NDB Bank became the first local bank to partner with Clean Ocean Force Lanka to support marine conservation through underwater clean-ups. To date 03 dives have been completed at the Bar Reef Marine Protected Area and the east Coast near Barberyn Island. A dedicated team of six divers conducted the deep-sea dives, successfully removing over 130kgs of harmful marine debris from these ecologically significant sites.  

This initiative, carried out under NDB Bank’s sustainability agenda, directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)—preserving and sustainably managing ocean resources. The dive team, consisting of professionals from Clean Ocean Force, Earth Lanka, and Kalpitiya Dive Center, braved off-shore conditions to clear:  

- 90kgs of ghost nets, which pose a lethal threat to marine life  

- 38kg of plastic and polythene waste, which degrade fragile marine ecosystems  

- 5kg of abandoned fishing hooks, reducing hazards to fish populations and coral reefs  

NDB Bank’s partnership with Clean Ocean Force Lanka, marks another milestone in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to protect Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity and the Bank continues to lead in environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier ocean.  

Commenting on this initiative, the Head of NDB Bank’s Corporate Sustainability Committee Lasantha Dassanayake, stated, "Our oceans are invaluable, and preserving them is not just an environmental responsibility but a legacy we must uphold. At NDB Bank, sustainability is embedded in our corporate ethos, and this cleanup is a testament to our commitment to meaningful environmental action. By supporting marine conservation efforts, we are not only protecting Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity but also inspiring communities to take proactive steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable future."  

Jerome Fernando, Chairman and Founder of Clean Ocean Force Lanka, also commended the partnership, stating, "It is truly commendable that a responsible local bank has stepped forward to protect life under water—this makes NDB Bank the first of its kind to champion such focused marine conservation. Their support sets a precedent for how corporate leadership can drive real environmental change in Sri Lanka."

Through corporate and community-driven conservation efforts, NDB Bank remains committed to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s natural resources and reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in sustainable development.