Dual recognition underscores how ESG principles drive leadership in financial performance, sustainability and inclusive growth. Reaffirming its undisputed leadership in Sri Lankaโs banking landscape, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has secured two of the most coveted accolades at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, winning the titles of โBest Bank in Sri Lankaโ and โBest ESG Bank in Sri Lankaโ in a dual triumph directly rooted in its deeply embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Euromoney highlighted Commercial Bankโs ability to combine scale, profitability and system-wide impact in a year of economic recovery, proving that purpose-driven ESG commitments actively power financial excellence. Euromoney noted the Bankโs industry-leading financial performance in 2025 with profit before tax exceeding Rs. 89.38 billion and total assets reaching Rs. 3.26 trillion. The Bank also maintained strong capital and funding positions, alongside a robust return on equity of 19.5% and one of the lowest cost-to-income ratios in the market.
The Bank demonstrated exceptional growth and market leadership, with loans surpassing Rs. 2.028 trillion and total assets expanding by 16.8%. It also became the first Sri Lankan bank to exceed US$ 1 billion in market capitalisation as ESG-focused operations continued to reinforce investor confidence. Digital innovation remained a key driver, with the introduction of Sri Lankaโs first Google Pay service and AI-powered SME credit underwriting, alongside international expansion through a representative office in Dubaiโs DIFC. The Bankโs leadership in SME financing, asset quality and operational efficiency further solidified the success of its ESG-first strategy.
The award for Best ESG Bank in Sri Lanka recognises the Bankโs comprehensive and deeply embedded approach to sustainable and responsible banking. Euromoney acknowledged the Bankโs leadership in green finance, including the issuance of a Rs. 15 billion Green Bond, the largest in Sri Lanka, to fund renewable energy, green buildings and sustainable transport projects.
The Bankโs ESG credentials are further reinforced by its strong focus on financial inclusion, SME development and rural outreach. It accounts for 20% of market share in SME lending and has disbursed over Rs. 335 billion to the sector in 2025. Initiatives such as agency banking, โBank on Wheelsโ mobile services and targeted microfinance and agriculture lending initiatives like the โDirishakthi Value Chainโ have expanded access to formal financial services across underserved communities.
Its โAnagiโ brand supports thousands of women through financial literacy, skills development and health programmes. The Bankโs โTrees for Tomorrowโreforestation project planted over 12,500 trees in 2025.
Source: Daily News
