Team CDB delivered a standout performance at the 41st Mercantile Athletic Federation (MAF) Meet, securing the Men’s and Women’s Overall Championship titles and the Men’s Overall Novices Championship. The results highlighted the depth, discipline and versatility of CDB’s sporting talent.
Team CDB secures men’s and women’s overall titles and the men’s novices championship
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) produced a commanding performance at the 41st Mercantile Athletic Federation Meet, held from 21 to 23 August 2026 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Diyagama. The company’s athletes competed strongly across a demanding field of competitors representing leading mercantile organisations in Sri Lanka.
The achievement was marked by CDB’s success in three major categories. The company secured the Men’s Overall Championship, the Women’s Overall Championship and the Men’s Overall Novices Championship, underlining the strength of its athletics programme and the commitment of employees competing at both senior and novice levels.
CDB’s athletes also made their mark individually, establishing four new meet records during the competition. Kandhasami Sham set a new record in the Men’s Novices Race Walk, while Bhakthi Wijesinghe established a new mark in the Women’s 30+ Triple Jump. Kamod de Silva recorded a new meet record in the Men’s Championship High Jump, while Umaya Rathnayake set a new record in the Women’s Championship 400 Metres Hurdles.
The individual achievements extended beyond the records. Shakila Wijesekara was named Best Athlete – Novices Men, while Umaya Rathnayake secured two individual honours, being recognised as Best Athlete – Championship Women and Best Athlete – Women.
Team CDB ultimately finished fourth overall at the meet, adding another significant achievement to a campaign built on months of preparation and disciplined training. For the athletes involved, that preparation took place alongside their regular professional responsibilities, making the results notable not only for their sporting performance but also for the commitment required to maintain both careers and competitive athletics.
The company’s emphasis on workplace sports reflects a broader approach to employee development. Many of CDB’s athletes trained during early mornings and weekends while continuing with their day-to-day responsibilities, demonstrating the ability to pursue sporting ambitions without stepping away from their professional commitments.
Roshan Abeygoonewardena, Executive Director – Corporate Finance at CDB, described the performance as a proud moment for the company and credited the athletes for their discipline and commitment. He also recognised the contribution of coaches and the wider support team behind the athletes’ performance.
According to Abeygoonewardena, the values demonstrated through athletics — including discipline, resilience and teamwork — also have relevance within the workplace. The company’s sporting programme therefore represents more than participation in corporate competitions, providing employees with opportunities to develop skills and interests outside their regular professional roles.
The latest MAF results further highlight CDB’s focus on creating an environment in which employees can pursue personal interests while contributing to the organisation. The company’s approach places emphasis on maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and individual development, including participation in sports.
The success of Team CDB at the MAF Meet also demonstrates the growing competitiveness of corporate athletics in Sri Lanka. With athletes competing across track and field disciplines, the meet provided a platform for employees from different organisations to demonstrate sporting ability while representing their workplaces.
For CDB, the three major championship titles and four meet records provide a strong indication of the depth within its athletics team. The performances of both established athletes and novices also point to a pipeline of sporting talent developing within the organisation.
CDB said its continued investment in workplace sports forms part of its wider employee-focused culture, with the objective of supporting personal and professional growth. The company views participation in sports as an avenue through which employees can strengthen qualities such as teamwork, resilience and commitment.
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC is among Sri Lanka’s largest non-banking financial institutions. The company focuses on financial services, innovation, sustainability and corporate governance, while continuing its digital transformation initiatives. Its participation and performance at the MAF Meet add a sporting dimension to its broader efforts to foster a motivated and multi-talented workforce.
The achievements recorded at Diyagama have consequently positioned CDB strongly on the corporate athletics stage, while highlighting the commitment of employees who continue to balance sporting ambitions with their professional careers.