Commercial Bank of Ceylon has become the world’s first bank to receive Champion Status from the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business (CRJB), marking a significant global recognition of its commitment to building an inclusive, equitable and employee-focused workplace.
The recognition highlights Commercial Bank’s efforts to integrate employee wellbeing, gender equality and women’s health into its corporate practices, while reinforcing the Bank’s broader focus on sustainable and responsible business growth.
UNFPA, the United Nations agency focused on reproductive health and rights and advancing gender equality, works with governments, development partners and private sector organisations worldwide to promote meaningful social change.
Through the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, UNFPA encourages businesses to adopt policies and workplace practices that support reproductive health, gender equality and inclusive working environments, contributing to healthier and more equitable societies.
Commenting on the global recognition, 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 achievement reflects its focus on combining employee wellbeing with impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Within the organisation, the Bank supports employee wellbeing through a range of initiatives focused on physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development. These include annual health check-ups, specialised eye and dental camps, professional counselling through the Damrivi Foundation and mental health awareness workshops.
The recognition further demonstrates Commercial Bank’s commitment to creating a workplace where employee wellbeing and inclusion are integrated into its broader organisational strategy.
By achieving Champion Status under the UNFPA CRJB framework, Commercial Bank has positioned itself as a global example of how financial institutions can incorporate inclusive workplace practices, employee wellbeing and gender-responsive policies into sustainable business leadership.
Commercial Bank Reaffirms Position as Sri Lanka’s No. 1 Bank in The Banker’s Top 1000 Global Ranking
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again strengthened its position among the world’s leading financial institutions, emerging 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 of the UK.
The Bank’s leading position among Sri Lankan financial institutions reflects a 12.1% growth in Tier I capital, the primary measure used by The Banker to assess the financial strength and stability of banks.
The 2026 ranking also marks the 14th time Commercial Bank has been featured in the Top 1000 World Banks listing, making it the most frequently ranked Sri Lankan financial institution in the global publication. Commercial Bank was also the first Sri Lankan bank to enter the prestigious Top 1000 ranking.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank, said:
“Securing the No. 1 spot among Sri Lankan banks in a global ranking of this calibre is an authoritative testament to the Bank’s disciplined approach to capital management, its resilience in navigating evolving market dynamics, and its ability to adapt to emerging risks while continuing to create long-term value. This recognition reinforces our commitment to maintaining strong fundamentals while building capabilities that will define the future of banking.”
He added:
“The Banker’s annual Top 1000 World Banks ranking remains the industry’s benchmark for assessing the world’s largest banks. To be on this list for the 14th year is an invaluable independent ratification of our strength and stability. For every Commercial Bank customer, this is an excellent validation of their relationship with the Commercial Bank of Ceylon.”
Compiled from a database covering more than 5,000 of the world’s largest banks, The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking is widely regarded as a leading global benchmark for evaluating banking strength and stability.
The ranking is primarily based on Tier I capital, while also taking into account a broad range of financial and performance indicators.
In its assessment of the 2026 results, The Banker noted that the global banking sector remains in relatively strong health, supported by robust capital buffers, with the ratio of Tier I capital to assets approaching a decade high.
Commercial Bank’s continued presence in the global ranking, coupled with its position as Sri Lanka’s highest-ranked bank, underscores its strong capital position, financial resilience and sustained focus on long-term growth.
Commercial Bank Becomes World’s First Bank to Earn UNFPA CRJB Champion Status
