Sampath Bank PLC Archives

March 11, 2022

Sampath Bank PLC hosted “Wonder Women Initiative, an open forum of discussion on the significance of celebrating women’s achievements and addressing leadership roles and prejudice that exists in today’s society for women leaders,

Pursuing the Objectives of the International Women’s Day 2022, with an aim to establish a society free of gender prejudice, the forum celebrated the accomplishments of women leaders in different industries, sharing their personal experiences on venturing success in their corporate journey.

Managing Director of Sampath Bank Mr. Nanda Fernando said: “This Women’s Day, Sampath Bank is embarking an initiative that focuses on women who exemplify balance and achievement in their dual role with family and corporate. “Wonder Woman Initiative”, the fireside discussion showcased highly influential female leaders and inspired the next generation of female leaders.

“Sampath Bank believes in inspiring the younger generation by exposing the success stories and the dual roles of the wonderful women leaders in the panel as they shared their careers thus far, as well as the necessity of celebrating women’s achievements while raising awareness on how to tackle in their day-to-day lives. Also, we believe this has to be a continuous effort of appreciating the women leaders’ dual role that is most often under-appreciated.”

Ms. Dara Wijayatilake – Former Deputy Chairperson – Sampath Bank PLC, Ms. Sandra De Zoysa – Group Chief Customer Officer – Dialog Axiata, Ms. Shehara De Silva – Managing Director – McLarens Group and Ms. Bhavna Dadlani Jayawardena – General Manager – Uber presented as the panelists. They shared how they are running corporations, industries, while they execute the daily tasks of their households.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, these outstanding women leaders of different caliber lead the conversation at the Wonder Women initiative forum which was moderated by Ashinshani Weerasinghe, a leadership coach, and freelance journalist.

Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer-focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including the introduction of ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, and slip-less banking to name a few. The Bank continues to steadily transform itself into a technology-driven financial services provider whilst keeping true to its traditions and values.

January 20, 2022

Colombo, January 13, 2022: Sampath Bank PLC recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with Sri Lanka’s National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) , forming a strategic partnership with the NCE to boost Sri Lankan exports in global markets.

To that end, Sampath Bank is sponsoring the NCE Challenge Trophy for the Best Ethically Trading Exporter, an award that will be presented at the 29th NCE Annual Export Awards ceremony at the Hotel Shangri-La on January 21, 2022.

This is just the first step in what promises to be a long and mutually beneficial working relationship between the bank and Sri Lankan exporters looking to either gain a foothold in overseas markets or to expand the presence they have already established.

Of the NCE’s nearly 500 corporate members, 90% are exporters, while the rest are service providers. As proof of its commitment to promoting Sri Lankan exports, Sampath Bank has identified the value of these exporters and recognized for their contribution to the country’s balance of payments.

The partnership will make NCE members increasingly aware of Sampath Bank’s many export-friendly offerings–programs and services they can use to penetrate global markets. It will, in effect, create a virtuous cycle that benefits the country, the NCE membership, and the bank itself.

“Sampath Bank is delighted to partner with the National Chamber of Exporters for the 29th NCE Annual Export Awards,” said Shashi Kandambi Jassim, Senior Deputy General Manager – International Banking. “The bank is committed to fueling Sri Lanka’s export drive. This definitely meets the need of the hour for our country and such awards are both timely and beneficial in the long run.”

Underlining Sampath Bank’s commitment to boosting Sri Lankan exports, Ms. Kandambi added, “We are pleased to sponsor the ‘Best Ethically Trading Exporter Award,’ a new category introduced this year as NCE’s nod to ethically governed export-oriented organizations. This initiative means a lot to us, as it aligns perfectly with Sampath Bank’s values. As part of our contribution toward expediting Sri Lankan exports and enabling local exporters to better compete overseas, we’ve mapped out a range of new services and benefits to be introduced shortly.”

Emphasizing Sampath Bank’s focus on the future, Ms. Kandambi further stated, “We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the NCE Annual Export Awards 2022, and look forward to supporting all your export initiatives in the coming years.”

Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including provision of ATMs in Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, slip-less banking and touchless ATM withdrawals, to name a few. The Bank continues to steadily transform itself into a technology-driven financial services provider whilst upholding its traditions and values.

May 20, 2021

~ Climbs from 10^th place to 7^th in overall ‘Most Loved Brands’ leaderboard ~

Colombo, May 20, 2021: Sampath Bank PLC has once again ranked amongst the top 10 ‘Most Loved Brands’ in the country, according to LMD’s Brands Annual Publication for 2021, the Bank announced. Published by Media Services together with Brand Finance, the LMD Brands Annual profiles Sri Lanka’s top brands through a comprehensive analysis of its performance and achievements.

In this year’s rankings, Sampath Bank climbed to 7^th place in the ‘Most Loved Brands’ category from its previous ranking of 10^th place and remains the only bank to feature in the top 10 which is a significant feat, being placed amidst the FMCG giants in the country. The Bank was also ranked among the Top 10 ‘Most Valuable Consumer Brands’ for 2021.

Speaking about this recognition Tharaka Ranwala, Senior DGM Operations / Group Chief Marketing Officer, Sampath Bank PLC, said, “To have improved our position by 3 places during what was a challenging year for the banking industry as well as the country, is testament to our efforts to modernize, stay relevant and add value to the lives of our customers. We are proud to be recognised as the most loved bank for our efforts and accolades such as this help spur us in our growth journey, together with our valuable customers.”

Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including introducing ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, slip-less banking and adaptation of block chain technology to name a few. As part of its visionary 2020 approach, the bank is steadily transforming itself into a ‘tech company engaged in banking,’ from the traditional approach of a bank engaged in technology.

February 22, 2021

Colombo, February 22, 2021: Sampath Bank PLC announced the appointment of veteran industrialist Vinod Kishore Hirdaramani as Non-Executive, Independent Director to its Board of Directors, with effect from 16^th February 2021.

Vinod Hirdaramani brings with him extensive management experience in the apparel and energy sectors. A member of the Hirdaramani Group’s Board of Directors since 1993, he oversees the functions of its knit facilities in Sri Lanka and Vietnam and is involved in the Group’s investments in the renewable energy sector as well. He also serves as a Director at several subsidiary companies of the Hirdaramani Group, which own 38 facilities across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Ethiopia. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and has served as the past Chapter Chair for its Sri Lanka Chapter.

An Alumnus of the Harvard Business School, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Northwestern University, USA, and attended the Harrow School in the UK.

Sampath Bank PLC’s Board of Directors is comprised of a team of experienced professionals from across diverse sectors and disciplines and is further strengthened with Vinod Hirdaramani coming on board. Together, they will continue to drive Sampath Bank forward as it continues to strive to deliver greater value to the nation.

September 12, 2020

Harsha Amarasekera PC. appointed as Chairman (Non-Executive, Non- Independent) of Sampath Bank PLC with effect from 30^th August 2020. The resolution was passed by the Board of Directors of the Bank at the meeting held on 27^th August 2020.

Harsha Amarasekera, President’s Counsel, is an eminent legal practitioner in the legal fraternity of Sri Lanka with a wide practice in both the Commercial Courts as well as the Appellate Courts. His areas of expertise include Commercial Law, Business Law, Securities Law, Banking Law and Intellectual Property Law. He also has significant experience in arbitration and cross- national disputes.

He was admitted to the Bar in November 1987 and took oaths as a President’s Counsel in November 2012.

Harsha also has extensive experience in the corporate sector and currently serves as an Independent Director of several leading companies listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange including CIC Holdings PLC (Chairman), Swisstek (Ceylon) PLC (Chairman), Vallibel Power Erathna PLC (Deputy Chairman), Vallibel One PLC, Expolanka Holdings PLC, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC, Ambeon Capital PLC and Amaya Leisure PLC. He is also the Chairman of CIC Agri Business (Private) Limited and Swisstek Aluminium Limited. He was a Director at Amana Bank PLC since its inception until his retirement in February of this year.

October 23, 2017

From left - Keshan Dabare, Senior Manager – Lending Products, Sampath Bank PLC; Nadi B. Dharmasiri, Head of Marketing, Sampath Bank PLC; Thusitha Nakandala, Deputy General Manager – Branch Banking, Sampath Bank PLC; Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager – Consumer Banking, Sampath Bank PLC; Ravi Opatha - General Manager, Eurocars (Private) Limited; Olindhi Jayasundere – PR Manager, Eurocars (Private) Limited; Fiaz Deen – Senior Sales Executive, Eurocars (Private) Limited.

Sampath Bank PLC Celebrate International Women’s day with “Wonder Women Initiative”

Sampath Bank PLC Announces Strategic Partnership with the National Chamber of Exporters

Sampath Bank PLC Once Again Ranked ‘Most Loved Bank’ Among Sri Lanka’s Banking Industry

Industrialist Vinod Hirdaramani Appointed to Sampath Bank PLC Board

Harsha Amarasekera Assumes Duties as Chairman of Sampath Bank PLC

Sampath Bank PLC partners with Porsche Centre Colombo