NDB wins Euromoney Award for Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) has been honoured with the prestigious Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion award at Euromoney Awards 2024.

This recognition underscores the bank’s dedication to fostering a workplace culture that champions diversity, equity and gender equality, marking it as a leader in inclusive banking practices within Sri Lanka’s financial sector.

The award acknowledges NDB’s multi-faceted approach to promoting a work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and every individual is empowered to achieve his or her full potential. This includes policies and practices designed to support gender equality, eliminate biases and provide equitable opportunities for all employees. In light of its commitment, NDB was recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s Most Outstanding Women-Friendly Workplaces in 2023, reinforcing its role as a progressive employer that actively supports gender inclusivity.

One of NDB’s flagship initiatives, the Fearlessly Female programme, is aimed at empowering women within the organisation and across communities. It seeks to inspire, support and mentor women, fostering an environment where female talent is nurtured and celebrated. This initiative aligns with the bank’s broader Banking on Women platform, driven under the Araliya brand, which provides targeted financial solutions for women from various walks of life—including working women, homemakers, women-led enterprises and female entrepreneurs. By offering affordable financing, skills development programmes and advisory services on debt management and financial literacy, NDB goes beyond traditional banking to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in Sri Lanka.

NDB has also achieved EDGE Certification, an internationally recognised accreditation for its efforts in gender equity, highlighting the bank’s commitment to providing an equitable workplace. This certification reflects NDB’s dedication to policies that ensure equal opportunities, transparency in pay and a balanced representation of women in leadership roles.

NDB Bank CEO Kelum Edirisinghe remarked, “Our recognition as the Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion is a proud moment for NDB. We believe that creating an inclusive work environment is fundamental to our success, as it brings diverse perspectives that drive innovation and excellence. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment that champions equality and supports the growth and development of all our employees.”

The Banking on Women platform is not limited to entrepreneurship but also extends support to working women and homemakers, providing them with access to a range of financial solutions and advisory services designed to uplift their financial well-being. Under the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana programme, NDB continues to celebrate and empower women by providing opportunities for recognition, skill development and financial growth. Since its launch in 2020, this initiative has grown to be the largest private-sector women’s empowerment programme in the country.

NDB’s recognition at Euromoney Awards 2024 stands as a testament to the bank’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across all facets of its operations.