In a powerful step toward environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, NDB Bank is proud to announce its partnership with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) to support the expansion of the WNPS Youth Wing’s ‘Education for Conservation’ program to ten schools in the Kurunegala District. The official MoU signing for this partnership took place on 20th June at NDB Bank premises with representatives from both WNPS and the Bank present. This initiative is part of NDB’s broader commitment to empowering future generations to lead with purpose, passion, and a deep respect for the environment.
The program will engage over 500 schoolchildren annually, creating a lasting impact through education, leadership training, and hands-on environmental action. Through a carefully designed structure, students will participate in workshops covering themes such as biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and sustainability, while also receiving mentorship to launch school-based sustainability projects and citizen science initiatives.
“At NDB, we believe that creating a sustainable future begins with educating and equipping our youth,” said Lasantha Dassanayaka, the Head of NDB Bank’s Corporate Sustainability Committee, “This partnership with WNPS reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, conservation, and holistic nation-building. We are not just funding a program, we are investing in the environmental consciousness of tomorrow’s leaders.”
Echoing his sentiments, Shontaal Manuelpillai, the Co-Chairperson of WNPS Youth Wing stated “Positive change starts within your communities, and schools are one of the first points of action. The WNPS Youth Wing is excited to start a new chapter in the ‘Education for Conservation’ journey of youth inspiring youth creating the next generation of thoughtful leaders”
As a financial and brand partner of the initiative, NDB will support a range of activities across the program’s lifecycle, including:
- Awareness-building sessions conducted in schools
- Field-based nature education events and reforestation drives
- A district-level felicitation ceremony to honour impactful student projects
- Special leadership development training for top-performing youth ambassadors
Additionally, students selected as district ambassadors will be supported through a dedicated stipend facilitated via NDB accounts, strengthening the connection between responsible banking and responsible living. NDB staff will also play an active role in engaging with the program through volunteering and mentorship, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration and shared purpose.
The WNPS Youth Wing Program has already proven its effectiveness in multiple districts, cultivating environmentally literate youth and inspiring grassroots action. With NDB’s support, the program now enters the Kurunegala District with renewed energy and expanded capacity, aiming to build a vibrant network of 100 youth leaders, 10 sustainability action projects, and 10 biodiversity monitoring initiatives.
This partnership also supports NDB’s ESG-aligned sustainability agenda, where environmental protection, community education, and inclusive leadership development form integral pillars of the Bank’s purpose-driven strategy.
NDB Bank remains committed to being a force for good—enabling transformation not just in financial ecosystems, but in the ecological and social landscapes of Sri Lanka. Through this initiative, the Bank invites students, educators, and the broader community to come together in safeguarding the natural world and shaping a future built on awareness, resilience, and respect for the planet.
NDB Bank, in collaboration with the Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), conducted a series of environment-focused ‘Fireside Chats’ at the SDG HUB during the 59th Colombo Scout Camporee held at Viharamahadevi Park. The SDG HUB served as a dedicated space to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through ‘Fireside Chats’ with engaging discussions and activities. The goal was to offer insights and inspiration to drive positive change through the SDGs.
The Fireside Chats were graced by eminent and passionate advocates of the UN SDGs including Ms. Narmadha Dangampola, President of the Butterfly Conservation Society of Sri Lanka (BCSSL); Professor Deepthi Wickramasinghe; and Mr. Thilina Kumarasiri, Senior Research Officer of the WNPS ANRM Project. These sessions delved into the ‘Champions for Nature’ Challenge, emphasising wildlife and forest conservation and instilling a sense of awareness and responsibility toward preserving Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. Participants also received valuable training on how to take field notes with special gifts given for those who identified the most species in then Park. The Bank’s officers also educated the Scouts on the importance of saving our precious resources.
The Scout Camporee saw the active participation of approximately 3,000 Scouts representing over 60 schools. As part of this partnership, NDB Bank reinforced its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, aligning with its broader vision to empower Sri Lanka’s youth to be agents of positive change. This collaboration with the WNPS Youth Wing not only reflected NDB’s dedication to sustainability but also showcased the Bank’s role in fostering environmental consciousness among the younger generation.
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), with its 130-year legacy as the third-oldest conservation organisation in the world and the first in Sri Lanka, continues to champion significant conservation milestones in the country. Through its Youth Wing, established in 2017, the organisation has reached over 10,000 students, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to combat climate change and protect nature.
NDB Bank is proud to have partnered in this impactful initiative and remains steadfast in its mission to contribute to a sustainable future by nurturing environmental awareness and encouraging meaningful action among Sri Lanka’s youth.
NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka's Best Bank for Corporates at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024 and was awarded Domestic Retail Bank of the Year - Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Domestic Project Finance Bank of the Year by Asian Banking and Finance Magazine (Singapore) Awards 2024. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.
NDB reached out to ‘Vheragalayaya Kanishta Vidyalaya, Matale’, to upgrade facilities in the school and support the students in their education. This project is complementary to the bank’s ‘Reforestation Project’ which was implemented at the ‘Hibiliyakada Forest’ at Laggala, Matale. The goal of the bank was to go beyond the reforestation project and assist the community in the area.
The bank assisted the school as follows:
- Installing a ‘Water Purification Plant’ to combat kidney disease
- Upgrading the computer lab and donating used computers
- Supplying the stationery needs of the entire school
- Granting 10 scholarships
The bank conducted a series of awareness sessions to address some of the key challenges faced by the villagers of Veheragalagama.The sessions included:
- Climate Smart Agriculture’ conducted by Mr. E.M. Thilak Wickramasinghe - Agriculture Coordinator, Janathakshan
- Financial Literacy to Uplift Livelihood Management’ conducted by Mr. Nilendra Ahangama - Senior Relationship Manager, NDB Colombo Region
- Prevention of Child Abuse’ conducted by Mr. Buddhika Premarathne - Divisional Child Protection Officer National Child Protection Authority - District Office Matale.
- Avoiding Alcohol/Drug Abuse & Creating a Happy Family’ conducted by Ms. Nihathamani Bulathsinghala - District Outreach Officer, Counselling Assistant National Dangerous Drugs Control Board - District Office Matale