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A.R.B.J Rajapaksha
A.R.B.J Rajapaksha
Feb 25 2026
41DFCC Bank PLC (DFCC Bank) was invited by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to ring the market opening bell to mark the successful launch of Sri Lanka’s first Basel III–compliant Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-Linked Loan (GSS+) Bond - a milestone in the country’s evolving sustainable finance landscape.
The bell-ringing ceremony followed the strong market reception of the Bond, which was oversubscribed on its opening day, reflecting robust investor confidence in the instrument’s structure, governance standards, and long-term relevance.
The event was attended by Chairman J. Durairatnam, Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera, members of the senior leadership team of DFCC Bank, officials of the Colombo Stock Exchange, officials of KPMG (Global Assurance), Nithya Partners, and the Joint Managers Capital Alliance Partners Limited and NDB Investment Bank Limited.
The GSS+ Bond represents the first instrument in Sri Lanka to combine impact-focused financing with Basel III regulatory capital compliance. By reinforcing the Bank’s capital base while directing funds towards measurable environmental and social outcomes, the issuance bridges financial system resilience with national development priorities.
Commenting at the ceremony, Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank stated, “The ringing of the bell is more than a tradition. It reflects the broader significance of this issuance for Sri Lanka’s capital markets. This Bond strengthens our regulatory capital position while enabling the mobilisation of long-term funding towards initiatives that support environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic resilience. It demonstrates that prudential strength and impact-oriented finance can operate within the same disciplined framework.”
Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of the Colombo Stock Exchange, stated: “The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is pleased to see DFCC Bank continue its long-standing commitment to sustainable finance through the issuance of Sri Lanka’s first Basel III-compliant GSS+ Bond. When we introduced the GSS+ instrument framework in 2024, we aimed to provide a platform for companies to raise capital for social and environmental projects. We are happy to see the effective use of this mechanism.”
The GSS+ structure enables financing across four interconnected pillars:
Green Finance – renewable energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
Social Finance – housing, healthcare, education, essential services, and SME and MSME support.
Sustainability Finance – projects delivering integrated environmental and social outcomes.
Sustainability-Linked Loan Finance – funding tied to defined performance benchmarks to ensure accountability.
The issuance builds on DFCC Bank’s established track record in sustainable finance innovation. In 2024, the Bank introduced Sri Lanka’s first Green Bond, securing listings on the Colombo Stock Exchange and internationally, followed by the country’s first Blue Bond supporting marine and water-related initiatives.
With the launch of the Basel III–compliant GSS+ Bond, DFCC Bank further deepens the domestic capital market’s capacity to originate sophisticated sustainable instruments aligned with global standards, while reinforcing stability within the financial system.
The ceremony at the Colombo Stock Exchange marked more than a listing milestone. It underscored the continued integration of sustainability, regulatory discipline, and long-term capital formation within Sri Lanka’s financial architecture.
Mr. J. Durairatnam, Chairman DFCC Bank PLC ringing the bell at the CSE, while (from L-R) Mr. Sujeewa Peiris, Director CSE, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO CSE, Mr Thimal Perera, CEO DFCC Bank PLC, Mr. Shamindra Marcelline, Deputy CEO DFCC Bank PLC and Mr. Prins Perera, Senior Vice President Treasury, Wholesale Banking and Investment Banking, DFCC Bank PLC look on.
About DFCC Bank
DFCC Bank PLC, established in 1955 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1956, is one of Sri Lanka’s leading financial institutions. Regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and rated A (lka) by Fitch Ratings, the Bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of retail, corporate, and SME banking services, along with treasury, investment, and trade finance solutions.
With customer centricity and sustainable innovation at its core, DFCC Bank delivers seamless and secure banking experiences, which include digital platforms like DFCC MySpace, and through a network of 133 branches and access to over 6,000 ATMs via the LankaPay network.
A recognised leader in sustainable finance and renewable energy initiatives, DFCC Bank is committed to reducing environmental impact and fostering long-term economic resilience.
