Organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the event was held recently at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the 20th consecutive edition of this landmark national awards programme.
Receiving this recognition affirms SDB bank’s position as a purpose-driven financial institution that integrates Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sound governance, and measurable social impact into its operational philosophy.
The award acknowledges not only the Bank’s financial performance but also its contributions to national progress through responsible, community-centred banking.
The NBEA is widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s foremost platform for corporate excellence, celebrating organisations that demonstrate exemplary performance across governance, sustainability, innovation, and social value creation.
This year’s evaluation was conducted through a rigorous multi-phase process that included assessments by a Technical and Financial Committee led by Ernst & Young, followed by interviews with a distinguished panel co-chaired by Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri and Mr. Lasantha Salgado.
Kapila Ariyaratne, Executive Director and CEO of SDB bank, remarked,
“Winning the Banking Sector Merit Award in 2025 at NBEA is both an honour and a validation of our core purpose that banking should create meaningful value financially, socially, and environmentally for all our communities.
Furthermore, this is a testament to our ethical, sustainability-driven approach within the banking sector, and reinforces the Bank’s visibility among business leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders and also enhances long-term trust across our valued customer base.”
As SDB bank continues to embed social cohesion and sustainability across its operations, this accolade stands as motivation to push further, innovate deeper, and remain a positive force in Sri Lanka’s economic and social transformation.
Photo Caption - Receiving the Banking Sector Merit Award at the NBEA Awards 2025
Left to Right Mr. Patrick Alwis, Managing Director - Ceylinco General Insurance Ltd, Mr. Chitral De Silva, Chief Business Officer - SDB bank, Ms. Renuka Weerakoon, Director General - Board of Investment Sri Lanka, Ms. Nilupama Madurawela, Senior Manager Sustainable Banking – SDB bank, H.E. Alisher Tukhtaev, Uzbekistan's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Shyamalie Amaratunga - Member of the NBEA 2025 Technical Panel
About SDB Bank
A future-ready bank, dedicated to offering customer-centric and comprehensive support tailored to each individual's needs, SDB bank is a licensed specialized bank regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, with a listing on the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange and a Fitch Rating of BB +(lka).
Through the network of 94 branches island-wide, the bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services to its Retail, SME, Co-operative, and Business Banking clients across the country.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are deeply ingrained in SDB bank's ethos, with a steadfast focus on uplifting local communities and businesses through sustainable practices.
The bank is particularly committed to promoting women's empowerment, sustainable development of SMEs, and digital inclusion, aiming to propel Sri Lanka to new heights.