Chief Executive Officer, NDB Wealth Management Limited.
NDB Wealth celebrated its 34th anniversary with a client engagement event held at Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, bringing together clients, partners, and industry leaders for an evening centered on the themes shaping the future of wealth: intergenerational continuity and global uncertainty.
The event opened with a welcome address by Mr. Ruwan Perera, CEO of NDB Wealth, followed by two keynote addresses from distinguished international speakers and a panel discussion with NDB Wealth's senior leadership.
34 Years Built on Trust
In his welcome address, Mr. Perera reflected on NDB Wealth's history and evolution, tracing the company's growth from its founding to its position today as one of Sri Lanka's leading wealth management firms. He emphasized that this growth has been anchored throughout by a consistent set of values: integrity, trust, and honesty in every client relationship. Mr. Perera noted that these principles have been the foundation on which NDB Wealth's 34 years of client trust have been built, and reaffirmed the company's commitment to upholding them as it continues to grow alongside its clients and their families.
Planning for the Next Generation
The first keynote was delivered by Mr. Sunil Jose, Managing Director of Kernal Multifamily Office, UAE, on the subject of family business succession. Mr. Jose addressed the growing need for structured succession planning among family-owned enterprises, noting that preserving and growing capital across generations requires navigating the differing priorities, risk appetites, and values held by founders, successors, and extended family members. He outlined practical frameworks family businesses can adopt to align stakeholders and safeguard long-term continuity.
Reading the Geopolitical Landscape
The second keynote was delivered by Dr. Harinda Vidanage, strategist and security and defense specialist, who offered an analysis of the evolving geopolitical landscape, with particular focus on the current crisis in the Middle East. Dr. Vidanage examined the implications of regional instability for global markets, trade, and investment strategy, providing attendees with a broader lens through which to assess risk in an increasingly interconnected world.
Panel Discussion: Bridging Strategy and Execution
The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Ruwan Perera, CEO of NDB Wealth, featuring Mr. Sunil Jose, Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Mr. Daham Hettiarachchi (Chief Investment Officer, NDB Wealth), and Ms. Amaya Nagodavithana (Senior Vice President, NDB Wealth). The discussion connected the evening's global and strategic themes to practical wealth management considerations for clients, exploring how geopolitical shifts and succession dynamics translate into actionable investment and planning decisions.
A Milestone Anniversary
Now in its 34th year, NDB Wealth continues to serve as a trusted partner to high-net-worth individuals and family businesses across Sri Lanka. The Kandy event reflects the company's ongoing commitment to providing clients with access to global expertise and forward-looking insights that support informed, long-term wealth decisions.
NDB Wealth Management Limited is a subsidiary of NDB Capital Holdings, one of Sri Lanka's fastest-growing financial services conglomerates, with a strategic mission to lead the nation's financial services sector. Since its inception, the Group, comprising NDB Wealth, NDB Investment Bank, NDB Securities, and NDB Zephyr Partners Limited has been a catalyst in Sri Lanka's economic development, empowering entrepreneurs, corporates, and individuals across all strata of society. Clients of each Group company benefit from the full breadth of products and services offered across its affiliates.
22.07.2026
###########################################################################################
Commercial Bank MD/CEO Sanath Manatunge appointed Chairman of EFC
By Vipula Amarasinghe
Mr Sanath Manatunge, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been appointed Chairman of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), one of the country’s most influential apex business bodies representing the interests of employers across a wide spectrum of industries.
The Bank said Mr Manatunge’s appointment is a significant recognition of his leadership and contribution to Sri Lanka’s business sector, and reflects his engagement with national economic and business development initiatives.
Mr Manatunge’s appointment was made at the 97th Annual General Meeting of the EFC, at which the organisation constituted its Board of Trustees and Council Members for the financial year 2026/27. He succeeds Mr Dinesh Weerakkody, and will serve alongside Vice Chairman Mr Dinal Peiris, Chairman and Managing Director of the Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC Group.
A respected leader in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector, Mr Manatunge brings to this prestigious role more than 36 years of experience in banking and finance. In his inaugural address as Chairman, he underscored the continued relevance of the EFC as the National Employers’ Organisation, affirming its commitment to contributing to labour law reforms that support future-ready businesses while continuing to promote responsible business practices. He also emphasised the importance of constructive engagement with tripartite stakeholders to advance shared national objectives and strengthen the country’s employment landscape.
Mr Manatunge’s appointment reflects his standing in the broader business community, supported by an extensive portfolio of leadership and advisory roles. He serves as the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (SLBA), and also represents key industry interests as a Member of the UNICEF Business Council, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the World Bank Group’s Private Sector Advisory Council. His regulatory and advisory contributions include serving as an Ex-Officio Member of the Stakeholder Engagement Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Mr Manatunge is also the Deputy Chairman of Commercial Development Company PLC and Commercial Bank of Maldives (Pvt) Ltd. He has been with Commercial Bank for over three decades and was appointed Managing Director/CEO in May 2022 after serving as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director. Over the course of his career at the Bank, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking, where he led significant growth in the Bank’s corporate loan book and trade finance business while maintaining asset quality. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversaw strategically critical business verticals such as Personal Banking, Corporate Banking, Information Technology, Cards and Digital Banking, guiding them to leadership positions in their respective segments.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), Mr Manatunge holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka and the Chartered Management Institute (UK). He is a member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors and has contributed to the development of the banking profession through roles including President of the Association of Banking Sector Risk Professionals and as a Council Member of the Association of Professional Bankers. He has also served as a visiting lecturer and as a resource person for leading academic and professional institutions.
20.07.2026
################################################################################################
First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch returns with regional expansion to empower South Asian innovation with up to USD 1 Million in Funding
The Launch of First Capital Startup Nation 2.0 by Hatch
Hatch, Sri Lanka’s largest Startup Ecosystem player teams up with First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a key player in Sri Lanka's capital markets landscape, to launch the 2026 edition of First Capital Startup Nation following the success of its inaugural programme. Returning with an expanded regional focus, the initiative reinforces the long-term partnership between the two organisations to accelerate entrepreneurship and strengthen Sri Lanka's innovation ecosystem.
Now in its second consecutive year, the initiative marks a significant milestone by evolving beyond Sri Lanka's borders for the first time. While remaining firmly committed to nurturing Sri Lankan entrepreneurship, First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch will bring together startups, investors, mentors, ecosystem builders and industry leaders from across South Asia, creating a dynamic regional platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and growth.
The expanded programme has already generated strong regional interest, attracting more than 250 applications from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Participating ecosystem partners include Founder Startup House (formerly Draper Startup House) from India, Pool Technologies from Nepal and Turtle Venture from Bangladesh, reflecting the programme's growing regional relevance and appeal.
As a key player in Sri Lanka's capital markets landscape in Sri Lanka, First Capital continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the country's entrepreneurial landscape by extending its expertise beyond traditional financial services. Through its capabilities in capital markets, investment advisory and fundraising, the company aims to equip startups with the strategic guidance, investor readiness and access to growth capital needed to scale sustainably.
Commenting on the launch, representatives from First Capital and Hatch reaffirmed that the continued partnership reflects a shared long-term vision of building an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can innovate, access meaningful opportunities and compete confidently on a regional stage. By combining First Capital's investment expertise with Hatch's proven experience in startup development and ecosystem building, the initiative seeks to create lasting value for founders while contributing to Sri Lanka's broader economic growth.
The regional expansion is expected to elevate the overall quality and competitiveness of the programme by exposing Sri Lankan startups to a wider network of founders, mentors, investors and industry experts. It will also facilitate cross-border partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange and provide participants with greater opportunities for international market exposure, while supporting the continued advancement of the Innovation District by Hatch. Through First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, startups will have the opportunity to access up to USD 1 million in funding.
As Sri Lanka's leading startup ecosystem builder, Hatch has consistently championed innovation by empowering entrepreneurs with mentorship, strategic partnerships, knowledge resources and access to global networks. Through First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, the organisation continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for innovation, helping early-stage founders transform promising ideas into scalable businesses with regional and global potential.
The programme reflects the shared ambition of both organisations to build a stronger, more connected innovation economy where entrepreneurs have access to the expertise, networks and capital required to succeed. Beyond supporting individual startups, the initiative aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that positions Sri Lanka as an increasingly competitive player within South Asia's evolving innovation landscape.
With its regional expansion and strengthened strategic partnership, First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch 2026 represents the next chapter in a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, unlocking investment opportunities and driving sustainable innovation that contributes to Sri Lanka's long-term economic development.
19.07.2026
##############################################################################################
Binance Marks 9-Year Global Milestone with Colombo Meetup, Spotlighting Safe Blockchain Literacy Amid Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation
By Vipula Amarasinghe
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, celebrated its 9th year anniversary by hosting a community meetup in Colombo on 12th July, bringing together members of Sri Lanka’s blockchain ecosystem at Shangri-La Colombo.
Centered around the global theme "Built by You," the event highlights the evolution of Sri Lanka’s digital-native workforce and the critical importance of secure user education in the emerging Web3 and blockchain landscape.
The milestone gathering arrives at a definitive turning point for the island's macroeconomic landscape. Following Sri Lanka's recent reclassification by the World Bank into an upper-middle-income economy, the country's economic focus is steadily shifting toward high-value, sustainable, and digital-first growth pillars.
SB Seker, Head of APAC, Binance, said “Nine years ago, Binance started with the core belief that technology should be open, accessible, and shaped entirely by the community that utilizes it. As we celebrate this journey, our primary focus in vibrant tech ecosystems like Sri Lanka is to ensure that growth is paired with robust user protection and deep financial literacy. True innovation is only sustainable when the community is empowered with the knowledge to navigate it safely."
Binance launched in July 2017 and today serves more than 323 million registered users across over 100 countries.The 9 year anniversary celebration is firmly anchored in building a deeply educated local community capable of supporting the country's national digital transformation roadmap. As digital adoption scales across South Asia, the recently concluded Colombo meetup which saw attendance of 500+ community members, served as an interactive forum focused on: Advanced User Security: Educating the community on identifying online scams, securing digital wallets, and practicing safe engagement to mitigate digital risks. Grassroots Financial Literacy: Fostering baseline educational discussions around blockchain architecture, decentralization, and the fundamentals of utility-driven digital asset tools, and Web3 Talent Cultivation: Highlighting how Sri Lankan developers and tech professionals are successfully integrating into the global Web3 ecosystem, positioning the island as a competitive hub for digital-first skills.
The Colombo meetup underscores Binance’s ongoing commitment to building a local ecosystem that prioritizes user trust, digital-first education, and safe entry points into the global blockchain economy, helping shape the highly skilled workforce needed to sustain a modernized digital economy.
13.07.2026
#############################################################################################
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Launches Scale Up 2.0 to Support Sri Lanka’s SME Ecosystem
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has officially launched Scale Up 2.0, its flagship National SME Forum for 2026, which will take place on 11th August 2026 at the Taj Samudra, Colombo, under the theme “Connected, Competitive, Ready to Grow.”
As SMEs continue to face challenges in accessing markets, securing finance, meeting evolving business requirements and integrating into local and global value chains, Scale Up 2.0 has been designed as a platform to connect them with the stakeholders and resources they need to overcome these barriers. The forum will enable SMEs to engage directly with buyers, financial institutions, policymakers and business support organisations, helping them identify opportunities, access relevant resources and build the connections needed to strengthen their operations and grow their businesses.
Building on the success of the inaugural Scale Up Forum, this year’s event will once again bring together policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions, development partners, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to identify solutions that strengthen the long-term competitiveness and growth potential of Sri Lanka’s SME sector.
The programme will feature an opening plenary on national priorities for SME development, followed by three technical sessions examining market access and value chain integration, standards and certification, and strategies for scaling mid-sized enterprises through improved investment readiness and access to finance.
In addition to the conference sessions, the forum will include a dedicated B2B networking segment, enabling businesses to take the initiative by starting conversations, exploring partnerships, identifying financing options and accessing support services to help them address growth challenges. The interactive platform is expected to facilitate new business relationships, procurement opportunities and access to guidance that supports long-term business expansion.
Registrations for the National SME Forum 2026 are now open. For registrations and further information, visit https://event.chamber.lk/event-register/486 or contact Nirosha – 0115588879 or Ravi – 0115588807
13.07.2026
#############################################################################################
DFCC Bank and Co-Energi Partner to Help Businesses Improve Energy Efficiency and Build Long-Term Resilience
By Vipula Amarasinghe
DFCC Bank PLC has entered into a strategic partnership with Co-Energi (Pvt) Ltd to help businesses improve energy efficiency through a combination of technical expertise and sustainable financing, enabling organisations to reduce operating costs, strengthen competitiveness, and invest with greater confidence in a more sustainable future.
As energy costs continue to influence business performance across industries, organisations are increasingly looking for practical ways to optimise consumption, improve efficiency, and reduce long-term operating expenses. Yet many businesses face a common challenge: identifying the right solutions and securing the financing needed to implement them.
The partnership between DFCC Bank and Co-Energi has been designed to address both.
By combining Co-Energi's expertise in energy management with DFCC Bank's sustainable financing capabilities, customers will have access to professional energy audits, technical advisory services, and financing solutions that support investments in energy-efficient technologies and operational improvements. Rather than navigating technical assessments and funding requirements separately, businesses can now benefit from an integrated approach that helps them move from identifying opportunities to implementing solutions.
Commenting on the partnership, Shamindra Marcelline, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank PLC, said,"For many businesses today, improving energy efficiency is no longer simply about reducing electricity bills. It is about strengthening resilience, improving competitiveness, and preparing for a future where sustainability and commercial success increasingly go hand in hand. Our role is to make that transition easier by combining access to finance with the expertise our customers need to make informed investment decisions. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping businesses grow sustainably while creating long-term value for both their organisations and the communities they serve."
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Co-Energi will conduct comprehensive energy audits for eligible DFCC Bank customers, assessing existing energy consumption and identifying practical opportunities to improve efficiency. Recommendations may include upgrading energy-intensive equipment, introducing modern technologies, and adopting operational best practices that reduce energy consumption while lowering long-term operating costs.
The collaboration reflects DFCC Bank's broader approach to sustainable financing, where access to capital is complemented by advisory support that helps customers make better-informed investment decisions. By combining technical expertise with tailored financing solutions, the Bank is enabling businesses to undertake projects that deliver measurable commercial benefits while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Shahid Sangani, Chief Executive Officer of Co-Energi (Pvt) Ltd, said,"Energy efficiency represents one of the most practical opportunities available to businesses today. Through this partnership with DFCC Bank, we are combining technical expertise with financial access, enabling organisations to identify meaningful efficiency improvements and implement them with greater confidence. Together, we look forward to helping businesses reduce costs, improve performance, and contribute to Sri Lanka's transition towards a more sustainable economy."
The partnership is another step in DFCC Bank's long-standing commitment to responsible finance and supporting Sri Lanka's transition towards a greener economy. By helping businesses consume less energy, lower operating costs, and invest in more efficient technologies, DFCC Bank continues to create financial solutions that deliver lasting value for its customers while contributing to broader environmental and economic progress.
13.07.2026
##########################################################################################
Nations Trust Bank appoints new Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board
Ananda Jayawardana, Independent Non-Executive Director, Nations Trust Bank PLC.
Nations Trust Bank PLC has announced the appointment of Ananda Jayawardana as an Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board.
Ananda Jayawardana is a seasoned finance professional with over 25 years of international experience spanning Leveraged & Structured Finance, Debt Capital Markets, and Corporate Banking. He brings extensive expertise in structuring and executing complex cross-border financing solutions across Asia, working closely with export credit agencies, multilateral institutions, and global financial institutions.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Head of Structured Export Finance (ASEAN & South Asia) and Executive Director – Leveraged and Structured Solutions at Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore, Executive Director – Primary Debt Markets at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Hong Kong, and Director – Structured Lending (Asia Pacific), based in Hong Kong. Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant Vice President and Team Head – Corporate Banking at ABN AMRO Bank, Sri Lanka.
Mr. Jayawardana holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from Georgia State University, USA, and a BBA in Economics from Georgia College, USA. He has also completed several executive and professional development programmes, including the Aspiring Directors Programme at INSEAD.
His appointment further reinforces Nations Trust Bank’s commitment to strong governance, financial resilience, and sustainable long-term growth.
Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through multi-channel customer touch points spanning both physical and digital. The Bank continues to focus on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies and platforms. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.
11.07.2026
###########################################################################################
Email. catswebnews@gmail.com
Tel. +94 777305771
Hot line +94 720303614