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ComBank Digital wins AFTA award for ‘Best Frictionless Credit Evaluation Initiative’

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Representatives of the Commercial Bank accept the AFTA award (From left) Commercial Bank Senior Manager - Digital Banking Unit Ms Chamindaa Fernando, the Bank’s Manager – IT Ms Nadika Nagahawatte, the President of the Fintech Association of Sri Lanka Rajkumar Kanagasingam, the Association’s Senior Advisor Dr Tissa Jayaweera, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dharmasri Kumaratunge and the Bank’s Executive Officer - Integrated Risk Management Department Malinda Liyanage.

A facility provided by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon for personal loans to be applied for online, has been adjudged the ‘Best Frictionless Credit Evaluation Initiative’ in Sri Lanka by the Asian FinTech Academy (AFTA).

The award was presented to the Bank at the ‘Asian Digital Finance Forum and Awards’ at the Hilton Colombo recently, in recognition of the strides made by ComBank Digital, the Bank’s single omni-channel digital banking platform, to improve the digital banking experience for customers with enhanced functionality, convenience and security.

The Personal Loan Request feature on ComBank Digital makes it possible for customers to request a personal loan without visiting a bank branch. All correspondence is conducted via the online platform, eliminating paperwork and there by promoting eco-friendly practices in addition to enhancing convenience.

“We are delighted to win this award, which reaffirms the success of our efforts to provide frictionless access to services as part of our digital transformation,” Commercial Bank’s Head of Retail Products and Digital Channels Mr Pradeep Banduwansa said. “We are constantly looking to push the boundaries in terms of functionality, without compromising security and user-friendliness. Many exciting new features are in the pipeline for ComBank Digital users.”

One of the top five financial apps in use in Sri Lanka, ‘ComBank Digital’ was launched in 2020, is fully compatible with iOS, Android and Huawei operating systems, and complies with international standards and best practices adopted to provide utmost user security. The platform provides seamless transitions across all devices including desktop computers, tablet computers and mobile phones for ComBank Digital Customers. Anyone with a Commercial Bank account can self-register online for this facility, and enjoy its features, which include opening new accounts and applying for loans without visiting a branch.

ComBank Digital is designed to enable users to manage their finances swiftly and securely on the go with a range of built-in options that allow them to self-manage their digital banking preferences on their own without the assistance of a bank agent. Standard services such as checking balances of current, savings, investment, loan, and credit card accounts, applying for Fixed Deposits, Personal Loans and Housing Loans, investing in Treasury Bills and effecting payments for share trading can be carried out securely via ComBank Digital.

Additionally, ‘ComBank Digital’ effects all transactions between own accounts, to third-party Commercial Bank accounts and to accounts in other banks on a real-time basis, and customers can request for a credit card cash advance facility via the platform. ‘ComBank Digital’ also supports bill payments to more than 68 entities in nine categories such as Telephone, Electricity, Water, Credit Cards, Insurance, Pay TV, Education, Schools and Rates.

For those in business, ComBank Digital has enabled payments to government authorities such as the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) for cargo, vessel, and entry permit payments, Sri Lanka Customs, Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Employees Trust Fund (ETF), Import and Export Control Department (IECD) and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).

Commercial Bank’s achievements in the development and deployment of IT-enabled banking services and products have been recognised with multiple awards, including most recently, Best Digital Transformation in Banking’ and ‘Best Mobile Banking Application’ from Business Tabloid Magazine, a leading business magazine of the UK; Best Digital Banking – Sri Lanka 2021 from Global Economics magazine, UK; and the Banking and Financial Services Category Award presented by the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) for its case study on robotic process automation (RPA).

Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon neutral bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 11 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 268 branches and 938 automated machines in Sri Lanka. Commercial Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 19 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.



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Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook

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The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm's engagement with its growing client base.

Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.

The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.

The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.

Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.

Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.

The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.

Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.

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Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund

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The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.

Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.

As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.

This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.

This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.

Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

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NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana

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Samitha Waidyasekera CEO - NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd

NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.

The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.

The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.

Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.

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