Seylan Bank PLC Becomes the First Sri Lankan Bank to Achieve ISO 22301 Certification for Business Continuity with an Extended Scope

Seylan Bank PLC proudly announces a landmark achievement in its commitment to operational excellence and customer trust. The Bank has secured the internationally recognized ISO 22301:2019 for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), distinguishing Seylan Bank as the first bank in Sri Lanka to achieve this prestigious recognition. The certification covers International Banking, Treasury Function, Digital Banking, Central Clearing, IT, Card Center Operations, Finance, HR, Marketing, and the Bank’s Information Security Unit. This pioneering accomplishment is complemented by the concurrent attainment of the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), further solidifying the Bank's robust infrastructure.

This dual certification firmly positions Seylan Bank as a forward-thinking and responsible financial institution, setting a new benchmark for resilience and security within the Sri Lankan banking sector. It highlights the Bank's proactive approach to prioritizing innovation, safety, and business integrity, reaffirming its dedication to exceptional internal infrastructure and unparalleled customer service.

The ISO 22301:2019 certification recognizes the comprehensive scope of Seylan Bank’s core business and essential supporting departments. This significantly enhances the Bank’s ability to maintain uninterrupted service delivery, safeguard customer interests, and protect its assets under all circumstances. It further validates Seylan Bank’s meticulous planning and continuous improvement of business continuity frameworks, ensuring resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.

Similarly, the ISO 27001:2022 certification covers critical IT operations, including software engineering, IT payment systems, IT infrastructure, branch support, network security, and system administration. By attaining this certification, Seylan Bank reaffirms its proactive approach to securing critical information assets, mitigating cyber risks, and establishing a robust security posture aligned with global best practices.

Ramesh Jayasekara, Director/CEO of Seylan Bank, commented on these significant achievements: "These accreditations mark a significant step in our commitment to enhancing risk management and operational resilience. They reaffirm our unwavering dedication to remain consistent and ensure all our stakeholders that we always prioritize their interests. Whether that means investing in advanced security technologies, sound governance practices, and rigorous business continuity frameworks to safeguard our information assets. These certifications mark a new milestone in ensuring our customers will always receive exceptional service."

The successful journey to obtaining ISO 22301:2019 certification was supported by Ernst & Young Sri Lanka, a globally reputed consulting firm, which provided comprehensive assistance encompassing the Initial Gap Assessment, Implementation, Pre-Readiness Assessment, and Certification Support. Deloitte Sri Lanka acted as the consulting partner for ISO 27001:2022, providing support throughout the certification process.

The rigorous auditing process, conducted by Bureau Veritas Lanka, involved in-depth evaluations of the Bank’s business impact analysis, risk assessments, continuity strategies, and recovery plans across multiple departments. The successful completion of this process for both certifications confirms the effectiveness and maturity of Seylan Bank’s internal and professional culture.

Both accreditations reflect Seylan Bank’s dedication to building trust and confidence among its stakeholders by ensuring that sensitive financial information is handled with the highest level of security through compliance with globally accepted standards.

Seylan Bank’s BCMS and ISMS Teams, together with Mr. Ramesh Jayasekara, Director/CEO of Seylan Bank, receive ISO 22301:2019 and ISO 27001:2022 certifications from Mr. Shan Nanayakkara, Country General Manager - Bureau Veritas Lanka (Pvt) Ltd