Commercial Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment on International Women’s Day 2026

Commercial Bank Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Sanath Manatunge

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Commercial Bank of Ceylon reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment across 

Sri Lanka under its theme, “Forward Together. Invest in Her.”

Aligned with the global call to accelerate progress towards gender equality, the Bank continues to drive meaningful impact through inclusive financial solutions, targeted capacity-building programmes and customer wellbeing initiatives. Commenting on these efforts, Mr. Sanath Manatunge - Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer at Commercial Bank, shared insights into the Bank’s ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering women and strengthening their contribution to the nation’s economic growth.  

Q Why does Commercial Bank place strong emphasis on supporting women?

Women represent more than 52% of Sri Lanka’s population, yet their contribution to the country’s economic output reflects significant room for further growth. This highlights the importance of strengthening opportunities that enhance women’s participation in the economy and support their economic advancement.

At Commercial Bank, we firmly believe that empowering women is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic investment in sustainable economic development. When women have access to resources, opportunities, and financial independence, the benefits extend beyond individuals, helping strengthen families, build resilient communities, and drive broader economic progress.

This is why our Women’s Day theme, “Forward Together. Invest in Her,” reflects our belief that meaningful progress requires collective action. By investing in women today through financial access, knowledge, and opportunities, we create a stronger foundation for the future.

Q How does Commercial Bank support and empower women through its initiatives?

At Commercial Bank, our commitment to women’s empowerment goes far beyond a single day of recognition. Investing in women is a continuous journey, embedded in our products, services, community initiatives and internal policies.

We support women through a holistic ecosystem that combines financial solutions with non-financial initiatives designed to strengthen confidence, knowledge and long term financial stability.

Our financial offerings provide women with tailored banking solutions to manage their personal finances, grow their businesses and build assets. At the same time, our non-financial initiatives focus on financial literacy, skill development, wellbeing and mentorship, enabling women to make informed decisions a4nd unlock their full potential.

This dual approach ensures that women are not only given access to capital, but are also equipped with the knowledge and networks necessary to succeed. 

Q In what ways does Commercial Bank provide financial solutions to support women’s growth?

Commercial Bank’s flagship women’s banking proposition, “Anagi,” plays a central role in our strategy to empower women financially. Developed in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) under the IFC–DFAT Women in Work Programme, Anagi leverages global expertise to expand access to finance for women.

The Anagi portfolio offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions tailored to women at different stages of life and business. These include savings accounts, credit cards, pawning facilities, instant loans and specially designed business loans for Women Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (WSMEs).

These products are designed to enhance financial security, improve liquidity and support the sustainable growth of women-led enterprises.

In addition, the Bank has extended support to women entrepreneurs through the NCGIL Credit Guarantee Scheme, which enables women to obtain financing without traditional collateral requirements. By reducing these barriers, the initiative helps women expand their businesses with greater confidence and stability.

Further reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity, Commercial Bank established its first exclusively women-staffed Women’s Banking Centre in the Northern Region and is exploring opportunities to set up additional centres in key regions.

Q Beyond financial solutions, what other support mechanisms does the Bank offer to women? 

Commercial Bank actively invests in nonfinancial and capacity-building initiatives to support women’s personal and professional growth.

In 2025, the Bank supported more than 5,000 women through financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship development initiatives, trade fairs, capacity building workshops, and knowledge sharing forums across the country. These programmes help strengthen financial management skills, enhance business capabilities, and support women entrepreneurs to expand their networks and opportunities.

The Bank also promotes women’s wellbeing through health awareness initiatives, including breast cancer awareness programmes, while supporting youth empowerment through early financial education. In 2025, over 850 schoolgirls were reached through financial literacy and financial planning awareness programmes.

These initiatives help create a more financially confident, healthy, and empowered generation of women. 

Q What initiatives does Commercial Bank carry out to mark International Women’s Day?

Commercial Bank will conduct a series of initiatives throughout March to celebrate and empower women across Sri Lanka.

As part of these activities, the Bank will host an exclusive panel discussion for women entrepreneurs, with around 200 participants expected to attend. The session will provide valuable insights into mentoring, leadership development, and entrepreneurship through experienced industry professionals and business leaders.

The Bank will also organize a dedicated medical camp for approximately 200 female janitorial workers, offering medical check-ups including breast cancer screening, eye examinations, and diet and nutrition guidance to support women’s wellbeing.

At branch level, Anagi Trade Fairs, capacity-building programmes, and customer awareness sessions will be conducted to support women entrepreneurs and strengthen financial, leadership, and digital skills.

Beyond March, Commercial Bank will continue expanding its women empowerment initiatives throughout the year. 

Q What is your message for International Women’s Day 2026?

Women are powerful drivers of progress in business, in communities and within families. Their leadership, resilience and innovation continue to shape the future of our society.

This International Women’s Day, our message is simple yet powerful: “Forward Together – Invest in Her.” Investing in women is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for sustainable economic and social development. When women are empowered with the right opportunities, resources and support systems, their success creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities and future generations.

At Commercial Bank, we remain committed to standing beside women at every stage of their journey supporting their ambitions, celebrating their achievements and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Because when women move forward, the nation moves forward with them.