Business
Commercial Bank Bangladesh redefines online banking with omni-channel ‘CBC Digital’
Commercial Bank Bangladesh, Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s largest overseas operation, has transformed the online banking experience it offers customers with the launch of ‘CBC Digital’ – the Bank’s single omni-channel online banking platform.
Akin to ‘ComBank Digital’ implemented in Sri Lanka in 2020, ‘CBC Digital’ represents a synergy of the Bank’s web and mobile applications to offer a range of digital banking services from basic account inquiries, payments and transfers, bill payment options for business users, multiple payments options via file uploads, group payments, and other functionalities.
‘CBC Digital’ is operable as a web application and as a mobile application with native apps compatible with iOS, Android, and Huawei mobile devices, and complies with international standards and best practices adopted to provide utmost user security, the Bank said.
The Bank said it will migrate its existing online users to the new platform. Among other advantages, customers can self-register on the app, settle utility bills and Commercial Bank credit card balances, transfer funds between the Bank and other bank accounts and open fixed deposits and redeem them, all without any paperwork, which will also contribute towards a greener environment.
Commenting on the launch of this platform, Commercial Bank Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer S Renganathan said: “This is yet another milestone in Commercial Bank’s digital transformation. It enables our customers in Bangladesh to seamlessly access our products and services, in most cases, without the assistance of a bank agent. This user-friendly platform was launched to simplify online banking, improve user convenience and enable customers to manage their finances swiftly and securely, even on the go. With its host of customisable options, we envision that ‘CBC Digital’ will provide a new digital banking experience.”
‘CBC Digital’ will especially improve card-related functions, including cash advances, bill settlement, and bill payments. Users can also request for cash margin loans and overdrafts, download a copy of their account statements in PDF form, personalise and rename accounts, manage functions such as beneficiary registration and template creation, set transaction limits via the platform and benefit from its enhanced alert module by customising login and transaction alerts.
Commercial Bank currently has banking operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a subsidiary in the Maldives, and said it aims to provide a single digital platform to customers across markets, giving them a unified digital banking experience.
A leader in tech-based products and services, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon was recognised as the Best Digital Bank in Sri Lanka by the Global Economics Magazine of the UK in 2021, won the award for the ‘Best Digital Transformation in Banking’ from the Business Tabloid Magazine of the UK and was presented the ‘Banking and Financial Services’ Category Award by the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) for its case study on robotic process automation (RPA). ‘ComBank Digital’ is also among the top five apps in the iOS rating list.
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 19 years that followed, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Bangladesh operation has established itself above other regional banks operating in the country with 11 branches, six SME Centres and two Offshore Banking Units.
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.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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