The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has pledged its support for New Zealand’s Under 85KG Rugby Team Tour of Sri Lanka in May 2025, as the Co-sponsor of the Sri Lanka Men’s team.
The two-match series is the first 15-a-side clash between the two countries since 1955. Global rugby icons such as the legendary Sir Graham Henry, a World Cup-winning coach, and Scotty Stevenson, a leading New Zealand rugby commentator, are directly involved in the event, adding prestige and attracting global attention.
To mark this partnership between Commercial Bank and the tour organisers, a jersey handover and sponsor unveiling ceremony was held recently at the Race Course Grounds, Colombo, with the participation of officials of Sri Lanka Rugby and representatives of Commercial Bank’s corporate management led by Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking Mr Hasrath Munasinghe and Deputy General Manager – Human Resources Management Mr Isuru Tillakawardana.
Aligning with this historic international rugby event, Commercial Bank said, reinforces its role as a catalyst for youth empowerment, athletic excellence, and community pride. Furthermore, the sponsorship allows the Bank to extend its community engagement efforts, promote positive national sentiment, and contribute to positioning Sri Lanka as a vibrant and welcoming hub for global sporting events.
The tour is of significance also because it is linked an ambitious environmental initiative – the planting of 1,223 endangered trees in Sri Lanka under the Black Forest project. The Bank said this aligns closely with its sustainability goals, offering a platform to promote eco-consciousness and demonstrate how corporate entities can meaningfully support both sports and environmental preservation.
The two New Zealand – Sri Lanka matches take place on May 4th (Kandy) and May 10th (Colombo), and
the tour also includes coaching programmes, training sessions, and environmental activities between in multiple locations including Kandy and Colombo.
Pictured here are Commercial Bank DGM Corporate Banking – Mr Hasrath Munasinghe and DGM – Human Resources Management Mr Isuru Tillakawardana at the jersey handing over ceremony.
