🌾 ComBank Mobilizes Stakeholders for El Niño Climate Risks

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ComBank) has launched a cross-sector proactive initiative via its Development Credit Department to prepare Sri Lanka's agriculture sector for potential impacts of the 2026 El Niño weather pattern. • Risk Context: Dept of Meteorology forecasts an 80% probability of El Niño conditions persisting through November 2026 and beyond, threatening food production, water supply, and rural livelihoods. • Outreach & Scale: Partnered with 2 state universities and 12 bank branches to conduct 15 sessions engaging over 1,100 farmers across locations including Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya, and Siyambalanduwa. • Two-Pronged Intervention: • Kilinochchi Session (with University of Jaffna): Educated ~100 participants on climate risk management, yield protection, and strategic crop/water management. • Rajarata Session (Faculty of Agriculture): Targeted 100 participants (50 youth farmers, 30 technology students, 20 instructors) on IoT-based smart weather monitoring and soil/moisture conservation. • Financial & Sector Alignment: Integrates climate risk into broader investment planning by offering tailored lending, green financial solutions, and leasing to safeguard farmer investments and mitigate credit default risks.