CARBON FOOTPRINT JOURNEY

In 2015, we began the journey of calculating our carbon footprint, and by 2015/16, had achieved a significant milestone in becoming the first ISO 14064-1 carbon verified financial institution in South Asia, recognized by Sri Lanka Carbon Fund.

Carbon Footprint for 2023/24:

Our total carbon emissions for FY 2023/24 were 2,241 tCO2e – indirect emissions accounted for 79.53%, while direct emissions comprised 20.47%.

CLIMATE TRANSITION PLAN IN COLLABORATION WITH IFC

As part of our commitment to support Sri Lanka's climate goals, CDB is working towards achieving Net Zero emissions through our business operations. To guide this journey, we are developing a comprehensive climate transition plan that aligns with global standards and scientific targets.

In collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), we are conducting a carbon baseline analysis, expanding our green finance products, and creating a business model for carbon credit aggregation. These initiatives are key to helping us reach our Net Zero goal by 2030, while contributing to a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka.

ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

As part of its Sustainability Agenda, CDB together with global and local partners, initiated the Haritha Coalition to promote EVs in Sri Lanka in which eShift is one of its progressive steps. eShift, a key initiative by CDB and VEGA Innovations as Technology Partner is more than a project; it’s a purpose-led sustainable model designed to accelerate sustainable mobility solutions in Sri Lanka. It focuses on creating a comprehensive ecosystem for EVs, including knowledge sharing, EV charging, and conversions. eShift’s mission is to reduce Carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency while educating Sri Lankans on the urgent need to make the shift.

Key features of eShift include:

• The eShift Concept Centre: An educational hub for individuals interested in learning about sustainable mobility and how they can easily make the shift.
• Expansion of E-charging stations: Strategically located across the country to support all electric-powered vehicles.
• Conversion of three-wheelers to electric power: With over 1.5 million three-wheelers in operation, every conversion could reduce 3.24 tons of CO2 emissions per year, significantly contributing to the decarbonization of Sri Lanka's transport sector.

Through eShift, CDB is committed to driving positive environmental change while making sustainable mobility accessible and affordable for all.

See more about eShift

ACCELERATE HOUSEHOLD RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

CDB Advance Roof Solar, introduced under our Green Financing segment, is designed as a comprehensive solution for those seeking a sustainable and intelligent energy alternative. This product enables customers to transition to a smarter, self-sufficient lifestyle by adopting renewable energy, offering the dual benefits of additional income and zero electricity bills.

With CDB Advance Roof Solar, customers receive a complete package that includes the latest in solar technology, reliable after-sales service, and a convenient financing facility tailored to their needs. We bring the entire roof solar solution directly to your doorstep, providing not only competitive interest rates but also expert technical guidance, an easy payment scheme, and hassle-free installation. Our goal is to make the shift to renewable energy as seamless and beneficial as possible.

See more about CDB Advance Roof Solar

CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY

At CDB, we are deeply committed to protecting and nurturing the environment through dedicated biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation initiatives. While our business operations do not directly impact protected biodiversity areas, we actively contribute to restoring and safeguarding natural ecosystems.

Our approach to environmental stewardship focuses on the restoration of degraded ecosystems, valuing and protecting biodiversity, and fostering sustainable practices that enhance ecological resilience. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven projects, we aim to create lasting positive impacts on the environment, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future.

1. “LIFE” Project

The Life is a pioneering public-private initiative focused on restoring a 12-hectare block of degraded land in the Halgahawala-Opatha region, adjacent to the Kanneliya Rainforest. Once cleared for cultivation and later abandoned, the land has since been overtaken by the invasive fern species Dicranopteris linearis (Kekeilla). This project serves as a model for rainforest restoration in Sri Lanka’s wet zone, aiming to revive biodiversity and restore ecological functions.

Led by Biodiversity Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Forest Department, IUCN Sri Lanka, and private sector partners, the initiative is also developing a biodiversity credit accrual system aligned with international standards. This system will assign measurable value to biodiversity restoration, enabling project owners to generate non-carbon biodiversity credits.

CDB joined the initiative during its second phase (2018–2023) and remains committed to supporting the ongoing third phase (2023–2028), reinforcing our dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship.

2. Life To Our Mangroves

Life to Our Mangroves is a Nature-based Solution (NbS) initiative focused on restoring 10 hectares of degraded mangrove forests in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a Ramsar Wetland of international importance. This project enhances coastal resilience, restores vital ecosystem services, and supports biodiversity conservation.

Since its inception in 2022, CDB has been a committed partner, reinforcing our dedication to mangrove conservation and climate adaptation. Led by Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the initiative aligns with global and national conservation standards, contributing to UN SDGs, the Blue Carbon Initiative, and Sri Lanka’s climate commitments.

By restoring these critical ecosystems, the project strengthens climate resilience, supports local communities, and enables carbon credit benefits for sustainable impact.

3. Life to Our Beaches

Life to Our Beaches is a collaborative initiative uniting the public, private sector, and local communities to preserve Sri Lanka’s coastal environment while supporting underprivileged communities living nearby.

In partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), and the Department of Samurdhi Development (DoSD), CDB has been actively involved in restoring and maintaining coastal areas. Our commitment began with the Modara to Palwatte stretch in Moratuwa and has since expanded to cover Wellawatte to Mount Lavinia, now overseeing over 4.5 km of beach maintenance.

With 85% of marine litter originating from land-based activities, this initiative helps reduce pollution, protect marine life, and sustain clean beaches. CDB remains committed to fostering a healthier coastal ecosystem for future generations.

4. "Ittapana Mangrove Conservation” Project

The Ittapana Mangrove Conservation project is dedicated to preserving mangrove wetlands and fostering sustainable community development. Located along the Bentota River, one of Sri Lanka’s most threatened landscapes, the initiative protects 2 acres of the Ittapana-Horawala mangrove ecosystem while promoting research and rural economic growth.

In collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, CDB supports this initiative as a model for sustainable mangrove management. A key milestone of the project is the establishment of a state-of-the-art research facility aimed at advancing mangrove ecosystem studies.

By integrating conservation, research, and sustainable livelihoods, this initiative not only safeguards biodiversity but also empowers local communities through mangrove-related economic opportunities.

CDB ADVANCE GREEN CHALLENGE

The CDB Advance Green Challenge is a flagship initiative that actively engages CDB team members in adopting green practices, reinforcing our commitment to Environmental Stewardship and Social Progress. The initiative encourages both individual and collective action toward a sustainable future and a proactive mindset toward climate action, inspiring CDB team members to embrace sustainability in both their personal and professional lives. The program features three dynamic segments: a Quiz, a Debate, and a series of short films. Each segment creatively delivers the message of sustainability in an engaging and interactive manner, fostering deeper understanding and action. The CDB Advance Green Challenge empowers our team to drive positive change within the organization and beyond, contributing to a greener, more prosperous future.

HOME GARDENING

In efforts to promote sustainable practices and responsible consumption, we launched the ‘Seed Your Future’ project. As part of this initiative, we distributed 100% biodegradable seed pods to all our team members during the lockdown period inspiring a home gardening competition.

Through this project we encouraged team members to actively engage with the environment by growing their own organic food, participate in sustainable gardening which not only benefited their well-being through organic food consumption but also contributed towards environmental conservation.

BEACH CLEANUP

As part of our Life to Our Beaches initiative, we organized beach clean-ups at the Modara-Polwatta and Wellawatte beach stretches. These efforts aim to combat marine pollution, raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste, and protect both marine life and coastal communities from the impact of non-biodegradable materials.

Through collective action, we strive to create cleaner, healthier beaches for future generations.

GREEN FAMILY EVENT

The CDB Advance Green Club initiated the ‘CDB Green Family Concept’, to foster a stronger connection between our staff members, their families, and children with nature, enabling everyone to bond over sustainable practices and appreciating the beauty of nature.

The inaugural event was held at the Diyasaru Park,Thalawathugoda and the second program was conducted at the One Earth Urban Arboretum where team members and their families were engaged in nature walks, walks through butterfly gardens, ecological awareness sessions, a visit to the arboretum and several nature-related activities.

BIKE TO WORK

In a situation where Sri Lanka was battling against a worsening economic crisis which led to fuel scarcity, CDB launched the “Bike to Work” project with the purpose of promoting and encouraging our team members towards a more eco-friendly, healthy and economical mode of transportation amidst the fuel crisis experiencing within the country. Accordingly, the official launch the Bike to Work initiative was successfully held at the Head Office premises followed by an awareness session. Further, a Biker’s Club named “Ninja Cruisers” was established with the aim of engaging our team members and enhancing awareness and promoting the importance and benefits of cycling among our team members. Accordingly, CDB’s first ever Ninja Cruisers – Cycle Parade was organized promoting the Bike to Work initiative.

ACTIVE NINJA – FIGHT FOR FIT

Active Ninja – Fight for Fit is a team member health screening program, which was launched with the focus of promoting good physical health among our team members which would help to reduce their risk of chronic diseases, improve work life balance, and enhance mental health and self-esteem. Accordingly, seminars were conducted improving the knowledge of our team members on health and well-being and also a health corner was established at all the branches and the head office, facilitating our employees to keep track on their BMI.

SELF-SUFFICIENT BRANCHES

This projects aims to convert our existing branches into Self-sufficient branches that are energy and resource efficient as well as drive a sense of affinity towards the environment in our team members through education and engagement and an eco-friendly ambiance. Beyond installing roof solar, we intend to inculcate a sustainable mindset among our team members through this project. Further, embracing this self-sufficient branches concept we mainly focus on creating awareness not only among our team members but also among our clients and community about the prevailing problem and how to be a part of the solution.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

CDB is committed to reducing poverty, fostering sustainable development, and enriching lives through financial inclusion. By connecting urban funding with rural lending, we drive equitable growth in underserved areas, focusing on empowering marginalized communities.

Through digital innovation, we provide financial access to remote regions, support rural entrepreneurship, and promote community resilience. Our efforts address regional imbalances, ensure inclusive development, and create opportunities for those often overlooked by traditional banking systems.

At CDB, we believe financial inclusion is the key to building stronger, more sustainable communities across Sri Lanka.

CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

1. Act Early for Autism

Launched in 2015 to mark CDB’s 20th anniversary, Act Early for Autism addresses the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Inspired by a 2009 study highlighting that 1 in 93 Sri Lankan children aged 18 to 24 months are affected by ASD, the initiative focuses on raising awareness, early detection, and timely intervention.

To support families, CDB established a LKR 10 million Autism Trust Fund and a dedicated hotline for information and assistance. Nationwide awareness efforts include mass media campaigns, trilingual posters, outreach programmes, and the establishment of intervention centres, all aimed at fostering understanding and creating a more inclusive society.

ELEVATING CHILD EDUCATION AND LITERACY

CDB aims to recognise and nurture the talents of schoolchildren by helping them to access proper education and acquire the skills they need to strengthen their employability and also reduce the school dropout rate due to financial difficulties. Further we strive to support the human capital development needs of Sri Lanka and create an equitable society

1. Sisu Diri Scholarship Programme

For 15 consecutive years, CDB’s scholarship programme has supported high-achieving students from low-income families across Sri Lanka. The initiative provides Grade Five scholarship winners with Rs. 62,500 annually until their O-Level exams and O-Level achievers with Rs. 35,000 annually until their A-Level exams.

With 1,009 scholarships awarded to date through a transparent selection process, this long-standing programme continues to empower young minds and support their educational aspirations.

CDB SMART COMPUTER LAB PROJECT

At CDB, we believe that IT is a powerful enabler for empowering the younger generation to seize opportunities in today’s digital world. Through our Smart Computer Lab project, we aim to provide state-of-the-art IT facilities to schools in remote areas, bridging the digital divide and fostering equal opportunities.

Since its launch in 2007, the initiative has successfully established 19 computer labs, creating avenues for enhanced learning and digital literacy among students in underserved communities.

PRESERVING ART AND CULTURE

CDB partnered with the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation (CVDF) to preserve Sri Lanka’s traditional dance forms and support the Foundation’s scholarship program. This collaboration helps sustain the Chitrasena family’s legacy and enrich Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

The scholarship program, backed by CDB, is part of a six-year training course for aspiring dancers, teachers, choreographers, and theatre practitioners. Over the past 12 years, this program has played a crucial role in nurturing talent. With CDB’s continued support, it ensures a structured pathway for students to refine their craft and contribute to Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape.

TEAM MEMBER VOLUNTEERISM

Through CDB Hithawathkam, we foster a spirit of volunteerism and empathy among our team members by engaging them in community development initiatives across the island. This collective effort has involved significant employee participation, creating meaningful impacts in communities.

CDB’s Welfare Club further enhances employee engagement by organizing volunteer activities and supporting team well-being. The Club annually plans welfare initiatives, provides financial assistance during emergencies, and promotes sports activities.

EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Our CDB SMB Friday initiative is designed to support and promote small and medium-scale businesses (SMBs). Through our corporate website, social media, and the ‘patpat’ marketplace, which attracts an average of 35,000 views per video, we help entrepreneurs gain increased visibility and exposure for their products and services.

Building on the success of the initial phase, we’ve launched CDB SMB Friday 2.0, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those outside the Western Province, by boosting their digital presence through social media promotions and the patpat marketplace.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we hosted an SMB Fair at Independence Arcade, Colombo 7, in collaboration with Wings Ecosystem and patpat.lk. The event showcased a diverse range of products and services from women-led SMEs, providing valuable visibility for their businesses.

EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

The Wings Ecosystem initiative aims to empower women with financial literacy and promote financial inclusion. Aligned with CDB's sustainability agenda, particularly in supporting women entrepreneurs, the initiative successfully launched four capacity-building sessions—three conducted in-person in Colombo and Kurunegala, and one virtually.

In collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the sessions focused on key aspects of entrepreneurial success, including financial management and digital marketing. The event went beyond a typical workshop, offering a platform for networking and collaboration, where participants shared experiences, insights, and forged valuable connections.

Building on the success of these sessions, CDB is committed to providing continued support, resources, and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, fostering a community of empowerment and growth.