Marks historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s banking sector; strengthens presence in the Middle East to support regional clients
Dubai, UAE In a major leap forward for Sri Lankan banking on the international stage, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC officially launched its Representative Office at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the world’s leading global financial hubs.
This strategic move not only strengthens Commercial Bank’s international footprint but also signals growing confidence in the bank’s cross border capabilities, especially in facilitating trade, investment, and remittance flows between Sri Lanka and the Middle East.
The office, located at The Gate Village 10, Level 7, DIFC, was ceremonially declared open by Commercial Bank Chairman Sharhan Muhseen and Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge, alongside DIFC Authority CEO Arif Amiri. The event drew the attendance of prominent dignitaries and stakeholders from the UAE and Sri Lanka.
A networking launch event followed at Shangri-La Dubai, graced by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Designate to the UAE, Professor Arusha Cooray, as well as senior representatives from the banking and business communities of both nations.
A Strategic Gateway to the Region
The new DIFC office will serve as a central point of engagement for Commercial Bank’s regional and global clientele, particularly in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, who maintain operations or business interests in the UAE. It will act as a liaison hub to facilitate client services, investment coordination, and trade banking solutions, while maintaining close alignment with regulatory frameworks in both regions.
With this launch, Commercial Bank becomes one of the few Sri Lankan banks to establish a formal presence in the Middle East, a region that has long been a vital corridor for trade, labour remittances, and foreign direct investment for Sri Lanka.
Expanding International Reach
Commercial Bank currently operates:
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20 branches in Bangladesh
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A microfinance institution in Myanmar
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Commercial Bank Maldives – a fully fledged Tier I licensed bank
With the Dubai office, the bank now boasts the widest international footprint of any private bank in Sri Lanka, and further enhances its role as a conduit for regional financial connectivity.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman Sharhan Muhseen stated:
“This strategic move into the DIFC reflects our long term vision to support Sri Lankan and regional businesses operating in the Middle East. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation, global expansion, and service excellence.”
Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge added:
“With increasing demand for cross border banking solutions, this Representative Office positions us to better serve our clients and partners in the region while enhancing our ability to facilitate economic growth back home.”
