The Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ComBank) has reinforced its leadership in sustainability and responsible finance by becoming a Patron of two key working groups of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka—‘Diversity & Inclusion’ and ‘Water & Ocean Stewardship’.
The partnership was formalised through a two-year Memorandum of Understanding, positioning the Bank to provide strategic leadership, advocacy and collaboration in advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. Under this role, ComBank will work closely with the Network to drive initiatives focused on sustainable water management, ocean conservation, gender equality and inclusive economic participation, while supporting progress towards the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Building on its longstanding association with the Network—dating back to 2002 when it became the first Sri Lankan bank to join the Global Compact—the Bank will facilitate industry dialogue, partnerships and knowledge sharing to help corporates strengthen ESG practices and align with global sustainability standards.
Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge noted that the Bank is expanding its sustainability engagement beyond internal practices to actively guide other organisations, contributing to environmental resilience, inclusive growth and long-term economic stability in Sri Lanka.
Through its patronage, ComBank will also enhance access for customers and businesses to sustainability-linked advisory services, knowledge platforms and green financing solutions. Its growing expertise in environmental risk and water stewardship is expected to support clients investing in resource-efficient technologies and responsible business operations, while fostering greater collaboration across corporates, development partners and sustainability experts.
The initiative further strengthens ComBank’s role as a responsible financial institution aligned with global ESG frameworks. It also builds on the Bank’s ongoing environmental and social initiatives, including marine ecosystem conservation and financial inclusion programmes targeting SMEs, rural communities and women entrepreneurs.
With this latest move, Commercial Bank continues to position itself at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s transition towards a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy
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