NATIONAL SAVINGS BANK HONOURED AT WSBI-SDG AWARDS FOR LEADERSHIP IN CLIMATE FINANCE, CONSUMER PROTECTION, AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

In a historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s banking sector, the National Savings Bank has been honoured with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Award by the prestigious World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), recognizing the Bank’s outstanding contribution towards advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven banking practices. 

The award was presented to Ms. Shashi Kandambi, General Manager/CEO of NSB, who accepted the accolade on behalf of the Bank, by Mr. Peter Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute, at a prestigious ceremony held in Washington, D.C. recently.

The WSBI award highlights NSB’s pioneering achievements across four critical areas, climate finance, consumer protection, digital transformation, and technological innovation. These initiatives are closely aligned with WSBI’s vision to inspire savings and retail banks worldwide to embed sustainability, inclusion, and social responsibility within their business models. 

NSB’s leadership in these domains demonstrates how Sri Lankan financial institutions contribute meaningfully towards the global SDG agenda. The Bank has been at the forefront of mobilizing capital for climate action by investing in renewable energy, green finance, and low-carbon initiatives. It has also played a vital role in promoting consumer protection through enhanced financial literacy, transparency, and initiatives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable customers. 

Furthermore, NSB has accelerated digital transformation by leveraging technology to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and service efficiency. In addition, the Bank continues to drive technological innovation by developing sustainable banking models that combine innovation with social and environmental impact.

Globally, WSBI has recognized several institutions for their exemplary work in banking, digital innovation, and climate action. By joining this distinguished group, NSB elevates Sri Lanka’s presence on the international stage as a leader in sustainable and responsible banking.

This recognition carries profound significance for NSB’s ongoing journey toward sustainability and innovation. It strengthens the Bank’s global credibility, enhancing its reputation among customers, regulators, and international partners as a purpose-driven financial institution. 

The award also reinforces NSB’s strategic commitment to expanding its sustainability initiatives in climate finance, digital inclusion, and consumer protection. Moreover, it positions NSB as a national and regional role model for integrating environmental and social responsibility into its core business practices, while empowering customers and communities through accessible, sustainable, and ethical financial solutions.

After receiving the award, Ms. Shashi Kandambi, General Manager/CEO of NSB, stated, “We consider it a great privilege to receive this recognition from WSBI. It reaffirms our belief that a financial institution can and must play an active role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital inclusion, and consumer protection. 

This award strengthens our resolve to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable and inclusive banking for all.”

The WSBI SDG Awards form part of the broader WSBI-ESBG global initiative that promotes sustainability and social impact within the banking industry. The Awards recognize institutions that make measurable contributions to achieving the UN SDGs through innovation, inclusion, and responsible finance, underscoring the transformative role that banks can play in building a more equitable and sustainable world.