ComBank wins double at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

Adjudged overall runner-up and joint winner in Banking sector for 2022 Annual Report

The 2022 Annual Report of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon was adjudged the overall runner-up and joint winner in the Banking category at the Sustainability Reporting Awards presented recently by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Awarding the overall runner-up award to Commercial Bank, the ACCA judges noted that “The bank has submitted an excellent report which covers all material aspects of its business, showing concern for the community at risk in these difficult economic times.”

In their comments on the Bank’s victory in the Banking category, the judges said: “The guiding principles for sustainability are well expressed. 50% of the SME portfolio is devoted to women in the SME sector. There is an excellent sustainability framework which includes UNGC and SDGs. The business model integrates ESG considerations. The contribution to the national health services and to environmental institutions such as in relation to coast conservation are a valuable contribution to national wellbeing. Employees are subject to training in sustainability needs.”

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s 2022 Annual Report also won three Golds and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2023, excelling in key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.

The Bank was adjudged the best overall for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ and for Digitally Transformative Reporting’ taking two Golds in the main category awards, and won the Gold for the best annual report in the Banking sector, in addition to taking the Bronze for ‘Overall Excellence in Corporate Reporting.”