LB Finance Annual Report 2023/24

Welcome to our annual report, where innovation meets insight. Dive into a dynamic digital journey through our achievements and milestones. Explore interactive data visualizations and engaging narratives that highlight our year's story in stunning HTML elegance. Discover how we've transformed vision into reality, and get inspired for the future ahead!

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Sustainability Reporting

mgt team

Ms. Yanika Amarasekera

Board Sustainability Committee

Chairperson

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

Throughout the year, LBF has remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability by integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into our business operations. Our initiatives were driven by the overarching goal of generating long-term value for our stakeholders, minimising our environmental impact, and making a positive societal contribution.

As Chairperson of the Board Sustainability Committee, I am pleased to provide an update on LBF's sustainability activities for the financial year 2023/24.

Throughout the year, LBF has remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability by integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our business operations. Our initiatives were driven by the overarching goal of generating long-term value for our stakeholders, minimising our environmental impact, and making a positive societal contribution.

LBF actively pursued numerous initiatives to minimise its environmental footprint such as implementing energy efficient practices across its operations, introducing innovative technologies, promoting a paperless environment, and engaging in waste reduction and recycling programs. Additionally, LBF continued to support green financing to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions. Most importantly, our digital initiatives significantly enhanced operational efficiencies while maintaining a low environmental impact.

During the year, LBF prioritised social welfare and community development. Our CSR programs focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, with the goal of uplifting underprivileged communities. The Company also prioritised employee well-being by providing extensive training programs, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and ensuring fair labour practices. Additionally, the Company engaged in regular stakeholder dialogues to understand and address community needs effectively.

In terms of governance and ethics, LBF maintained robust governance structures and established a dedicated Board Sustainability Committee to oversee its sustainability initiatives. The Company adhered to the highest ethical standards, implementing comprehensive risk management frameworks, anti-corruption policies, and compliance mechanisms. LBF ensured transparency and accountability through regular disclosures and reporting, aligning with global standards such as GRI, United Nations' SDGs, and other sustainability related voluntary disclosures.

LBF's sustainability reporting aligns with international best practices, offering detailed insights into its ESG performance. The sustainability reporting information LBF provides include both quantitative metrices and qualitative assessments, highlighting the Company's impact and progress over time. To ensure credibility and stakeholder trust, the Company engages third-party auditors to verify the accuracy and reliability of its sustainability data.

Looking ahead, LBF is dedicated to continually advancing its sustainability practices. The Company aims to set more ambitious targets for reducing its environmental impact, expand its social programs to reach a broader range of beneficiaries, and further strengthen its governance frameworks. LBF is dedicated to staying at the forefront of sustainability, leveraging innovation and best practices to drive positive change within the financial sector and beyond.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all employees, partners, and stakeholders who have contributed to our sustainability efforts. Your dedication and commitment are invaluable as we work together to create positive change.

Signature

Ms. Yanika Amarasekera

Chairperson

Board Sustainability Committee

27 May 2024

SUSTAINABILITY VALUE CREATION MODEL

LB Finance continues its journey to integrate sustainability in a structured manner within the Company in readiness for full compliance with SLFRS S1 & S2 by due dates. The model below sets out LBF’s Sustainability Value Creation Model which encapsulates our ESG Framework. The model ensures that all three ESG pillars are covered and connects sustainability strategy with capitals to drive achieving the Company’s vision, mission, goals and values.

Financial Stability

Financial stability is crucial to ensure the Company’s long-term resilience and its ability to create sustainable value for our stakeholders

Inclusive Growth

Inclusive growth impacts on societal well being , social justice and equity, including managing relationships with our employees, customer and community

sustainability value capital modal

Great Work Place

We seek to create a great workplace through our governance goals and actions which comprise direct and indirect impacts on corporate governance through transparency, metrices, data security, risk management, and ownership review

Positive Environmental Impact

Reducing direct and indirect impacts on emission, pollution, climate, waste and resource management are essential to our long-term success

ESG GOVERNANCE

Governance Structure

  • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • Board Sustainability Committee
  • Sustainability Management Committee
  • Senior Manager Digital Strategy & Sustainability
  • Manager Sustainability & Corporate Reporting

The ESG governance structure of LBF starts with the Board which overlooks the sustainability related activities of the Company. In order to streamline this, a sub committee has been appointed by the Board which is known as Board Sustainability Committee (BSC). The BSC is comprised of four Directors as shown in the above illustration.

The decisions taken at BSC level is executed by the Sustainability Management Committee which is led by seven different divisional heads to ensure sustainability practises are applied throughout the Company. This management committee is supported by the Senior Manager and Manager who are responsible for sustainability related activities.

The Deputy Managing Director holds membership in both committees to bridge them, monitor progress and maintain smooth functioning.

Board Sustainability Committee Members

  • Ms. Yanika Amarasekera - Chairperson/Independent Non-Executive Director
  • Mr. G.A.R.D. Prasanna - Non-Independent Non-Executive Director
  • Mr. Niroshan Udage - Deputy Managing Director
  • Ms. Ashwini Natesan - Independent Non-Executive Director

Management Committee Members

  • Deputy Managing Director
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • AGM - Risk Management
  • Chief Internal Auditor
  • AGM - Treasury
  • Senior Manager - Compliance
  • Senior Manager - Business Process Development
  • Senior Manager - Digital Strategy & Sustainability
  • Manager Sustainability & Corporate Reporting

OUR ESG JOURNEY

Our ESG journey is captured alongside with the adoption of GRI, progressing to widen the scope as momentum gathered on sustainability reporting. We continue to be at the forefront of sustainability reporting as we believe this is the path to corporate longevity and building resilience. This year, we have set out our goals for the short, medium and long term which will be our roadmap in the future.

ESG Journey Timeline

2021

Over 38,000 trees were planted under 'Thuru Wawamu' project

2022

Green branch concept initiated

2024

Early adoption of SLFRS & S2

2027

Finance emission reporting under GHG Scope 3

2030

Carbon credit generating organisation

2050

Net zero ambition