The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has supported an initiative to encourage young people to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems through technology, with the successful hosting of Coolest Projects Sri Lanka 2025 in yet another demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and education.
Organised by the STEMUP Educational Foundation in collaboration with Commercial Bank and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the event showcased 100 outstanding projects shortlisted from more than 200 entries submitted from across the island. It provided a platform for students to display their creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills on a global stage.
The international significance of the initiative was highlighted by the participation of Raspberry Pi Foundation officials and delegates from over 20 countries, who engaged directly with students and shared their perspectives on the future of technology-driven innovation.
The main sponsor of the event, Commercial Bank, said its support reiterated the Bank’s dedication to fostering innovation and education among the youth. “At Commercial Bank, we believe in investing in the future by supporting the creativity and talent of young people,” Mr Raja Senanayake, Deputy Chairman of the Bank said. “Events like Coolest Projects provide students with the exposure and encouragement they need to shape their futures and contribute positively to society. We are delighted to support this journey of innovation.”
A globally recognised initiative, Coolest Projects empowers students to identify everyday challenges and propose innovative solutions through technology. This year’s edition in Sri Lanka featured projects spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainability, digital design, and mobile applications. Beyond celebrating innovation, the programme encouraged participants to develop confidence, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial outlook.
Projects were assessed by a distinguished panel of judges to identify the most impactful innovations, while visitors were invited to vote for their favourites to determine the coveted Most Popular Awards. The event also underscored inclusivity, offering equal opportunity to all participants while spotlighting forward-thinking ideas with real-world relevance.
The event drew strong interest from educators, industry professionals, and international delegates, cementing Sri Lanka’s standing as a hub for emerging young talent. Selected winning projects will now be featured on the international stage, carrying Sri Lankan innovation to the world.
The first Sri Lankan bank with a market capitalisation exceeding US$ 1 billion, Commercial Bank was also the first bank in the country to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World, and has the highest capital base among all Sri Lankan banks. The Bank is the largest private sector lender in Sri Lanka and the largest lender to the country’s SME sector. Commercial Bank is also a leader in digital innovation and is Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank.
Commercial Bank operates a network of strategically located branches and automated machines island-wide, and has the widest international footprint among Sri Lankan banks, with 20 branches in Bangladesh, a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake in the Maldives, a microfinance company in Myanmar, and a representative office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Bank’s fully owned subsidiaries, CBC Finance Ltd. and Commercial Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Limited, also deliver a range of financial services via their own branch networks.
Photo caption:
Mr Raja Senanayake, Deputy Chairman of Commercial Bank addresses the event and participates in the presentation of the prize to the winner.
