National Development Bank PLC has been honoured with the prestigious Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion award at the Euromoney Awards 2024. This recognition underscores the bank’s dedication to fostering a workplace culture that champions diversity, equity, and gender equality, marking it as a leader in inclusive banking practices within Sri Lanka’s financial sector.

The award acknowledges NDB’s multi-faceted approach to promoting a work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and every individual is empowered to achieve their full potential. This includes policies and practices designed to support gender equality, eliminate biases, and provide equitable opportunities for all employees. In light of its commitment, NDB has also been recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s Most Outstanding Women-Friendly Workplaces in 2023, reinforcing its role as a progressive employer that actively supports gender inclusivity.

One of NDB's flagship initiatives, the Fearlessly Female program, is aimed at empowering women within the organisation and across communities. It seeks to inspire, support, and mentor women, fostering an environment where female talent is nurtured and celebrated. This initiative aligns with the bank's broader Banking on Women platform, driven under the Araliya brand, which provides targeted financial solutions for women from various walks of life—including working women, homemakers, women-led enterprises, and female entrepreneurs. By offering affordable financing, skills development programs, and advisory services on debt management and financial literacy, NDB goes beyond traditional banking to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in Sri Lanka.

NDB has also achieved EDGE Certification, an internationally recognised accreditation for its efforts in gender equity, highlighting the bank’s commitment to providing an equitable workplace. This certification reflects NDB’s dedication to policies that ensure equal opportunities, transparency in pay, and a balanced representation of women in leadership roles.

Kelum Edirisinghe, CEO of NDB Bank, remarked, “Our recognition as the Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion is a proud moment for NDB. We believe that creating an inclusive work environment is fundamental to our success, as it brings diverse perspectives that drive innovation and excellence. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment that champions equality and supports the growth and development of all our employees.”

The Banking on Women platform is not limited to entrepreneurship but also extends support to working women and homemakers, providing them with access to a range of financial solutions and advisory services designed to uplift their financial well-being. Under the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana program, NDB continues to celebrate and empower women by providing opportunities for recognition, skill development, and financial growth. Since its launch in 2020, this initiative has grown to be the largest private-sector women’s empowerment program in the country.

NDB’s recognition at the Euromoney Awards 2024 stands as a testament to the bank’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across all facets of its operations. The Bank’s strategy, TQM, focussing on Transaction drive, Quality of assets, and Margins management, includes a commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive corporate culture that reflects its core values and sets a benchmark for responsible and equitable banking practices in Sri Lanka.

NDB extends its heartfelt gratitude to its team, shareholders, and partners for their unwavering support and looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace that inspires excellence and innovation.

NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka's Best Bank for Corporates at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024 and was awarded Domestic Retail Bank of the Year - Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Domestic Project Finance Bank of the Year by Asian Banking and Finance Magazine (Singapore) Awards 2024. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.