Commercial Bank becomes world’s first bank to secure UNFPA CRJB Champion Status

Setting a new global example for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace reflecting its dedicated focus on championing an inclusive and equitable corporate culture, the Commercial  Bank of Ceylon has become the first  bank in the world to be accorded Champion Status by the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Coalition for Reproductive Justice in  Business (CRJB).

This global recognition marks a significant milestone in the integration of employee well-being, gender equality and women’s health into mainstream banking practice while highlighting the Bank’s leadership in driving sustainable business growth.

UNFPA, the United Nations agency dedicated to improving reproductive health and rights, advancing gender equality, works with governments, development partners and private sector organisations across the world to drive meaningful social change. Through its Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, UNFPA encourages businesses to adopt policies and practices that support reproductive health, gender equality and inclusive workplaces, helping to create healthier and more equitable societies.

Commenting on this global first achieved by the Bank, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “This recognition is both an honour and a responsibility. Becoming the first bank in the world to achieve UNFPA CRJB Champion Status reflects our deep commitment to building a workplace that genuinely empowers our people at every stage of life. We believe that employee well- being, gender equality and women’s health are not peripheral concerns, but central to sustainable business. By aligning with globally recognised UNFPA standards, we are not only elevating our internal practices but also setting a benchmark for the banking industry to follow. This is about creating lasting impact for our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.”

Commercial Bank’s selection for Champion Status recognises a powerful balance of industry-leading employee wellbeing and high-impact CSR initiatives. Internally, the Bank nurtures the employee by prioritising physical and mental care alongside personal enrichment. This comprehensive approach features annual health check-ups at hospitals, specialised eye and dental camps, and free professional counseling via the Damrivi Foundation, alongside mental health workshops.

Going beyond standard health and wellness initiatives, the Bank places a strong emphasis on progressive workplace benefits, particularly for working mothers. These enhanced maternity benefits include a monthly daycare allowance of Rs. 25,000 for up to one year, daily flexi-hours, adoptive maternity leave, and options for extended unpaid leave. Demonstrating the direct impact of these measures, the Bank achieved an over 90% return-to-work rate among female employees, post-maternity leave, effectively strengthening talent retention and institutional continuity.

Externally, the Bank has transformed community health through specialised medical camps for women micro entrepreneurs, large-scale breast cancer awareness programmes across multiple regions and workplaces, and specialised sessions for women customers, while also supporting national health priorities through partnerships and campaigns. Complementing these efforts, the Bank has made significant contributions to strengthening healthcare infrastructure island-wide, including the donation of life-saving medical equipment to hospitals, support for maternal and critical care facilities, and sustaining emergency response initiatives through its ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ partnership with the 1990 Suwa Seriya program.

Source: Daily News