Business
ComBank’s Bangladesh operation wins 4 top awards at ICC Emerging Asia Banking Awards
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been honoured with four prestigious awards for its Bangladesh operations by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), at the Emerging Asia Banking Awards 2024.
Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC – Bangladesh operations was adjudged the Best Foreign Bank in Bangladesh, and received the awards for Best Performance of Growth, Best Performance in Asset Quality and Best Performance in Risk Management among foreign banks operating in Bangladesh.
These awards are based on an analysis of key performance indicators in areas such as profitability, efficiency, management and sustainability, including a comparison of growth achieved in assets, advances, deposits, investments, interest income and profits, as well as figures for non-performing assets, capital adequacy ratios, green loans and CSR expenditure.
The Emerging Asia Banking Conclave and Awards ceremony took place in New Delhi and was themed ‘Leading in the Digital Paradigm.’
Congratulating the Commercial Bank Bangladesh team on its achievements at the ICC Emerging Asia Banking Awards, Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said: “Our Bangladesh operation has been a source of pride and inspiration virtually from its inception, and is now an important contributor to Group performance. These awards are an excellent tribute to the professionalism and commitment of our team in Bangladesh.”
The CEO of Commercial Bank’s Bangladesh operations Najith Meewanage added: “These awards are a great source of encouragement to every member of our staff across our 20 outlets, because they demonstrate what can be achieved through dedication and hard work, even in times of challenge. We are elated, in particular, to be declared the best foreign bank in Bangladesh, in addition to winning the best performance awards in three categories.”
Notably, Commercial Bank’s Bangladesh operations received a ‘AAA’ (Triple A) Long Term credit rating from Credit Rating Information and Services Ltd (CRISL) for 2024. This was the 14th consecutive year that Commercial Bank Bangladesh received the highest credit rating given to a financial institution in Bangladesh.
Commercial Bank entered Bangladesh in July 2003 with the acquisition of the Bangladesh operations of Credit Agricole Indosuez (CAI), its first ever acquisition of a banking operation. The French multi-national bank operated two branches and two booths in Bangladesh at that time.
Over the 21 years that followed, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Bangladesh operation has established itself above other regional banks operating in the country with 20 outlets, comprising of eight branches in Dhaka, (Motijjheel, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Uttara, Pantopath, Mirpur, Tejgaon), one each in Chattogram, Sylhet and Narayanganj, two specialised Off-shore Banking Units in Dhaka (Gulshan and Chattogram – CEPZ) and six SME Centres in Old Dhaka (Dhaka), Progati Sarani (Dhaka), Shantinagar (Dhaka), Tongi (Dhaka), Jubilee Road (Chattogram) and CDA Avenue (Chattogram) and a booth in the US embassy.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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