The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the UN Global Compact today marked a significant milestone in advancing responsible business in Sri Lanka with a ceremonial Ring the Bell for Responsible Business event and the launch of the Responsible Business Coalition—a landmark partnership designed to embed sustainability, strengthened governance and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact across the country's business leadership.

The engagement formed a flagship moment during the visit of Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, bringing together business leaders, listed companies, think tanks, and professional and industry associations in a shared commitment to accelerate responsible business leadership in Sri Lanka.

Held at the Colombo Stock Exchange, the ceremony saw Sanda Ojiambo join senior leadership from the Colombo Stock Exchange in ringing the opening bell, symbolizing the vital role of capital markets in advancing responsible business and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Timed to coincide with the opening of the trading day, the ceremony reflected the growing recognition that long-term business success is intrinsically linked to sustainability, transparency and responsible corporate governance.

In her address to the trading floor, Ojiambo highlighted the increasingly important role of the private sector in building resilient, inclusive and sustainable economies, noting that responsible business is no longer simply a matter of corporate responsibility, but a strategic imperative for long-term competitiveness and resilience.

“The private sector has a critical role to play in shaping economies that are resilient, inclusive and sustainable. As businesses navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, responsible business is increasingly central to competitiveness, trust and long-term value creation. Through the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, businesses have a clear framework to translate sustainability commitments into meaningful action. Stock exchanges and listed companies are uniquely positioned to accelerate this transition by strengthening corporate governance, mobilizing sustainable finance and driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

— Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director, UN Global Compact

Ojiambo further emphasized the important role of stock exchanges and listed companies in mobilizing sustainable finance and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirming the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact as a globally recognized framework for advancing responsible business practices.

A key highlight of the morning was the official launch of the Responsible Business Coalition, convened by UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka. The Coalition brings together leading business and professional institutions to accelerate the integration of responsible business practices beyond sustainability functions and into boardrooms, executive leadership and professional development. Through coordinated advocacy, strategic convenings, technical capacity-building and shared learning, the Coalition will strengthen the adoption of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact across Sri Lanka's corporate landscape.

Commenting on the significance of the initiative, the Colombo Stock Exchange highlighted the importance of collaboration between capital market institutions and the wider business community in advancing sustainable and responsible growth.

“The Colombo Stock Exchange is pleased to support initiatives that strengthen responsible business practices, good governance and long-term value creation within Sri Lanka’s capital market. The Responsible Business Coalition provides an important platform for bringing together businesses and professional institutions around a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate conduct. As a capital market, we recognize that strong governance, transparency and sustainable business practices are fundamental to building investor confidence and supporting resilient economic growth.”

— Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer, Colombo Stock Exchange

The Coalition's founding members at present include the Sri Lanka Bankers' Association – Sustainable Banking Initiative (SLBA-SBI), Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), and the Centre for Smart Future. Supporters of the Coalition, working towards founding membership, include the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC). Together, these institutions represent a powerful coalition committed to embedding responsible business practices across Sri Lanka's private sector.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, representatives of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka noted that the Responsible Business Coalition represents a collective commitment to move beyond individual organizational efforts and foster a coordinated national movement for responsible business. By leveraging the reach and influence of Sri Lanka's leading professional and business associations, the Coalition will equip current and future business leaders with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to advance the Ten Principles and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

The Ring the Bell ceremony forms part of a globally recognized initiative led by entities including the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, UN Global Compact, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Federation of Exchanges, demonstrating the critical role that capital markets play in advancing sustainable development.