Commercial Bank strengthens journey of empowering future leaders with 400th IT Lab and ‘ComBank Akshara’

From left: Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge, Deputy Chairman Raja Senanayake, Chairman Sharhan Muhseen, and Chief Operating Officer Hasrath Munasinghe declare open the 400th IT Lab donated by the bank

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has reached a landmark moment in its longstanding commitment to digital education in Sri Lanka with the donation of its 400th IT Lab, while simultaneously unveiling ‘ComBank Akshara’ to unify and strengthen its education-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The milestone 400th IT Lab has been established at Mahamathya Vidyalaya, Athurugiriya, extending the bank’s flagship program that provides underserved schools with essential digital infrastructure to support teaching and learning in an increasingly technology-driven world.

With IT Labs benefitting schools nationwide, the bank’s latest initiative underscores the scale and consistency of one of Sri Lanka’s largest private-sector-led digital education programs. Each IT Lab donated by Commercial Bank is fully equipped with computers, accessories, and furniture. Collectively, these labs are estimated to have benefitted more than 500,000 students nationwide, playing a vital role in bridging the digital divide and enabling equitable access to technology.

Funded through the bank’s CSR Trust, this flagship initiative is aligned with national priorities to enhance digital literacy, promote inclusive education, and contribute to long-term social and economic development.

Chairman Sharhan Muhseen said: “Commercial Bank firmly believes that the future of our country depends on ensuring every child is given equal access to education and opportunities to learn. Recognising this responsibility, the bank, through its CSR Trust, has continued to invest in initiatives that create lasting social impact and empower future generations. The donation of our 400th IT Lab is a significant milestone in this journey, reflecting the scale of the change we are driving to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and equip children across Sri Lanka with the skills needed for the future.”

Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said: “The opening of our 400th IT Lab is a proud moment for Commercial Bank, reflecting a sustained commitment to empowering young minds through access to technology. With the launch of ‘ComBank Akshara,’ we are bringing all our education-related CSR initiatives under a single, meaningful identity that represents knowledge, learning, and opportunity. This milestone is not just about numbers; it is about the lives we have touched and the futures we continue to shape.”

The introduction of ‘ComBank Akshara’ marks a significant evolution in the bank’s CSR strategy, creating a cohesive identity for its wide-ranging contributions to education. These include support for digital learning, STEM education, curriculum development, and skills-building initiatives designed to prepare students for the demands of a modern economy.

Mahamathya Vidyalaya, Athurugiriya Principal Gamini Jayarathne expressed appreciation for the donation. 

“This IT lab will open up new horizons for our students, many of whom have had limited access to digital resources. We are deeply grateful to Commercial Bank for this invaluable investment in our school and our community. It will make a lasting difference to the quality of education we are able to provide,” he said.

Over the years, Commercial Bank has complemented its IT Lab program with a broad spectrum of initiatives to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across Sri Lanka. These include the establishment of STEM classrooms and mathematics labs, support for digital curriculum content, and partnerships to expand access to coding and networking education.

The bank’s sustained investment in education reflects its belief that empowering the next generation with knowledge and digital skills is fundamental to national progress. By combining scale, consistency, and strategic focus, Commercial Bank continues to reinforce its position as a socially responsible corporate leader, while strengthening trust and emotional connection with the communities it serves.