Pedalling with Purpose: DFCC Bank Ride for Life Advances Wellbeing and Mental Health Awareness

More than 200 riders assembled before dawn on Sunday, 22 June 2025, in a quiet, deliberateact of solidarity. They gathered not for the thrill of a race or the love of sport, but for somethingfar deeper - to Ride for Life.DFCC Bank’s Mini Bikeathon, held annually, and this year, as part of its 70 th anniversary commemorations, stood as one of the Bank’s most visible and heartfelt expressions of its enduring commitment to wellbeing, community inclusion, and suicide prevention. Spanning 15 kilometres across Colombo, including a scenic stretch through Port City, the ride brought together DFCC Bank staff, customers, and members of the public - each pedalling for fitness and for hope.This is the face of purpose at DFCC Bank - one that looks beyond finance, and redefines sustainability not only in environmental or economic terms, but through the social and emotional wellbeing of the nation.

From CSR to Human Impact

Ride for Life is held under the Exercise pillar of DFCC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy - a long-standing framework built around responsible development. But according to the Bank’s leadership, the initiative is more than bicycles and kilometres. “This is not just about physical activity,” said Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank. “It is about community resilience. It is about emotional wellbeing. And it is about using our platform to highlight an issue that remains far too silent - suicide.” At the heart of the initiative is building awareness around the 1333 crisis hotline, operated by CCCline under the CCC Foundation. By actively promoting this service, DFCC Bank is helping ensure that those experiencing emotional distress know where to turn - and, more importantly, know that they are not alone. “We do not just ride - we ride for a reason,” Thimal Perera added. “Through this initiative, we are saying to every Sri Lankan: your wellbeing matters. And help is always available.”

Why Suicide Prevention, and Why Now

Suicide remains a significant public health concern in Sri Lanka. Mental health concerns are rising across all demographics, yet stigma, limited access, and cultural silence keep many from reaching out for help.It is this very gap that DFCC Bank seeks to bridge - not just through one ride, but through a series of high-impact initiatives planned throughout its 70 th anniversary year and beyond.By integrating suicide prevention into its Exercise pillar, DFCC Bank is making a deeper point:mental health and physical wellbeing are inseparable, and both require collective responsibility,not just individual effort.

The Bigger Picture: Purpose-Led Progress

 The Ride for Life Mini Bikeathon is a permanent feature in DFCC Bank’s wellness calendar, with an expanded programme scheduled for August and September. But within the context of the Bank’s 70-year journey, this event also reflects a larger shift - the transformation of a financial institution into a socially responsible, purpose-led brand.“Seventy years ago, DFCC Bank was created to support national development,” said Thimal Perera. “Today, that mission continues - not only through infrastructure and investment, but by helping people live healthier, more connected, and more hopeful lives.” That is what makes Ride for Life more than a community event. It is a quiet but powerful signal - that finance, when guided by empathy and intent, can change lives. One person. One story. One ride at a time.