CBC Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, marked its debut on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with the successful issuance of LKR 1.5 billion worth of debentures. The milestone was celebrated with the ceremonial ringing of the market opening bell on the CSE trading floor.
On 27th November 2025, CBC Finance Ltd raised LKR 1.5 billion through an oversubscribed issue of 15 million Listed Rated Unsecured Subordinated Redeemable Debentures. These debentures carry a five-year tenure and offer a fixed annual interest rate of 11.50% (AER 11.50%), with a par value of LKR 100 per debenture. The issue has been rated “BBB+(lka)” by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited.
Mr. Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of CBC Finance Ltd and Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, delivered the keynote address at the event. He emphasized the company’s role in the economy and the importance of capital market development, stating, “We are a key part of the economy. The development of the capital market is essential for the economic growth of the country. Thus, through this debenture issue, we encourage investors to participate in the development of the capital markets which is a key driver of economic growth.”
Ms. Nilupa Perera, Chief Regulatory Officer of the CSE, welcomed attendees and highlighted the diverse range of products offered by the exchange. She noted, “The Colombo Stock Exchange has introduced several innovative instruments, from Shariah compliant debt instruments to GSS+ instruments – Green bonds, Social Bonds, Blue Bonds, sustainable and sustainability-linked bonds, perpetual bonds, and high yield debenture bonds. We hope that CBC Finance Ltd will use CSE to raise capital through these instruments.”
CBC Finance Ltd, originally established in 1987 as Indra Finance Ltd and later renamed Serendib Finance Ltd, was acquired by Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC in 2014. The company now operates 21 branches across Sri Lanka, providing a wide range of financial services to both individual and SME clients. CBC Finance holds an “A (lka) Stable” rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. In the 2024 financial year, the company reported a net profit of LKR 82 million and expanded its total asset base to LKR 17 billion. Its parent company, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, was recognized as Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025.
In attendance at the event were Mr. Delakshan Hettiarachchi, Executive Director and Acting CEO of CBC Finance Ltd; Mr. Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director and CEO of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC; Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of CSE; Mr. Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and CBC Finance Ltd; Mr. Sarath Jayasuriya, Senior Director of CBC Finance Ltd; Ms. Nilupa Perera, CRO of CSE; and Mr. Akila Karunarathne, Manager – Investment Banking at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC.
