Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to present the Bank’s Corporate Governance report on behalf of our Board. The report includes details of how governance underpins and supports our business and the decisions made to deliver our strategy and create long-term value for our shareholders.

The Bank believes that corporate governance remains to be a dynamic concept with a framework of rules, systems and processes adopted by the organisation. Good governance facilitates effective management and enables the Bank to maintain a high level of business ethics. The Board sets the example for employees of the Bank by implementing the highest standards of business ethics and corporate governance. The Bank subscribes to the philosophy of exercising a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption and expects all staff members to comply with the relevant laws, regulations and guidelines in place to prevent bribery and corruption. The Bank is committed to initiate stern action against any staff member for any breach, irrespective of his/her position or experience, under the covenants of the Bank’s disciplinary policy.

The high standards of corporate governance continue to be a key priority for the Board. Corporate governance practices of the Bank are in accordance with the Bank’s Board approved Corporate Governance Charter. The Bank’s existing corporate governance framework mandates the responsibilities and duties of the Board and the Management to the shareholders and other stakeholders towards the promotion of a strong corporate governance culture. The Bank’s corporate governance framework is well-structured and is supported by a strong focus on integrity, accountability, transparency in the manner of doing business, and clear and timely communication.

Our commitment to strong corporate governance and ethical practices remain unwavering.

We continually review the framework within which we operate and the processes implemented, to ensure that they reflect the complexities of our business and meet the needs of our stakeholders. The Board understands the benefits of annual performance evaluations, both for Directors on an individual basis as well as for the Board as a whole and looks for ways in which it can improve and develop.

We firmly believe that Board independence is essential to bring objectivity and transparency in the Management and in the dealings of the Bank. As at the end of the year, the majority of our Board members – seven out of nine, are independent members. An Independent Director functions as the Chairperson of Audit, Nomination and Governance, Integrated Risk Management, Human Resources and Remuneration, and Related Party Transactions Review Committees.

The Bank achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the issuance of Sri Lanka’s first-ever Green Bond, which is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). This pioneering initiative marked a significant step in advancing sustainable financing in the country. Building on this success, we took another bold step by listing the bond on the Securities Official List (SOL) of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE), making it the first Sri Lankan bond to achieve a dual listing. This dual listing underscores our commitment to global sustainability standards and expanding access to international capital markets.

As we look towards the future, community engagement holds a special place in our hearts. We are committed to expanding our initiatives and social responsibility programmes over the coming year, contributing positively to the communities we serve.

I confirm to the best of my knowledge that there were no material violations of any of the provisions of the directions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, other applicable laws and regulations, codes of conduct, and other related policies and procedures of the Bank.

J Durairatnam
Chairman

19 February 2025

Mandate of the Board

The Board is responsible for the Bank’s system of corporate governance and is committed to maintaining high standards and to developing governance arrangements to comply with best practices. Ultimate responsibility for the management of the Bank rests with the Board of Directors. The Board focuses primarily upon strategic and policy issues and is responsible for the Bank’s long-term success. It sets the Bank’s strategy, oversees the allocation of resources and monitors the performance of the Bank. It is also responsible for effective risk assessment and management. The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved to it and delegates certain matters to its committees. Board meetings are held ordinarily on twelve scheduled occasions during any given year, as well as holding ad hoc meetings to consider non-routine business, if required.

The interactions in the governance process are shown in the schematic below:

Governance Framework of the Bank

Main elements which encompass the governance framework of the Bank are depicted below:

 

 

The list of Policies governing Corporate Governance practices of the Bank can be accessed via the link https://www.dfcc.lk/company-policies/. These policies are reviewed periodically and changes are introduced as and when required.

Bank is in full compliance with the requirements of the Policy described in Section 9.5.1 of the CSE Listing Rules governing matters relating to the Board of Directors.

The Chairman has assigned the CEO to maintain a dialogue with institutional investors and to bring any matters of concern raised by shareholders to the notice of the Board.

Good corporate governance is a mechanism that harmonises the interests of a wide range of stakeholders of an institution, while contributing to sustainable growth by attracting outside sources of capital. The Bank practices high standards of corporate governance based on the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) principles of good governance.

OECD principles of good governance are based on the following six guidelines:

• Promoting transparency, being consistent with laws, and clearly articulating division of responsibilities
• Protecting and facilitating the exercise of shareholder rights, ensuring equitable treatment of all shareholders and recognising the rights of stakeholders in creating wealth
• Exercising due diligence and responsibility in capital market operations
• Timely and accurate disclosure on all material matters regarding the Bank, including financial situation, performance, ownership, and governance
• Sustainability and Resilience
• By way of an effective Governance Framework, ensuring the strategic guidance of the Bank, effective monitoring of management of the Board, and the Board’s accountability to the Bank and its shareholders

The key corporate governance practices of the Bank are given in this Report with specific disclosures relating to the status of compliance with the mandatory requirements of Direction No. 11 of 2007 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (as amended). In addition to the requirements of the Central Bank Direction, the corporate governance rules applicable to listed entities given in Section 9 of the Listing Rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) are also applicable to the Bank. The Bank is in full compliance with the said CSE Rules on Corporate Governance.

DFCC Bank’s Goals of Good Corporate Governance

 

 

Board Culture

Directors are encouraged to be open and forthright in their approach, with active debate encouraged during Board meetings before any decisions are taken. We believe this helps to forge strong and open working relationships while enabling our Directors to engage fully with the Bank and allowing them to make their best possible contribution.

Board Refreshment

Periodically, the Board welcomes fresh talent due to retirement, resignation or any other exigency that prompts the exit of a current Director. Such new appointments infuse new talent and fresh ways of thinking, that is required for a business that is sustainable.

Board Members Access to information

Directors receive the Board Circulars well before the date of the Board Meeting. In addition, the Directors may request any further information or expert advice as they deem necessary to make clear and informed decisions as necessary. On appointment, Directors are provided with an orientation covering the key areas of the Bank.

Conduct and Ethical Framework

The Bank’s framework for ethical conduct based on transparency and integrity with strict adherence to laid down policies and procedures is non-negotiable. This area is governed by several key policies and procedures.

The Board	The Employees
The Code of Conduct for Directors adopted by the Bank to which the Directors are expected to abide by, encompasses the following: Compliance with laws, rules, and regulations Avoidance of conflicts of interest Maintenance of confidentiality of information Fair dealing with stakeholders Protection of the Bank’s assets	Employee behaviour is governed by a separate Code of Conduct including other policies and procedures such as the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, Disciplinary Code, Statement of Policy on Prohibiting Insider Trading, Whistleblowing Policy, Anti-Money Laundering Policy, Compliance Policy, Disclosure Policy, etc.

Whistle-blowing Policy

This is a vital mechanism for employees to report misconduct, fraud, or unethical practices within the Bank. The policy establishes a confidential tool for the employees to escalate concerns that can potentially harm the Bank’s reputation or jeopardize the health and safety of employees, without fear of reprisal.

The Bank assures the whistleblower’s confidentiality and pledges to shield them from reprisals. An investigation will be carried out on any matters brought to notice, and if required, steps will be taken to rectify the issue.

Anti-bribery and Corruption Policy

The Bank opposes all forms of bribery and corruption. The Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy governs the Bank’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Framework, overseen by the Fraud Risk Management Committee (FRMC). This process ensures the Bank’s strict compliance with local laws that safeguard its reputation and standing with the regulators.

The ethos of the policy are applicable to all i.e. Directors, employees, and authorised representatives, prohibiting engagements with individuals or entities associated with or vulnerable to bribery and corruption. The FRMC conducts routine policy assessments, using audits, compliance checks, and HR assessments to ensure alignment with the Bank’s steadfast stance of zero tolerance towards bribery and corruption. The Employee Handbook also outlines employee conduct guidelines, including bribery and corruption regulations.

Gifts and Inducements

Accepting gifts and inducements can compromise objectivity, leading to biased decision-making or preferential treatment. It undermines trust, potentially damaging the Bank’s reputation and credibility, and violate ethical standards. Declining gifts and inducements ensures ethical conduct, preserves professionalism, and upholds the Bank’s integrity, fostering a culture of transparency, fairness, and trustworthiness.

In terms of the Employee Code of Conduct, employees are prohibited from seeking or receiving gifts and incentives from customers and other third parties involved in the Bank’s business, except for nominal token gifts associated with celebratory occasions.

Anti-Money Laundering Policy

In the current digitised financial landscape where high value transactions move across accounts and financial markets, money laundering is an ever present threat. DFCC Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy stringently applies the regulatory requirements to ensure the Bank is not used by unscrupulous individuals to launder money, or to utilise funds for illegal purposes.

Staff training is conducted to ensure this is fully ingrained for compliance and a separate department is responsible for ensuring the Bank’s policy and procedure stay current, with local and global standards.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)

The Board ensures that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are systematically integrated into the Bank’s strategic decision-making processes. The Board’s ESG oversight encompasses:

• Strategic Alignment – Embedding sustainability into the Bank’s corporate strategy to ensure long-term business resilience.
• Risk Management – Identifying, assessing, and mitigating sustainability and climate related risks to safeguard the Bank’s financial and operational stability.
• Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Standards – Ensuring adherence to regulations and encouraging the adoption of industry best practices and ESG related disclosure requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Engaging with stakeholders, including regulators, multilateral organisations and industry associations, investors, customers, and employees, to align ESG initiatives with social and environmental expectations.
• Innovation for Sustainable Finance – Encouraging financial solutions that promote environmental conservation, social well-being, and responsible business practices.
• Social Responsibility and Impact – Implementing initiatives that drive sustainable socio-economic development which positively contribute to communities and the environment.

To enhance the Board’s ability to oversee sustainability matters effectively, Board members participate in ESG and sustainability-related training, knowledge-sharing sessions, and awareness programmes organised by the Bank. These initiatives ensure that the Board collectively builds expertise, stays informed of emerging ESG trends, and strengthens its role in guiding the Bank’s sustainability strategy.

The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight on ESG and sustainability matters through the Executive Sustainability Management Committee (ESMC), chaired by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This committee plays a pivotal role in driving the Bank’s sustainability agenda, ensuring ESG integration into business operations, and monitoring the implementation of sustainability initiatives.

The Board ensures the implementation of the Bank’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) through the Management Credit Committee, to ensure due diligence in managing social, economic and environmental topics.

ESG and sustainability related information is disclosed in the following section of this report:

• Our Commitment to Sustainability on Our Commitment to Sustainability pages
• Environmental and Social Reports on Environmental pages to Community page.
• Stakeholder and Materiality Reports on Stakeholders pages to Materiality page.

Through these structured governance mechanisms, DFCC Bank reinforces its commitment to responsible banking, sustainable development, and compliance with corporate governance expectations, ensuring long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

Internal Control

The Board is also responsible for ensuring that management maintains a system of internal control that provides assurance of effective and efficient operations, internal financial controls and compliance with laws and regulations. In carrying out this responsibility, the Board has regard to what is appropriate for the Bank’s business and reputation, the materiality of the financial and the relative costs and benefits of implementing specific controls. The Board is also the decision-making body for all other matters of such importance as to be of significance to the Bank as a whole because of their strategic, financial or reputational implications or consequences. There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board’s decision. Our risk management process identifies the key risks facing each business and reports to the Board on how those risks are being managed. Such a system of internal control can only be designed to manage, rather than eliminate risk of failure, to achieve business objectives, and can provide reasonable, but not absolute assurance against material misstatement and loss. The Board has a process for identifying, evaluating and managing the risks we face. That process is continual and has been in place for the year under review up to and including the date of this report.

Further aspects that impact the internal control framework of the Bank are covered under Integrated Risk Management on Integrated Risk Management page.

Board Highlights 2024

• Decided to issue up to 25 million senior, listed, rated, unsecured, redeemable green bonds each at an issue price (par value) of LKR 100/-, with a term of up to 3 years
• Approved the payment of a dividend of LKR 5/- per share (scrip and cash) for 2023
• Approved the business plan for 2024
• Approved the appointment of a Director
• Approved the structure & operating model of Retail Banking & SME
• Approved the set up of an Islamic Banking Unit
• Reviewed staff benefit schemes
• Approved a programmes to be conducted on Executive Leadership Development
• Revised the Terms of Reference of Board Committees
• Reviewed all major policies.
• Reviewed and endorsed the KPIs of Key Management Personnel
• Approved the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy
• Approved the Asset Management Policy
• Approved the Investor Relations and Stakeholder Communication Policy
• Approved the appointment of Deputy Chief Executive Officer
• Approved the establishment of a branch at Colombo Port City
• Approved the listing of the DFCC Bank’s Green Bond in the Luxembourg Stock Exchange
• Decided to conduct an Employee Satisfaction Survey with Great Places to Work in Sri Lanka
• Approved to enter into the Accreditation Master Agreement with the Green Climate Fund.

Permanent Board Committees as at 31 December 2024

*The Credit Restructure Committee approves papers by circulation

	Attendance of Directors at meetings – 2024
Name of Director	Main Board	Audit Committee	Human Resources and Remuneration Committee	Nomination and Governance Committee	Integrated Risk Management Committee	Credit Approval Committee	Related Party Transactions Review Committee
Total number of meetings	12	9	6	7	6	12	12
W D Batagoda	12/12		6/6
J Durairatnam	12/12		6/6	7/7		12/12	12/12
Ms L K A H Fernando	12/12	9/9			4/5
W R H Fernando	12/12	3/3		7/7	5/6
Ms H M N S Gunawardana	7/7	6/6	5/5
P A Jayatunga	2/2				1/1
N K G K Nemmawatta	12/12					12/12	12/12
N H T I Perera	12/12				5/5		11/11
Ms V J Senaratne	6/6			2/2	2/3
Ms A L Thambiayah	10/12		6/6			11/12	10/11
N Vasantha Kumar	12/12			7/7	6/6
H A J de S Wijeyeratne	12/12	9/9

*Attended/eligible to attend

Shareholder Rights

The basic rights of shareholders include;

• The ability to transfer shares freely
• To have access to financial and other relevant information about the entity on a regular and timely basis
• The ability to effectively participate in shareholder meetings
• Appoint Directors and Auditors
• Equitable treatment relating to the type of shares owned.

The shares of the Bank are freely transferable through the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) but subject to limitations stated in the Articles of Association of the Bank and the Banking Act.

The Board approved Investor Relations and Shareholder Communication Policy ensures that information relating to the financial performance and the progress of the Bank is made available to shareholders through timely disclosures made to the CSE.

During the year, shareholders were notified through announcements made to the CSE, of quarterly results, dividend declaration for 2023, Annual Financial Statements for 2023, Interim Financial Statements for 2024, appointment of a new Director, date of the Annual General Meeting in 2024, Debenture Issue, Green Bond Issue etc. The Bank’s website has a dedicated area “Investor Relations” for investors, which includes Interim Financial Statements and Annual Reports.

The Annual Report contains a comprehensive review of performance as well as other information of relevance to the other stakeholders apart from reporting on the financial condition of the Bank and the Group. All important information is given publicity through the print and electronic media and posted on the Bank’s website.

The Bank has procedures to promptly disseminate price sensitive information and trading in shares by the Directors, to the CSE, as required by the Listing Rules. In instances where this is not possible, the Chief Financial Officer advises closed periods for trading in the Bank’s shares by employees and Directors. The Board has formally adopted a Statement of Policy Prohibiting Insider Trading. As a general rule, the period after the end of each quarter up until two market days after the financial information is released, is treated as closed periods. Procedures are in place to detect any violations.

During the year under review, the Bank shared a reasonable portion of its profit for 2023 with shareholders in the form of cash dividend, while retaining the balance funds to support its growth and development. This year, the Bank also distributed part of the dividend as a scrip dividend.

All shareholders of the Bank are treated equally on the basis of one vote per ordinary share. The Bank has not issued any non-voting ordinary shares or preference shares.

Shareholder Meetings

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bank is normally held within a period of one year from the date of the previous meeting, after giving adequate notice to shareholders as required by the Articles of Association. Accordingly, the AGM was held on 28 March 2024.

The Annual Report and Notice of Meeting are sent to all shareholders in order to enable effective shareholder participation at the meeting. Shareholders have the opportunity to access the Annual Report by way of a web link or obtain a printed document.

Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) are held to obtain shareholder approval on matters that require such approval.

Annual Corporate Governance Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 published in terms of Section 3 (1) (xvi) of the Banking Act Direction No. 11 Of 2007

Rule		Governance principle	Compliance	Remarks
3.1 Responsibilities of the Board
3.1 (i)	Safety and soundness of the Bank
	The Board has strengthened the safety and soundness of the Bank through the implementation of the following:
	(a)	Strategic objectives and corporate values	Compliant	The Bank sets its strategic objectives and goals through the annual business plan, which is approved by the Board. These goals and the corporate values approved by the Board are communicated to the business units and other staff. The corporate values are posted on the intranet and all employees are guided by these values.
	(b)	Overall business strategy	Compliant	The Bank’s strategic plan was approved by the Board. The Board engages in the strategic planning and control of the Bank by overseeing the formulation of business objectives and targets, assessing risks by engaging qualified and experienced personnel, delegating them with the authority for conducting operational activities and monitoring performance through a formal reporting process. A separate item has been included in the agenda at every Board meeting under the heading “Strategic Discussion”, to take up any matter of strategic importance to the Bank. Directors are encouraged to identify and communicate any matter they consider to be of strategic importance. Periodic updates or revisions of the Strategic Plan are considered and formulated as and when needed.
	(c)	Principal risks	Compliant	The identification of principal risks, approving of overall risk policy and risk appetite is carried out through the Board Integrated Risk Management Committee and reviewed annually.
	(d)	Communication with stakeholders	Compliant	The Board approved Investor Relations and Shareholder Communication Policy ensures that information is made available to shareholders and other stakeholders through timely disclosures made to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and by publicity through the print and electronic media and posts on the Bank’s website. The Bank has an internally developed Code of Conduct for its employees, which is posted on the internal web and is accessible by all employees. The Bank has also adopted a separate Code of Conduct for the Directors.
	(e)	Bank’s internal control and management information systems	Compliant	The Audit Committee assists the Board in reviewing and evaluating the integrity, adequacy, and effectiveness of the internal control system, including management information systems and controls over financial reporting of the Bank. The internal audit carries out periodic reviews to ensure that the internal control systems are functioning as appropriate. The report by the Board of Directors on internal control over financial reporting is given on Directors’ Statement Of Internal Controls page. The Independent Assurance Report by the External Auditor on the Directors’ Statement on Internal Control is given on Assurance Report On The Directors’ Statement On Internal Control page.
	(f)	Key Management Personnel (KMP)	Compliant	The Board has identified and designated its Key Management Personnel.
	(g)	Authority and responsibility	Compliant	Areas of authority and key responsibilities of Directors have been set out in the Corporate Governance Charter which has been adopted by the Board. The Board has also identified matters specifically reserved for the Board. The duties and responsibilities of other KMP are formally documented in their job descriptions. Delegation of authority levels for KMP has also been clearly specified in Board approved circulars.
	(h)	Oversight of the affairs of the Bank by KMP	Compliant	Oversight is exercised through Board Committees, reporting to the Board as appropriate. Policies and decisions of the Board requiring appropriate follow up are communicated by the Board Secretary to the relevant KMP. Minutes of relevant management committee meetings headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are submitted to the Board for information. KMP are called upon to clarify matters and make presentations on matters within their purview at the monthly Board meetings.
	(i)	Board’s own governance practices	Compliant	An annual self-assessment is carried out on a structured format where the Directors submit their individual responses direct to the Board Secretary. The responses are collated by the Board Secretary and submitted to the Board. The effectiveness of the Board’s own governance practices is reviewed by the Board, and areas for improvement are discussed for necessary action. During this year too, in addition to the assessments carried out by the individual members, the Nomination and Governance Committee, based on a separate checklist, carried out an evaluation of the Board, and the results were shared with the other members of the Board, and an opportunity was provided to them to comment on the findings of the Committee.
	(j)	Succession plan for KMP	Compliant	The Bank has in place a succession plan for Key Management Personnel which is reviewed annually by the Nomination and Governance Committee and approved by the Board.

Rule		Governance principle	Compliance	Remarks
	(k)	Regular meetings with KMP to monitor progress	Compliant	Meetings are attended by relevant executives when required. Additional information sought by Directors on papers submitted to the Board is clarified by the respective officers. The Board has free access to Senior Management. During the year, the Board reviewed the performance in order to monitor progress against the business plan. These presentations provided an opportunity for the Board members to interact with the Senior Management to clarify reasons for variations against the budget and to suggest corrective action.
	(l)	Regulatory environment	Compliant	The Board Secretary/Compliance Officer provides all regulatory information required to the Board members. The CEO briefs the Board on specific issues. Senior Management maintains continuous dialogue with the regulator to ensure an effective relationship. During the year, the Board was appraised of the changes introduced by the Banking Act Directions on Corporate Governance.
	(m)	Due diligence in hiring and oversight of External Auditor	Compliant	The primary responsibility for making recommendations on the appointment of the External Auditor rests with the Audit Committee. A formal policy approved by the Board on engagement of External Auditor to perform non-audit services is in place.
3.1 (ii)		Appointment and segregation of the roles of the Chairman and CEO	Compliant	The Board elects the Chairman and appoints the CEO. While the Chairman provides leadership to the direction, oversight, and control process exercised by the Board, the CEO is responsible for the management of the Bank.
3.1 (iii)		Board meetings	Compliant	The Board held twelve Board meetings during the year. The Directors actively participated in the Board’s decision-making process as evident from the Board minutes. Seeking approval of the Board by circulation was done only in exceptional circumstances due to urgency.
3.1 (iv)		The Board to ensure that arrangements are in place for Directors to include items and proposals in the agenda of Board meetings	Compliant	Whenever the Directors suggest topics for consideration at the Board meetings, they are included in the agenda under “open discussion”, which is an integral part of every Board meeting, and other supporting data, reports, documents, etc. relevant for the subject matter are circulated among the Directors for information.
3.1 (v)		Notice of Board meetings – at least seven days’ notice of regular meetings and reasonable notice of other meetings to be given	Compliant	Dates for the regular monthly Board meetings are agreed by the Directors at the start of each year, and any changes to dates of scheduled meetings are decided well in advance. The Board Circulars and other documents pertaining to meetings are made available well in advance to enable the Directors to participate in deliberations.

Rule	Governance principle	Compliance	Remarks
3.1 (vi)	Attendance at Board meetings	Compliant	All Directors attended more than two-thirds of Board meetings and no Director was absent for three or more consecutive meetings. Attendance details are given on Corporate Governance page.
3.1 (vii)	Duties and qualifications of the Company Secretary	Compliant	The Company Secretary possesses the qualifications specified in Section 43 of the Banking Act. The Company Secretary, while performing the secretariat services to the Board and shareholders’ meetings, is responsible to the Board in ensuring that Board procedures and applicable rules and regulations are followed. All new Directors are provided with the necessary documentation on Directors’ responsibilities and specific banking-related directions/policies that are required to perform their function effectively.
3.1 (viii)	The Directors’ access to the Company Secretary	Compliant	All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary directly.
3.1 (ix)	The Company Secretary’s duty to maintain minutes of Board meetings and ensure the Directors’ access to them	Compliant	The Company Secretary compiles the minutes of the Board meetings which are subject to approval of the Board and signed by the Chairman and the Secretary. Copies of minutes are provided and Directors have access to the original minutes at all reasonable times.
3.1 (x)	The form and contents of the minutes of Board meetings	Compliant	The Board minutes are drawn with reference to Board Circulars with sufficient details to indicate the decisions made by the Board of Directors. The information used in making such decisions, the reasons and rationale of making them, and each Director’s contribution if considered material is included in the minutes.
3.1 (xi)	Independent professional advice on request for Directors to perform their duties	Compliant	The Board has put in place a procedure where the Directors can obtain Independent professional advice, at the Bank’s expense, to perform their duties.
3.1 (xii)	The Directors’ avoidance of conflicts of interest	Compliant	The Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 requires Directors who are directly or indirectly interested in contracts or a proposed contract with the Bank to declare the nature of such interest. The Directors have declared their interests in contracts involving the Bank and have not participated in the decision-making.
3.1 (xiii)	Schedule of matters reserved for the decisions of the Board	Compliant	Schedule of matters reserved for the Board has been decided on.
3.1 (xiv)	Reporting insolvency to the Director of Bank Supervision	Compliant	Solvency is a matter constantly monitored by the Treasury Department, Integrated Risk Management Committee, and the Board of Directors. During the year under review, the Bank remained solvent, and no event has or is likely to occur that would make the Bank not able to meet its obligations.
3.1 (xv)	Adequacy of capital	Compliant	The Bank is capitalised above the minimum levels required by the Monetary Board in terms of the capital adequacy and minimum required capital.
3.1 (xvi)	Corporate Governance Report	Compliant	The annual Corporate Governance report forms an integral part of the Directors report of the Bank’s Annual Report.
3.1 (xvii)	Self-assessment of the Board of Directors	Compliant	The Board has a structured scheme of self-assessment which is carried out annually. The performance of the respective committees is also evaluated by the other members who are not members of the respective committees in order to ensure that they function effectively. The findings are discussed at the Board meetings and action is taken on areas identified for improvement. The performance assessment criteria of the CEO are given in 3.5 (xi).
3.2 (i)	Number of Directors	Compliant	During the year under review, the Board of Directors comprised a minimum of nine and a maximum of eleven Directors.
3.2 (ii)	Period of service of a Director	Compliant	No Director has held the position of a Director of the Bank for more than nine years.
3.2 (iii)	Number of Executive Directors	Compliant	The CEO is the only Executive Director on the Board.
3.2 (iv)	Number of Independent Directors	Compliant	There were seven Independent Directors on the Board at the end of the year under review. The Board has adopted a format of a declaration to be obtained from Non-Executive Directors so that each Director shall independently confirm their status against specific criteria applicable to the ascertainment of independence. As such, all Non-Executive Directors have submitted their declaration in compliance with the Board decision.
3.2 (v)	Alternate Directors to represent Independent Directors	Compliant	Persons who are appointed as alternate Directors to existing Independent Directors of the Board are subject to the same criteria applicable to such Directors. During the year, Independent Directors did not appoint any alternates.
3.2 (vi)	The skills, experience, and track records of Non-Executive Directors	Compliant	Non-Executive Directors who held office had professional backgrounds, strong track records, and high-level managerial experience in banking, business, industry, law, finance, or auditing.
3.2 (vii)	Number of Non-Executive Directors required to form a quorum at Board meetings	Compliant	The Bank has been compliant with this rule at all times as monitored by the Company Secretary.
3.2 (viii)	Disclosure of details of Directors	Compliant	The names and the composition of the Directors by category are disclosed in the Annual Report of the Board of Directors.
3.2 (ix)	Appointments of new Directors	Compliant	Appointments of new Directors are formally evaluated by the Nomination and Governance Committee and recommended to the Board of Directors for approval. One new Director was appointed during the year.
3.2 (x)	Appointment of a Director to fill a casual vacancy	Compliant	The Articles of Association of the Bank provides that the Directors appointed by the Board of Directors hold office until the following AGM, at which, they have to be elected by the shareholders.
3.2 (xi)	Resignation or removal of a Director	Compliant	The details of retirement/resignation of Directors from office during the year under review are given in the Directors’ Report. There were no matters that needed to be brought to the attention of the shareholders as a consequence of the resignation of Mr W D Batagoda, since he resigned due to the sale of shares. No Director was removed during the year under review.
3.2 (xii)	Appointment of a Director or an employee to another bank	Compliant	No Director or employee of the Bank is a Director of another bank.
3.3 (i)	Maximum age of Directors	Compliant	All Directors who reached the age of 70 have relinquished office.
3.3 (ii)	Holding of Director’s position in more than 20 companies in all	Compliant	All Directors comply with this requirement.
3.3 (iii)	Appointment of a Director or a Chief Executive Officer who has held office in another licensed commercial bank, not to be considered before the expiry of a period of 6 months from the date of cessation of his/her office at the licensed bank in Sri Lanka	Compliant	The Company Secretary ensures that all newly appointed Directors comply with this requirement.
3.4 (i)	Delegation arrangements	Compliant	The Board of Directors has delegated authority to the Management subject to specific criteria, limitations, safeguards, and monitoring mechanisms.
3.4 (ii)	Extent of delegation	Compliant	The delegation of authority made by the Board is designed to facilitate efficient management of the affairs of the Bank, and to aid the oversight role exercised by Board, it is not of an extent to hinder the ability of the Board to discharge its functions. The Board retains the authority to expand, curtail, limit, or revoke such delegated authority.
3.4 (iii)	Review of delegation process	Compliant	The delegation process is subject to periodic review by the Board, to ensure that necessary amendments are approved to meet the requirements of the Bank. Material decisions made under delegated authority are reported to the Bank for information.
3.5 (i)	Separation of the roles of the Chairman and CEO	Compliant	The Chairman and the CEO are two separate individuals.
3.5 (ii)	The Chairman to be a Non-Executive Director	Compliant	The Chairman is an Independent Non-Executive Director.
3.5 (iii)	Disclosure of relationship between the Chairman, CEO, and other Directors	Compliant	No relationships exist between the current Chairman, the CEO and the other Non-Executive Directors according to the declarations made by them.
3.5 (iv)	Role of the Chairman	Compliant	The Chairman provides leadership to the Board and ensures that the Board discharges its responsibilities effectively. The Chairman encourages members to actively participate and to raise their independent judgement on all key and appropriate issues in a timely manner.
3.5 (v)	Agenda of Board meetings	Compliant	The agenda of each Board meeting is drawn by the Company Secretary under the direction of the CEO and the Chairman, and any matters relevant to the policies and operations of the Bank proposed by other Directors are included in the agenda upon approval by the Chairman.
3.5 (vi)	Providing information to the Directors	Compliant	The Chairman ensures that all Directors are properly briefed on issues which arise at Board meetings and ensures that they receive adequate information in a timely manner. The agenda and all Board papers are circulated electronically to Board members prior to the meeting.
3.5 (vii)	The Board to act in the best interest of the Bank	Compliant	The Chairman encourages exercise of independent judgement by the Directors on matters under consideration by the Board in order that the best interests of the Bank can be assured.
3.5 (viii)	Effective contribution of Non-Executive Directors	Compliant	The Chairman facilitates contributions by the Non-Executive Directors in making decisions. An agenda item has been included which is an integral part of every Board meeting, for a “Discussion among Non-Executive Directors” (without the presence of the Executive Director) so as to enable them to bring up any issue that needs to be highlighted.
3.5 (ix)	The Chairman not to engage in executive functions	Compliant	The Chairman is a Non-Executive Director and does not supervise any management personnel of the Bank directly.
3.5 (x)	Communication with shareholders	Compliant	The Chairman has assigned the CEO to maintain a dialogue with institutional investors and to bring any matters of concern to the notice of the Board. The Investor Relations and Shareholder Communication Policy approved by the Board includes a provision for communication with shareholders.
3.5 (xi)	CEO to be in charge of the management of operations and business	Compliant	The CEO is the head of the management team and is in charge of day-to-day management of the Bank’s operations and business. At the beginning of each year, the Board discusses the business plan with the CEO and the Senior Management, and agrees on the medium and short-term financial and non-financial targets to be achieved and action plans to be implemented by the Bank. Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis and the assessment of the performance of the Bank is carried out by the Board at the end of each year, based on the initiatives laid down in the business plan.
3.6 (i)	Four Board appointed committees	Compliant	The Board has appointed the four Committees required by the direction. The reports on their duties, performance, and roles are published in the Annual Report.
3.6 (ii)	Board Audit Committee		Please refer Report Of The Audit Committee page.
	(a) Chairman of the Committee	Compliant	During the year under review, the Audit Committee was chaired by an Independent Non-Executive Director who is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
	(b) Composition of the members	Compliant	All members of the Committee are Non-Executive Directors.
	(c) External Auditor	Compliant	The Audit Committee assists the Board in implementing a transparent process in the engagement and remuneration of the External Auditor and assists in the general oversight of financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with laws, regulations, and codes of conduct. The Committee ensures that the engagement of the audit partner does not exceed five years.
	(d) Independence and effectiveness of the audit process	Compliant	The Committee reviewed the statement issued by the External Auditor pursuant to Section 163 (3) of the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. The Committee discussed with the External Auditors, the nature and scope of the audit, and the effectiveness of the audit process in respect of the financial year 2024.
	(e) Non-audit services	Compliant	A formal policy approved by the Board on engagement of the External Auditor to perform non-audit services is in place.
	(f) Nature and scope of the external audit	Compliant	The Committee met with the External Auditor to discuss and finalise the scope of the audit to ensure that it is in compliance with guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
	(g) Review of financial information of the Bank	Compliant	The Committee reviewed all quarterly unaudited interim Financial Statements and the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
	(h) Meetings with External Auditor	Compliant	The Committee met with the External Auditor on four occasions and at two of those meetings, without the presence of the Management.

Rule		Governance principle	Compliance	Remarks
	(i)	Review of Management Letter	Compliant	The Committee considered the Management Letter issued by the External Auditor for the year ended 31 December 2023 and the Management responses thereto.
	(j)	Internal audit function	Compliant	The Committee reviews the adequacy of the internal audit function to ensure that it is in conformity with the Audit Committee Charter. The annual audit plan is approved by the Committee. The plan covers the scope and resource requirements. The annual performance appraisal of the Head of Internal Audit and the Senior Staff Members are reviewed by the Committee. The internal audit function is Independent of the activities it audits and the findings are reported directly to the Audit Committee.
	(k)	Internal audit findings	Compliant	The Committee reviewed the internal audit reports and considered the findings, recommendations, and corrective action.
	(l)	Attendance of non-audit committee members	Compliant	Vice President, Head of Internal Audit attends all Committee meetings. CEO, DCEO, CFO, other Heads of Units, and the External Auditors attend meetings on invitation. During the year, the Committee met with the External Auditor on two occasions without the presence of the Executive Director.
	(m)	Terms of reference	Compliant	The Committee is guided by the Audit Committee Charter.
	(n)	Meetings	Compliant	During the financial year ended 31 December 2024, nine meetings were held. Attendance of Committee members is given in the table on Corporate Governance page.
	(o)	Audit Committee activities	Compliant	Please refer Committee report on Report Of The Audit Committee page.
	(p)	Secretary	Compliant	Vice President, Head of Internal Audit serves as the Secretary of the Committee.
	(q)	Process of raising issues in confidence	Compliant	The Board has adopted a Whistleblowing Policy to encourage employees to communicate legitimate concerns on any illegal or unethical practices. Arrangements are in place to ensure that all employees are duly informed of the effective use of this process.
3.6 (iii)	Board Human Resources and Remuneration Committee			Please refer Report Of The Human Resources And Remuneration Committee page.
	(a)	Remuneration policy	Compliant	A formal remuneration policy approved by the Board is in place.
	(b)	Goals and targets for KMP	Compliant	The business plan which is approved by the Board encompasses the annual goals and targets of the CEO and other KMP.
	(c)	Review of performance of KMP	Compliant	The Committee annually reviews the performance against the set targets of the CEO and other KMP, and the remuneration levels of the CEO and other KMP, while ensuring appropriate compensation levels are maintained in order to retain and motivate staff.
	(d)	CEO’s presence	Compliant	The CEO attends meetings and participates in deliberations, except when matters relating to him are discussed.
3.6 (iv)	Board Nomination and Governance Committee			Please refer Report Of The Nomination And Governance Committee page.
	(a)	Appointment of new Directors and KMP	Compliant	During the year, the Committee considered and recommended to the Board, the appointment of a new director and candidates to fill Key Management positions. The Committee has documented the procedure to select and appoint Directors and other KMP.
	(b)	Re-election of Directors	Compliant	During the year, the Committee considered and recommended to the Board, the re-election of the Directors retiring under Articles 44 and 46 (ii), while ensuring that they are fit and proper persons to hold such office.
	(c)	Criteria relating to appointment of KMP	Compliant	The Committee evaluates the qualifications, experience, and key attributes required for eligibility for appointment of KMP.
	(d)	Fit and Proper Test	Compliant	The fitness and propriety of KMP are monitored by the Committee.
	(e)	Succession planning	Compliant	The Committee evaluates the need for additional/new expertise to the Board and succession for retiring KMP.
	(f)	Composition	Compliant	Please refer Report Of The Nomination And Governance Committee page.
3.6 (v)	Board Integrated Risk Management Committee (BIRMC)		Compliant	Please refer Report Of The Board Integrated Risk Management Committee page.
	(a)	Composition	Compliant	Please refer Report Of The Board Integrated Risk Management Committee page.
	(b)	Assessment of risk	Compliant	The Committee has put in place a Board approved risk framework. The risk exposures of the Bank are assessed on a monthly basis through a set of Key Risk Indicators. The risk assessment of subsidiaries, joint venture, and the associate is reviewed quarterly.
	(c)	Review of adequacy of Management Committees	Compliant	The Committee assesses the effectiveness of all Management Committees annually.
	(d)	Controlling risks within prudent limits	Compliant	The Committee assesses possible risks, reviews, and takes appropriate action to mitigate such risks.
	(e)	Frequency of meetings	Compliant	The Committee meets every two months.

Rule		Governance principle	Compliance	Remarks
	(f)	Corrective action on any management failure to identify risks	Compliant	Action is taken by the Committee with regard to any officer responsible for failure to identify specific risks, and appropriate corrective action is taken to remedy such situations.
	(g)	Submission of risk assessment reports to the Board	Compliant	The Board is kept informed of Committee proceedings by submitting the BIRMC minutes to the Board. The required approvals are obtained through specific submissions to the Board.
	(h)	Compliance function	Compliant	The compliance function is headed by a dedicated officer identified as a KMP in terms of the Corporate Governance Direction. The Compliance Officer reports to the BIRMC. The Committee oversees the function and reviews the compliance reports at every meeting.
3.7 (i) to (iii)	Avoidance of conflicts of interest and favourable treatment in transactions with related parties		Compliant	The Bank has adhered to the law as specified in the Banking Act and the directions issued thereunder with regard to transactions with related parties. The Board ensures that no related party benefits from any favourable treatment except as indicated in 3.7 (vi). A Related Party Transactions Review Committee has been established by the Board. The Committee Report is given on Report Of The Related Party Transactions Review Committee page. The Board has also adopted a policy on Related Party Transactions. The Bank has put in place a mechanism to obtain, on a quarterly basis, a confirmation from all Key Management Personnel on a structured format to assist in the process of collating related party transactions.
3.7 (iv)	Accommodation granted to Directors or their close relations		Compliant	The Bank complies with the law as specified in the Banking Act and the directions issued thereunder in granting accommodation to the Directors and/or their close relations.
3.7 (v)	Accommodation granted to Directors prior to appointment		Compliant	The provisions of the Banking Act will be followed if such situations arise and public will be informed if not compliant by the specified date as he/she will cease to hold office. This situation did not arise during the year.
3.7 (vi)	Avoidance of favourable treatment in granting accommodation to employees, close relations of employees and/or entities in which any employee or close relation of such employee hold substantial interest		Compliant	The accommodation granted to employees, close relations of employees and/or entities in which any employee or close relation of such employee holds substantial interest are subject to normal commercial terms applicable to such transactions and secured by security approved by the Monetary Board except in the case of accommodation under approved schemes, uniformly applicable to all or specific categories of employees.
3.7 (vii)	Not to remit part of the accommodation or interest without prior approval of the Monetary Board		Compliant	No such situation has arisen.

DISCLOSURE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MADE IN TERMS OF SECTION 3 (8) OF THE BANKING ACT DIRECTION NO. 11 OF 2007 OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA

(i) The Board shall ensure that
	The annual audited Financial Statements and quarterly Financial Statements are prepared and published in accordance with the formats prescribed by the supervisory and regulatory authorities and applicable accounting standards, and such statements are published in the newspapers in an abridged form in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.	Complied with.
(ii) The Board shall ensure that the following minimum disclosures are made in the Annual Report
(a)	A statement to the effect that annual audited Financial Statements have been prepared in line with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements, inclusive of specific disclosures.	Complied with. Please refer the Statement of Directors’ Responsibility on Statement Of Directors’ Responsibilities In Relation To Financial Statements page.
(b)	A report by the Board on the Bank’s internal control mechanism that confirms that the financial reporting system has been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and that the preparation of Financial Statements for external purposes has been done in accordance with relevant accounting principles and regulatory requirements.	Complied with. Please refer the Directors’ Statement of Internal Control on Directors’ Statement Of Internal Controls page.
(c)	The External Auditors’ Certification on the effectiveness of the internal control mechanism in respect of any statements prepared or published after 31 December 2008.	Complied with. Please refer Assurance Report of the External Auditor on Assurance Report On The Directors’ Statement On Internal Control page.
(d)	Details of Directors, including names, fitness and propriety, transactions with the Bank, and the total fees/remuneration paid by the Bank	Please refer Board Of Directors page, Annual Report Of The Board Of Directors On The State Of Affairs Of The Bank page and Note 59.2 to the Financial Statements.
(e)	Total net accommodation as defined in 3 (7) (iii) granted to each category of related parties shall also be disclosed as a percentage of the Bank’s regulatory capital.	Complied with. Category of related party 31 December 2024 LKR ’000 % Subsidiaries 5,403 0.01 Directors 5,323 0.01 Other Key Management Personnel 106,740 0.16 Close Family members of Directors and Key Management Personnel 4,030 0.01 Total net accommodation 121,496 0.18 Regulatory capital – solo basis 66,693,851 The total net accommodation was 0.18% of the Bank’s regulatory capital on solo basis. Maximum limit determined by Directors is 25% of the Bank’s regulatory capital on solo basis.
(f)	The aggregate values of remuneration paid by the Bank to its Key Management Personnel and the aggregate values of the transactions of the Bank with its Key Management Personnel, set out by broad categories such as remuneration paid, accommodation granted and deposits or investments made in the Bank.	Complied with. The aggregate value of compensation and transactions with the Bank by Key Management Personnel as defined by LKAS 24 for financial reporting purposes are given in Note 59.2 to the Financial Statements. Further, in addition to the above, compensation, total deposits, and investments made and accommodation obtained as at 31 December 2024 by the other Key Management Personnel (officers performing executive functions referred to in Banking Act determination No. 1 of 2019) amounted to LKR 235.88 Mn, LKR 243.55 Mn and LKR 77.07 Mn respectively.
(g)	All findings of the “Factual Findings Report” of the External Auditor to be incorporated in this report.	Complied with.
(h)	A report setting out details of the compliance with prudential requirements, regulations, laws and internal controls, and measures taken to rectify any material non-compliance.	Complied with. See Annual Report of the Board of Directors on the State of Affairs of the Bank.
(i)	A statement of the regulatory and supervisory concerns on lapses in the Bank’s risk management, or non-compliance with these directions that have been pointed out by the Director of Bank Supervision, if so directed by the Monetary Board to be disclosed to the public, together with the measures taken by the Bank to address such concerns.	The Monetary Board has not directed any disclosure to be made.

Independent Assurance

The External Auditors have performed procedures set out in Sri Lanka Related Services Practice Statement 4750 (SLRSPS 4750) issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, to meet the compliance requirement of the Corporate Governance Direction. Their findings presented in their report addressed to the Board are consistent with the matters disclosed above and did not identify any inconsistencies to those reported above by the Board.