Governor Dr. Weerasinghe reiterated that the recently launched Sustainable Finance Roadmap 2.0 broadens the focus beyond green finance to also addressing financial inclusion and social equity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, youth, MSMEs, and the elderly are not left behind. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk management practices, transparent disclosures, and internal governance frameworks to address climate-related challenges effectively.

He went onto reiterate that sustainability must be embedded in the culture of financial institutions and thereby that while CBSL may consider regulatory incentives to promote sustainable activities, the long-term development of the sector relies on a fundamental shift in mindset.

Governor Dr. Weerasinghe called on banks to invest in innovation, develop adaptation and transition finance mechanisms, and seize current economic opportunities to contribute to an inclusive and resilient future.