ComBank Cyclone Ditwah recovery efforts have crossed Rs.125 million, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to national disaster response as Sri Lanka continues rebuilding after the severe impacts of Cyclone Ditwah.
ComBank Cyclone Ditwah recovery boosts relief and rebuilding nationwide
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has strengthened its role as a leading corporate responder to national emergencies, with its ComBank Cyclone Ditwah recovery assistance now exceeding Rs.125 million. The contribution forms part of the bank’s broader “Rebuild Together” initiative, reflecting its continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during times of crisis and long-term recovery.
The bank announced that a major portion of this commitment includes a Rs.110 million donation to the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund, aimed at accelerating rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The contribution was formally handed over by a senior management delegation led by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sanath Manatunge, alongside Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar and Assistant General Manager – Marketing Ashani Senaratne. The cheque was received by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, underscoring the collaboration between the private sector and the state in national recovery initiatives.
As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, Commercial Bank has adopted a multi-layered approach to Cyclone Ditwah relief, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term economic recovery. In the aftermath of the disaster, thousands of families were displaced due to flooding and infrastructure damage. Responding swiftly, the bank donated dry ration packs distributed through the Sri Lanka Air Force to more than 5,000 affected families, ensuring timely access to essential food supplies.
Beyond emergency relief, ComBank Cyclone Ditwah recovery initiatives also focused on restoring livelihoods and business continuity. Following relief measures announced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for disaster-affected borrowers, Commercial Bank extended targeted financial assistance to impacted businesses. This support aimed to stabilise operations, preserve employment, and help enterprises resume activity amid challenging conditions.
Recognising that disaster resilience requires institutional strengthening, Commercial Bank also extended its support to the Disaster Management Centre. The bank sponsored the revamp of the RiskInfo Spatial Data Portal, a critical national platform used for disaster risk assessment, early warning dissemination, and emergency planning. This initiative is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and improve response coordination during future climate-related events.
Education recovery formed another important pillar of the bank’s response. With schools among the facilities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, Commercial Bank facilitated the clean-up of damaged school premises and provided essential stationery supplies to help students return to classrooms without disruption. Education has long been a core component of the bank’s corporate social responsibility strategy, and this intervention reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding learning continuity during crises.
The scale and scope of the ComBank Cyclone Ditwah recovery programme highlight the evolving role of financial institutions in national disaster management. By combining direct financial contributions with logistical, educational, and institutional support, Commercial Bank has positioned itself as a key partner in Sri Lanka’s broader recovery efforts.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent, sustained private sector participation is expected to play an increasingly vital role in strengthening national resilience. Commercial Bank’s response to Cyclone Ditwah sets a benchmark for coordinated, impact-driven corporate intervention that extends beyond short-term relief and contributes to long-term rebuilding and preparedness.