The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has become the first private sector banking group in Sri Lanka to cross the Rs. 3 trillion deposit threshold, posting robust first-half results despite increased impairment provisions reflecting global economic uncertainties.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first private banking group in Sri Lanka to exceed Rs. 3 trillion in deposits during the first half of 2026. The group's deposits reached Rs. 3.02 trillion as of 30 June 2026, representing a growth of Rs. 315.13 billion over the six-month period, equivalent to a monthly average increase of Rs. 52.52 billion. Over the preceding 12 months, deposits expanded by 20.33% at a monthly average of Rs. 42.46 billion.
The group's lending portfolio also expanded substantially, with gross loans and advances increasing by Rs. 270.43 billion in the first half to reach Rs. 2.36 trillion. Year-on-year lending growth was particularly strong at 36.07%, or Rs. 624.48 billion. Total group assets grew to Rs. 3.74 trillion, reflecting increases of 10.68% since December 2025 and 19.42% over the preceding 12 months. According to leadership, this performance demonstrates resilience amid challenging global and regional conditions.
Financial performance remained solid, with the group recording net profit after tax of Rs. 35.42 billion for the six months, up 13.66% year-on-year. Gross income reached Rs. 209.16 billion, representing 18.28% growth. However, the group increased impairment provisions by 33.44% to Rs. 14.85 billion as a precautionary measure, with second-quarter impairment charges alone climbing 193.38%. Managing Director Sanath Manatunge attributed this heightened emphasis on risk management to the volatile global economic landscape.
The bank maintained strong capital and liquidity positions, with a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 13.23% and Total Capital Ratio of 16.58%, both exceeding regulatory minimums. Liquidity coverage ratios stood well above statutory requirements at 444.92% for rupees and 253.94% for all currencies. Profitability metrics showed improvement, with return on equity rising to 20.28% from 19.51%, though the cost-to-income ratio improved to 27.82% from 29.66% the previous year.
