National Development Bank PLC

NDB Bank recently spearheaded a large-scale environmental clean-up initiative at the Negombo Lagoon, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability through its ongoing Adopt a Lagoon” programme in partnership with Clean Ocean Force .

The initiative brought together over 200 participants, including NDB Bank staff volunteers, the Hon. Mayor and representatives of the Negombo Municipal Council, the Sri Vimukthi Women Association, the Negombo Divisional Secretariat, the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management (CCD), the Sri Lanka Air Force, and the Sri Lanka Police Environmental Division. United by a shared mission to protect and preserve one of Sri Lanka’s most sensitive coastal ecosystems, the collective effort stood as a powerful example of a Public-Private-People Partnership (PPPP) in action.

During the clean-up, teams cleared lagoon edges and surrounding mangrove islands, removing more than 3,000 kilograms of non-biodegradable waste from the fragile environment. The collected waste included 359 kg of PET bottles, 514 kg of glass, and over 2,300 kg of mixed waste comprising polythene, yogurt cups, rigifoam, food wrappers, e-waste, and metal. Approximately 50–60% of the mixed waste will be directed to the Kerawalapitiya Waste-to-Energy Power Plant, while PET bottles will be sent for recycling, ensuring responsible post-collection waste management.

The Negombo Lagoon, a shallow basin estuary connected to the ocean by a single narrow channel, plays a vital ecological and economic role in Sri Lanka’s coastal landscape. Despite its biodiversity and importance to surrounding communities, it remains highly vulnerable to pollution and environmental degradation. Cleaning and maintaining the lagoon is therefore critical not only for environmental conservation, but also for public health, fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods.

Through its Adopt a Lagoon” programme, NDB Bank is committed to supporting continuous, structured clean-up operations to create sustained environmental impact rather than one-off interventions. By working closely with local authorities, environmental agencies, community groups, and volunteers, the Bank ensures that conservation efforts translate into long-term ecological resilience.

Commenting on the initiative, Lasantha Dasanayaka – Vice President, Human Resources stated, At NDB, sustainability is embedded in our corporate philosophy. Protecting ecosystems such as the Negombo Lagoon is not only an environmental responsibility but a national imperative. By fostering collaboration across public institutions, private sector stakeholders, and community groups, we are creating meaningful, measurable change that will benefit future generations.”

As the Bank continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its broader ESG agenda, initiatives such as the Negombo Lagoon clean-up reflect the Bank’s enduring commitment to empowering communities while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka’s Best Digital Bank for SMEs at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and was awarded awards Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka and Islamic Banking Initiative of the Year – Sri Lanka at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. 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.