The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again emerged as the country’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), holding this position for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Final Budget Position Report for 2024.
The report highlights that Commercial Bank disbursed Rs. 330.9 billion in SME loans in 2024, representing 30.3% of the Rs. 1,090 billion extended by 16 state and private sector banks. This places the Bank 91% ahead of its nearest competitor, reinforcing its leadership in SME financing.
Support from Commercial Bank spanned Agriculture, Services, Industries, and Other sectors, with the largest share directed to Industries. The Bank provided Rs. 266.8 billion to this sector alone, accounting for 47.8% of the Rs. 557.6 billion in total industrial loans in 2024.
This performance underscores Commercial Bank’s sustained commitment to powering the SME sector—a vital engine of employment, value creation, and economic stability.
Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank, stated:
"Our commitment to SMEs is rooted in the belief that their success is inseparable from the country’s economic future."
Aberdeen Holdings Secures Greenhouse Gas Verification Certification
Aberdeen Holdings, a diversified conglomerate with operations across more than eight industries, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by achieving Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Verification Certification under the ISO 14064-1:2018 standard.
This certification marks a key milestone in the Group’s sustainability journey, highlighting its dedication to measuring, managing, and transparently reporting greenhouse gas emissions in line with international best practices. By embedding data-driven accountability into its operations, Aberdeen Holdings is translating its sustainability ambitions into tangible climate action.
Sustainability is central to the Group’s diverse portfolio, which spans energy and eco-solutions, logistics and packaging, agriculture and commodities, healthcare and wellness, and aviation, encompassing over 20 subsidiaries. Entities such as Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Hienergy Services, and Neptune Recyclers are leading innovation in renewable energy, carbon-neutral manufacturing, and circular economy solutions.
ComBank Tops Sri Lanka’s SME Lending for Fifth Straight Year
