Environment

In commemoration of the International Biodiversity Day, NDB Bank has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental conservation, as CEO Kelum Edirisinghe and NDB staff volunteered for mangrove restoration activities. This on-going effort is part of the 'Life to Our Mangroves' project, a collaborative Public-Private-Community Partnership and Multi-Partner initiative between NDB Bank, Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Wayamba University (WUSL) and other private sector companies.

The project, initiated in 2022, has progressed successfully. The science-based approach has provided valuable insight to overcome challenges and obtain a better growth rate. Community involvement has also been a key element in this journey. By enhancing ecological functions, habitat quality, and species diversity, the project contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem services, aligning with NDB's commitment to sustainability.

During the restoration activities, volunteers, including the CEO and members of NDB's leadership team, planted 600 mangrove seeds and assisted in research activities on plant growth covering 03 hectares of the project site.  The Volunteers were also educated on the importance of the project, the benefits of the project, the challenges faced and the lessons learned. The highlight of this awareness session was the success stories shared by officials from BSL, DWC, and WUSL, evidencing the strides made through this Blue Carbon Project in mitigating Climate Change.

NDB's CEO, Kelum Edirisinghe, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "NDB is proud to be at the forefront of this globally recognised initiative, where we are not just planting mangroves; we are restoring an entire ecosystem & the benefits that come with it. These ecological, economic and social benefits will not only be felt by the community but will cascade to the entire nation and will also create a sense of pride and purpose among our employees, as we work together towards a greener future."

Through initiatives like the 'Life to Our Mangroves' project, NDB Bank continues to lead by example in environmental stewardship, embodying its commitment to responsible business practices and sustainable value creation.

NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. The Bank was named the Retail Bank of the Year (Sri Lanka) at Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2023 and the Best Corporate Bank 2023 by Asiamoney and also emerged as the Most Awarded Corporate in Sri Lanka in 2022 for the second consecutive year, as per the annual rankings of Sri Lankan publication LMD. The Bank was adjudged the Best Bank in Sri Lanka 2022 by Global Finance USA and Euromoney in their annual best bank awards programmes. Additionally, The Bank was named one of the "Top 50 Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka 2022" by Great Place To Work, USA. 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 Bank has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Clean Ocean Force Lanka (COF) to launch two transformative projects aimed at combating marine pollution and fostering sustainable ecosystems. This collaboration makes NDB the first local bank to engage with COF for underwater dive clean-ups, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The partnership includes two key initiatives: the Negombo Lagoon Cleanup Project and the Underwater Dive Cleanups and Reef Conservation Project. The Negombo Lagoon initiative targets the removal of plastic waste and pollutants from the lagoon and its surrounding mangroves, a critical ecosystem for biodiversity. In addition to cleanup efforts, the project aims to educate and engage the local community on the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems, creating a long-term impact through awareness and conservation practices.
The Underwater Dive Cleanups project takes NDB’s efforts to greater depths, focusing on removing plastic and marine debris from coral reefs and ocean beds in strategic locations across Sri Lanka. By supporting COF’s underwater initiatives, NDB is actively contributing to the restoration of coral reefs, which are vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection. This pioneering effort cements NDB’s leadership in environmental stewardship, as it becomes the first local bank to take on this crucial responsibility.
This partnership provides a platform for the Bank to address marine pollution through an integrated approach that tackles the issue at multiple levels. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lasantha Dasanayake, Head of Group HR of NDB, emphasised, “As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to addressing urgent environmental challenges such as marine pollution. Through this partnership with COF, we aim to create a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems and inspire others to join this cause.”
This partnership is a reflection of NDB’s vision of building a sustainable future while enhancing its role as a leader in sustainability-driven initiatives. By expanding its marine conservation efforts to encompass beach, lagoon, and underwater ecosystems, NDB sets an example for the corporate sector, showcasing how businesses can contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation. Through these initiatives, NDB continues to uphold its commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for all.
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.

Twenty-four staff members from NDB Bank participated in a meaningful volunteer initiative on 10 October 2025 at the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a vital Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. The programme was conducted under the Life of Our Mangrove project, in collaboration with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) and The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS).
The session began with representatives from BSL and WNPS briefing the volunteers on the project’s objectives and the ecological importance of mangrove restoration. Participants were also introduced to invasive species in the area, with special emphasis on Ipil Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), which poses a significant threat to the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary.Following the briefing, volunteers were divided into four groups to conduct a systematic vegetation survey, identifying and documenting the spread of Ipil Ipil and other plant species across allocated plots. The team also planted 150 true mangrove seedlings, contributing directly to habitat restoration.
The data collected during this exercise will serve as the baseline study for the project team, enabling them to plan and execute the targeted removal of invasive Ipil Ipil. This science-based approach ensures that restoration efforts are well-informed and effective.Through their active participation, NDB staff contributed directly to safeguarding one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant wetland environments. The programme reflects the bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship and collaborative conservation action.
This ongoing effort is part of the Life of Our Mangroves project, a collaborative Public-Private-Community Partnership and multi-partner initiative involving NDB Bank, BSL, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Wayamba University (WUSL), and other private sector partners. NDB partnered with ‘Biodiversity Sri Lanka’ (BSL) to restore 1 hectare of degraded mangrove forest, within a period of 5 years.Since its inception in 2022, the project has progressed successfully. The science-based approach has provided valuable insights to overcome challenges and achieve better mangrove growth rates. Community involvement has also been a key element of this journey.
By enhancing ecological functions, habitat quality, and species diversity, the project contributes significantly to biodiversity and ecosystem services, aligning closely with NDB’s commitment to sustainability.

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