ComBank enters 2024 with evolved identity

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon entered into 2024 with a renewed identity, which showcases its commitment to sustainability, symbolically as well as literally.
The Commercial Bank logo in blue will hereafter also feature a green element, representing the bank’s multifaceted commitment to sustainability, encompassing diversity, inclusivity, good governance, transparency, social equity, accountability and eco-friendly banking solutions, the bank said. 
“Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s ingrained in our DNA, influencing our decisions, actions and the services we offer,” Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge commented. 

“We are a sustainable bank in everything we do, and the first organisation in Sri Lanka to proclaim that commitment in its corporate identity, and we want all our stakeholders, from employees, customers, shareholders and business partners, to see that at first glance.”
“The new logo reflects our dedication to total sustainability in all spheres of our operations and our practical commitment to the way we do business; from paperless transactions, responsible compliance practices, and energy-efficient operations,” Manatunge added.
The bank follows a meticulously-crafted sustainability strategy and blueprint as a guiding principle for its sustainability activities. The strategy is based on three key pillars – Sustainable Banking, Responsible Organisation and Community Impact. There are nine core areas under these pillars – Responsible Financing, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Products and Services, Green and Safe Workplace, Workplace Culture, Social Enterprise, Social Engagement, and Environmental Engagement. 
The bank said all these core areas align under seven selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by United Nations, namely, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production and Partnership for the Goals.
In line with its sustainability goals, Commercial Bank has established a high level Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for sustainability strategy formulation and top-level decision making. 
The bank’s Sustainability Working Committee with representation from all key business verticals is tasked with execution of the strategies adopted. To maximise staff engagement and awareness the bank has introduced an awards programme for the Best Sustainable Branch and Department. 

Additionally, a Sustainability Group comprising of volunteers from various business units has been formed to engage employees in creating a sustainability culture within the organisation.
The bank was a pioneer in commencing the assessment of environmental risks associated with lending projects with a comprehensive Social and Environment Management System (SEMS) framework. Similarly, the social and environmental impacts of its supply chains are reviewed via supplier selection and evaluation processes, and the impacts of aspects such as economic, environmental, social, human rights, society and product responsibility on the bank’s operations and their materiality to the bank as well as relevant stakeholders are assessed. Commercial Bank’s credit policy and lending guidelines clearly articulate the policies for the bank to be a “Responsible Lender” by minimising transactions and activities which negatively impact the environment.