Saturday May 23, 2026
Saturday May 23, 2026
Friday, 22 May 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Nepal Banking Finance and Insurance Institute (BFIN) Managing Director Dr. Binod Atreya (right) exchanges the MoU with Institution of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka President Asela Iddawela
By Amira Cader
A five-day Intensive Training Program on Climate Finance for Banking Professionals was launched this week in Colombo, bringing together banking professionals and institutional representatives from Nepal and Sri Lanka to strengthen regional cooperation in sustainable finance and climate-responsive banking practices.
The program jointly organised by the Institute of Environmental Professionals – Sri Lanka (IEPSL) and the Banking, Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN), focuses on ESG/ESI integration, Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM), Gender Action Plans, SEAH safeguards, green lending tools and climate finance mechanisms.
Held at GAP HQ Colombo 07, the event was attended by Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka Deputy Chief of Mission and Counsellor Vijay Kumar Raut, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Senior Lecturer Dr. Sampath Wahala and Central Environmental Authority Director General Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Banking, Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal and the Institute of Environmental Professionals – Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening collaboration in professional training, environmental governance and sustainable finance initiatives.
Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka Deputy Chief of Mission and Counsellor Vijay Kumar Raut emphasised that climate change and environmental risks are increasingly influencing banking operations, lending decisions, investment strategies and long-term financial sustainability.
Banking, Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal Managing Director Dr. Binod Atreya stated that the institute was established to “enhance the knowledge, skills and capabilities of employees of the financial sector and other stakeholders through training, research, consultancy and accredited professional programs.
IEPSL President Asela Iddawela noted that the Institute of Environmental Professionals – Sri Lanka is committed to extending professionalism and environmental services to the country for the benefit of the public.
He further noted that the institute’s vision is to contribute to the National Environmental Dialog through credible independent and scientific inputs, while its mission is to enhance ethical behaviour and standards to ensure the dignity of the profession.
Course objectives were presented University of Sri Jayewardenepura Faculty of Technology Senior Lecturer and Co-Course Coordinator Dr. Pradeep Gajanayake noted the importance of building institutional capacity in climate finance and ESG integration.
Presentations delivered during the program highlighted BFIN’s operational focus areas, including national and international training programs, certified online training courses, research and consulting, accredited courses, student education programs and recruitment services.
The training program adopts a practical learning approach through case studies, simulations, field visits, group exercises and micro-teaching sessions designed to provide participants with hands-on experience in climate finance implementation and sustainable banking frameworks.
Participants will receive training in climate finance fundamentals, Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), social safeguards, green product development, climate risk integration and ESG-based credit assessment.
This initiative would serve as an important platform for regional cooperation, professional networking and knowledge sharing between Nepalese and Sri Lankan banking professionals while supporting the transition toward resilient and sustainable financial systems across South Asia.
– Pix by Lasantha Kumara
