The National Development Bank (NDB) continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering future leaders and promoting community development through its ongoing partnership with the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA). At a press conference held on Wednesday, 11th September 2024, at The "New Wing" Restaurant, MCA premises, NDB announced its sponsorship of the NDB-MCA "C" Division 50-Over (Turf) League Tournament 2024, played for the prestigious "NDB Trophy" for the fourth time.

The event saw the attendance of key MCA and NDB officials, including Mahesh De Alwis, President of MCA, Rohan Somawansa, General Secretary of MCA, and Hasitha Dassanayake, Chairman of the MCA Sponsorship Committee. Representing NDB were Niran Mahawatte, Vice President of Treasury, and Darshana Jayasinghe, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, who officially handed over the sponsorship cheque to MCA, officially commemorating the renewed partnership between the two organisations.

During the press conference, Niran Mahawatte highlighted the significance of the tournament and NDB's continued support of this endavour. He remarked, “At NDB, we believe that sports play a critical role in shaping future generations of leaders by instilling values such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. Through our continued partnership with MCA, we aim to empower Sri Lanka's young professionals, both on and off the field, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact in their careers and in society.”

The NDB-MCA "C" Division 50-Over League Tournament is one of the most competitive fixtures in Sri Lanka's mercantile sports calendar, drawing teams from leading corporations such as Nawaloka Hospital, Commercial Bank, DPMC, LOLC, and MAS Unichela. The tournament offers an invaluable platform for emerging corporate talent to showcase their cricketing skills while building camaraderie and leadership qualities that transcend the playing field.

Mahesh De Alwis, President of MCA, expressed his gratitude to NDB for their steadfast support. He commented that  this partnership underscored the shared values of NDB and MCA in empowering individuals through sport and leadership development and how NDB’s involvement has elevated the tournament to new heights.

As the 2024 season kicks off, NDB looks forward to fostering future leaders through sportsmanship, competition, and teamwork. By empowering young professionals to excel, the bank is playing an integral role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s corporate and sporting communities. Through this partnership, NDB reaffirms its commitment to driving long-term development and creating pathways for success across industries.