Two Gold, two Silver, two Bronze and one Merit Award recognise CDB’s sales professionals across multiple levels of the organisation

Demonstrating its strength in sales excellence, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) secured seven accolades at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). The achievements included two Gold, two Silver, two Bronze and one Merit Award, recognising the outstanding performance and professionalism of CDB’s sales professionals across multiple categories.

Building on its consistent recognition at the National Sales Awards over the years, CDB’s achievements reflect the dedication of its people, strong customer relationships and a continued focus on delivering excellence in financial services. This year’s awards span multiple levels of the organisation, from frontline professionals to supervisory and managerial roles.

Leading the achievements were Nuwanthi Buddhadasa, who secured a Gold Award in the Sales Executives – Financial Service Providers category, and Dulanga Gamage, who received Gold in the Other Sales Support Staff – Manager & Above category.

Silver Awards were secured by Lasantha Jayasuriya in the Sales Executives – Financial Service Providers category and Shashima Anuradhi in the Front Liners – Financial Service Providers category.

Bronze Awards went to Rumesh Kumarasinghe in the Sales Supervisors – Financial Service Providers category and Asogi Kapugamage in the Front Liners – Financial Service Providers category. Owadini Somasiri was also recognised with a Merit Award in the Sales Executives – Financial Service Providers category.

Commenting on the achievement, Executive Director – Sales and Business Development Sasindra Munasinghe said, “These awards are a reflection of the commitment, passion and professionalism our people bring to their roles every day. At CDB, we believe that sales excellence is built on understanding customer needs, earning their trust and delivering financial solutions that make a meaningful difference. We are delighted to see the efforts of our team recognised at a national level, and we congratulate each of our award winners on their achievements.”

CDB continues to place strong emphasis on developing its people through continuous learning, professional development and a supportive, performance-driven work environment. This approach enables employees to strengthen their capabilities while delivering customer-focused financial solutions in an evolving marketplace.

The recognition at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2026 highlights the contribution of CDB’s people to the organisation’s continued growth and its commitment to maintaining high standards of service and professionalism.

Accelerating momentum and steering Sri Lanka’s automotive future, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has signed a strategic partnership with the Ceylon Automobile Importers Association of Sri Lanka as Title Partner for the landmark Ceylon Automobile Importers’ Motor Rally 2026. This landmark event, the first rally organized by the Association, will take place on 16th August, beginning at Port City Colombo and concluding at Water’s Edge. 

The rally will showcase over 200 branded vehicles, including supercars, luxury automobiles, and premium imports from leading vehicle importers registered with the Association. The convoy will traverse Colombo’s key routes – including Duplication Road, Moratuwa, Boralasgamuwa, Kohuwala, and Rajagiriya – passing major car sales hubs before reaching its grand finale. 

Speaking on the partnership, Executive Director - Sales and Business Development of CDB Sasindra Munasinghe said: “CDB partners with the Ceylon Automobile Importers Association in powering this historic rally. Together with the Association, we are at the forefront of driving vehicle ownership and increasing access to mobility across Sri Lanka. As a progressive financial solutions provider, we remain committed to supporting the growth of the automobile industry while enabling greater access to mobility through innovative financial products. This rally is not just a celebration of automobiles, but a testament to the industry's evolution, resilience, and future potential.”

Echoing this sentiment, President of the Automobile Importers Association Prasad Manage stated: “The Ceylon Automotive Importers Motor Rally powered by CDB marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape. With the support of CDB and our other partners, we are able to bring together leading brands and enthusiasts in a dynamic showcase that highlights luxury, performance and innovation. This partnership strengthens our mission to elevate the industry and create engaging experiences for the public.”

The Automobile Importers’ Rally 2026 promises to be one of the most anticipated automotive events in the country, celebrating the evolution of Sri Lanka’s automobile sector while reinforcing CDB’s role as a trusted partner in driving progress and innovation. 

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) reported another year of strong financial and operational performance for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, surpassing the landmark Rs. 200 billion asset milestone while recording Profit After Tax of Rs. 4.5 billion, reinforcing its position among Sri Lanka’s leading non-bank financial institutions.

The Company’s total assets expanded by 37% to Rs. 214.7 billion, while its lending portfolio grew by an impressive 53% to Rs. 169.2 billion, supported by new disbursements exceeding Rs. 110 billion during the year. Gross income increased by 18% to Rs. 30.2 billion, with Profit Before Taxes rising to Rs. 8.2 billion and Profit After Tax increasing by 12% to Rs. 4.5 billion.

The Board of Directors declared a total dividend payout of Rs. 1.25 Bn for the financial year, a 16.67% increase over the prior year, comprising an interim dividend of Rs. 7.50 per share (pre-subdivision) and a final dividend of Rs. 1.00 per share on the subdivided capital. The Board also completed a one-for-ten share subdivision of both voting and non-voting shares in April 2026, aimed at broadening market accessibility and liquidity.

The year also saw a significant improvement in asset quality, with the Net Non-Performing Loan Ratio improving to 1.53% from 3.1% in the previous year, reflecting disciplined credit underwriting, enhanced portfolio monitoring, automated credit decision-making, and a more stable economic environment.

Commenting on the Company's performance, Chairman Alastair Corera stated: "The achievements recorded during FY2025/26 are not merely the result of favourable market conditions but the outcome of deliberate strategic execution, disciplined governance and years of investment in strengthening our capabilities. Having surpassed the Rs. 200 billion asset milestone, CDB is now firmly positioned to achieve its next strategic growth phase."

The Chairman further highlighted that CDB's diversified funding strategy, strengthened risk management framework, and continued commitment to sustainability have enhanced the Company's resilience while enabling uninterrupted balance sheet expansion.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Nanayakkara described FY2025/26 as one of the most significant years in CDB's history.

"When we commenced our transformation journey over two decades ago, CDB was an institution with an asset base of less than Rs. 1 billion. Today, we stand as a Rs. 214 billion institution with a strong financial position, diversified funding sources, improving asset quality, scalable digital capabilities and a clear roadmap for future growth."

He noted that while scale remains important, the Company's next phase of evolution will increasingly focus on improving profitability, enhancing capital efficiency, strengthening returns, and creating superior long-term value for stakeholders.

A key strategic development during the year was CDB's decision to transition from a technology-enabled organisation to an AI-enabled organisation, supported by a comprehensive roadmap focused on empowering employees with enterprise-grade generative AI capabilities, embedding artificial intelligence across business functions and customer journeys, and deploying agentic AI solutions to automate increasingly complex processes.

The Company's digital transformation continued to gather momentum, with users of the CDB SELF platform increasing by 93% year-on-year, while digital transactions accounted for 74% of total customer transactions.

Beyond financial performance, CDB continued to create meaningful value across all stakeholder groups through its integrated value creation model.

The Company invested Rs. 49 million in community initiatives, continued the expansion of its flagship Smart Computer Labs programme across all districts, advanced autism intervention initiatives and strengthened educational support through the Sisudiri Scholarship Programme.

CDB also expanded its sustainability agenda through a green financing portfolio exceeding Rs. 31 billion, supporting renewable energy adoption, electric mobility, climate resilience and sustainable economic development. Environmental considerations remain integrated into lending decisions and risk assessment processes, reinforcing the Company's commitment to achieving a 30% reduction in carbon intensity over the next five years.

Recognising that sustainable institutions are built on leadership continuity, CDB also reaffirmed its commitment to succession planning through a carefully structured leadership transition framework. Developed over several years, the programme focuses on preparing the next generation of leaders through international exposure, leadership development and progressively larger responsibilities, ensuring continuity, institutional resilience and long-term sustainability.

As Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery amidst evolving global uncertainties, CDB enters FY2026/27 from a position of strength. With a strong financial position, diversified funding base, improving asset quality, scalable digital operating model, robust sustainability framework and AI-led transformation agenda, the Company remains confident continuing to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Micro Cars Ltd to introduce exclusive financial solutions customized specifically for Micro vehicles. This partnership is designed to enhance accessibility and convenience via customized financial solutions, flexible repayment tenors and exclusive insurance benefits through a simplified financing process for both personal and commercial vehicles.

 Speaking on the partnership, Deputy CEO/Executive Director of CDB Damith Tennakoon said, “We are delighted to partner with Micro Cars to provide its customers with innovative and flexible financial solutions. This collaboration ensures that Micro vehicle buyers can access exclusive benefits and a seamless financing process, making vehicle ownership more convenient and rewarding.”

 Adding to this, Asela Lihinikaduwa, Group Director of Micro Cars Ltd, stated, “As the authorized distributor for MG, Chery, SsangYong, and Higer in Sri Lanka, Micro Cars offers vehicles across all price ranges and fuel types – from petrol and hybrid to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (EV). With over 30 years of experience in the Sri Lankan automotive market, Micro Cars has built a trusted legacy of delivering quality vehicles and customer-focused solutions. By extending customized financial solutions through this partnership with CDB, we are ensuring greater convenience and accessibility for our customers, empowering them to embrace evolving mobility needs with confidence.”

 By extending customized financial solutions and thereby greater customer convenience to purchase Micro vehicles, the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions that address evolving mobility needs.