Corporate Social Responsibility

Our commitment towards Sri Lanka

Banking is our business. Making it the most people oriented, technologically advanced organization, providing up to the minute products and services, with superlative financial management have enabled Commercial Bank, to be Sri Lanka’s leading bank year after year. And beyond financial responsibilities, Commercial Bank has chartered new territories by identifying needs and providing just the right kind of service when required. The Commercial Bank Social Responsibility Trust, founded for this purpose, has reached out to the core to uplift creatively, socially, culturally and ethically in an outstanding manner.

CSR trustees

• Chairman
• Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
• Director
• Chief Financial Officer
• Deputy General Manager - Marketing

Allocation of CSR funds – Sector Wise

• Education - 70% (Approximately)
• Other Projects (Healthcare, Community, Environment ect) - 30% (Approximately)
  

Main objectives as stated in the trust deed

• To support further education in Sri Lanka
• To assist in improving health services in Sri Lanka
• To preserve and improve the environment
• To support community and provide community services
• To assist in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka
• To undertake other charitable activities decided by the Trust

Main projects

1. IT Labs: Commercial Bank CSR Trust provided over 350 fully equipped IT labs to underserved schools, broadening digital access for students, supporting technological literacy across communities, fostering digital skills that are essential in a modern educational landscape.
2. Math Labs: Aiming to improve logical thinking and advancing mathematical skills, the Bank has established 122 Math Labs. These labs provide practical resources that help students develop essential quantitative abilities for academic success.
3. STEM Classrooms: With 175 STEM classrooms established, the Bank actively promotes science, technology, engineering, and math education. This aligns with global education trends, preparing students for future tech-driven industries and meeting workforce needs.
4. Koggala Lagoon Conservation: To counter erosion in Koggala Lagoon, a mangrove planting strategy using mud-filled barrels is implemented. This project combines community involvement and sustainable practices like eco-tourism, showing a commitment to environmental restoration and local engagement.
5. Sea Turtle Conservation: In collaboration with Wildlife and Ocean Resource Conservation, the Bank supported turtle conservation by protecting nests and raising community awareness. Since 2019, over 85,000 turtles have been released, contributing to biodiversity and ecological awareness.
6. Coral Reef Initiative: Through a partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka, the “Life to Our Coral Reefs” project in Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary aiming to restore threatened coral ecosystems. Following IUCN guidelines, this five-year project emphasizes coral conservation and community education.
7. Hospital Equipment Donations: The CSR Trust contributed essential care equipment and improved infrastructure in more than 100 government hospitals, addressing gaps in healthcare resources. This initiative ensures access to quality care, supporting public health and hospital efficiency.
8. Water Storage for Kidney Patients: Partnering with a kidney disease research center, 5000-liter water tanks were distributed to 75 families in Ginnoruwa, addressing water accessibility issues and promoting health.
9. 'Adopt an Ambulance': In collaboration with the 1990 Suwasariya Foundation, two ambulances were sponsored to support emergency medical services, reinforcing the Bank's commitment to healthcare accessibility.
10. Coding Clubs: Introduced 100 coding clubs in government schools, teaching coding to 20,000 students and preparing them for digital careers.
11. Empowering Future Tech Leaders: Over 3,000 youths enhanced IT skills via free CISCO Networking Academy courses, supported by the Bank’s CSR Trust for career-ready certifications.
12. Online Learning Platform: Launched ‘Sipnena’ smart school project for distance learning and trained 1000 teachers providing online learning platform to modernize education through digital resources.
13. Cloud Technician Training Initiative: Launched a free, 3-month, full-time online AWS Cloud Technician Training program, selecting 62 individuals for cloud careers through technical and professional skills training, leading to entry-level cloud roles.
14. Smart Schools Initiative: Initiated ‘Smart Schools’ for modern teaching processes in select schools.
15. Scholarships: Awarded scholarships to over 350 undergraduates those who entered to local universities.
16. Vocational Training Support: Supported Vocational Training Authority; coordinated for providing over 200 jobs to early school leavers in construction sector.
17. Empowering Futures Through Mobile Repair Training: A one-month, full-time mobile repair program, launched with a reputed Vocational Training Institute, supporting 78 underprivileged students in building income-generating skills.
18. Agricultural Support: Contributed Rs. 5 million in donating agriculture machinery to farming community for the “Thuru Mithuru Nawa Ratak” project; supplied milk containers to farmers in Northern area.
19. Flood Relief: Distributed essential items to over 6,000 families affected by floods.
20. Water Supply Project: Constructed a 60-foot height water tank in Nimalawa Aranya for meditative monks.
21. Cultural Heritage Projects: Restored Sri Pada stairway and built a museum in Kiriwehera, Katharagama.
22. Gardening Project: Completed growing carbon dioxide absorbent trees at the National Hospital to reduce air pollution.
23. Herpetology Research: In collaboration with the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka, supported for research led to the discovery of a new snake species, Indotyphlops ComBank, which is endemic to Sri Lanka.