Dual recognition underscores how ESG principles drive leadership in financial performance, sustainability and inclusive growth. Reaffirming its undisputed leadership in Sri Lanka’s 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 ‘Best Bank in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Best ESG Bank in Sri Lanka’ in a dual triumph directly rooted in its deeply embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Euromoney highlighted Commercial Bank’s 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 Bank’s 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 Lanka’s first Google Pay service and AI-powered SME credit underwriting, alongside international expansion through a representative office in Dubai’s DIFC. The Bank’s leadership in SME financing, asset quality and operational efficiency further solidified the success of its ESG-first strategy.
HNB Joins Forces with SLIM as Exclusive Banking Partner for Flagship Industry Event
HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, has partnered with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) as the Exclusive Banking Partner for two of the institute’s premier industry events — the Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2026 and SLIM DIGIS 2.6.
Under the partnership, HNB will hold exclusive sponsorship and branding rights across both platforms as the Official Banker, strengthening the bank’s presence at two of Sri Lanka’s prominent marketing industry events.
The partnership positions HNB alongside major gatherings that bring together business leaders, marketers, entrepreneurs and corporate professionals from across the country.
The Effie Awards are internationally recognised for celebrating “ideas that work”, honouring marketing initiatives based on effectiveness, measurable results and their impact on brands and businesses. SLIM holds the franchise rights for the Effie Awards in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, SLIM DIGIS recognises outstanding digital marketing campaigns, innovations and talent in Sri Lanka, with a focus on effectiveness, results and business impact.
Together, the two platforms provide marketers and communications professionals with opportunities to showcase successful campaigns, gain industry recognition and contribute to raising professional standards within Sri Lanka’s marketing sector.
Commenting on the partnership, HNB Vice President – Marketing & Corporate Communications Upul Adikari said the bank’s own brand transformation journey has reinforced its belief in purposeful strategy, meaningful customer experiences and effective marketing.
“Our own brand transformation journey reinforces our belief in purposeful strategy, meaningful customer experiences and effective marketing. As a Bank committed to building a stronger brand, HNB has consistently supported such national platforms,” he said.
Commercial Bank Named Sri Lanka’s Best Bank and Best ESG Bank by Euromoney
