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DFCC Bank wins global award for Sri Lanka’s first Listed Blue Bond

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DFCC Bank PLC has been recognised at the Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards 2026, winning the “Innovation – Use of Proceeds (Green Bond)” category for its DFCC Blue Bond 2025, Sri Lanka’s first listed blue bond.

The award places a Sri Lankan capital market transaction on the global stage, recognising an approach that directs funding towards water and marine-related priorities through a structured framework with measurable outcomes.

Issued in November 2025, the DFCC Blue Bond raised LKR 3 billion (approximately US$10 million), extending green bond principles into the blue economy. The instrument was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, with additional listings across international exchanges including NSE IX at GIFT City, India INX, and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s Luxembourg Green Exchange.

Proceeds from the bond are allocated across defined categories including marine pollution prevention, ecosystem conservation, coastal climate adaptation, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, clean water infrastructure, marine renewable energy, and low-carbon transport. The framework links financing to measurable indicators such as emissions reduced, wastewater treated, ecosystems restored, and improved access to clean water.

The transaction is significant not only for introducing a new asset class to Sri Lanka’s capital markets, but also for addressing a longstanding gap in financing for blue economy sectors. As an island nation, Sri Lanka’s economic and environmental stability is closely tied to its coastal and marine ecosystems, yet investment in these areas has historically been limited.

Commenting on the recognition, Thimal Perera, Director/Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank PLC, said: “The DFCC Blue Bond reflects our intent to move beyond traditional financing and help shape how capital is directed towards the areas that matter most for Sri Lanka’s future. For an island economy, investment in water, coastal, and marine ecosystems is fundamental to long-term sustainability and growth. As Sri Lanka’s first listed blue bond, with listings across both domestic and international exchanges, it was designed to establish a credible and scalable framework for the market. This recognition reinforces the role that disciplined, transparent financing can play in setting new benchmarks for emerging economies.”

The bond framework was supported by independent pre-issuance assurance from KPMG Sri Lanka, with technical assistance provided by the Global Green Growth Institute, strengthening its governance, transparency, and credibility.

As Sri Lanka’s first listed blue bond, the issuance provides a practical model for mobilising domestic capital towards environmental priorities. It also sets a benchmark for future sustainable debt instruments, both locally and across emerging island economies seeking to finance resilience, biodiversity protection, and long-term growth.



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SLT-MOBITEL empowers over 1,000 students across Sri Lanka with World Children’s Day educational initiatives

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Children participate in the World Children’s Day celebrations supported by SLT-MOBITEL to foster inclusive education and holistic youth development

SLT-MOBITEL reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive education and empowering the next generation through a series of initiatives to mark World Children’s Day. Benefiting over 1,000 students at Gamini Primary College in Kalawana and Sidhartha Vidyalaya in Walikadamulla, Wattala, the initiatives combine technology-enabled learning with essential educational support, expanding opportunities for children to learn, grow and reach their full potential.

Strengthening access to digital education in rural Sri Lanka, SLT-MOBITEL gifted a state-of-the-art Smart Classroom facility to Gamini Primary College in Kalawana. Equipped with a high-speed SLT-MOBITEL fibre connection and an advanced interactive Smart Board, the facility introduces modern digital learning capabilities into the classroom, creating an enriched and interactive learning environment.The facility benefits over 900 students and their teachers by providing access to digital learning platforms, interactive educational content and a wealth of online educational resources.

SLT-MOBITEL donated essential school supplies to 150 students at Sidhartha Vidyalaya in Walikadamulla, Wattala. Bringing together students from diverse communities in a shared learning environment, the school provides an important foundation for inclusive education. The donation aims to support students’ day-to-day learning needs, enhance their educational experiences and encourage them to pursue their academic aspirations.

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Lakarcade joins UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka

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Tourists explore traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts at Lakarcade, which recently joined the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka to advance sustainable corporate growth and support local artisan communities

Lakarcade (Pvt) Ltd, a Sri Lankan novelty gift and souvenir retailer, has been accepted as a participant of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.

Through its participation in the United Nations’ global corporate sustainability initiative, Lakarcade has committed to aligning its operations and strategies with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles covering human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.

The company connects Sri Lankan cultural heritage and craftsmanship with international visitors and global markets, while supporting independent artisans, traditional craftsmen and community-based creators across the country.

Lakarcade said its participation in the network would help strengthen these initiatives by integrating structured sustainability practices and ethical standards more deeply into its operations and supply chains.

Commenting on the development, CEO and Managing Director Anil Koswatte said joining the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka marked an important milestone for the company and reinforced its commitment to responsible business practices.

He said the company would continue to promote Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, support local artisan communities and embed sustainable practices across its showrooms and supply chains.

The United Nations Global Compact and its local networks encourage businesses worldwide to align their strategies and operations with universal principles and take action to advance societal goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a participant of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, Lakarcade expects to collaborate with local industry peers to promote transparent and responsible corporate growth.

Further information about Lakarcade and its sustainability initiatives is available at www.lakarcade.lk and at its flagship showroom and other outlets in Colombo.

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Otherland Hotels debuts in Sri Lanka with the launch of Otherland Galle

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From left: Emanuel, Rishi and Samarth

Otherland Hotels has officially entered Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape with the debut of its flagship property, Otherland Galle, which opened its doors on October 12, 2026. Founded by Rishi Sreedharan, Samarth Gowda, and Emanuel Siddhartha in partnership with the Beryll Group, the independent lifestyle brand introduces a fresh hospitality paradigm anchored in “FreeState Luxury”—a concept centered on accessibility, self-expression, and community-driven design over conventional luxury.

Situated on Matara Road—just 400 meters from Dewata Beach and 2.8 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort—the 66-key hotel blends regional surf culture and coastal aesthetics. Designed by Studio Camarada, the property’s fluid interiors feature natural textures, rattan, and coastal tones across a diverse mix of 24 Ocean Rooms, 25 Terra Rooms, 12 suites, 5 shared dormitories, and accessible units, catering to everything from solo travelers to large groups.

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