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
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.
The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.
The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.
The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.
To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com
Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.
Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.
The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.
Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.
Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.
As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.
Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”
Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.
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