Sampath Bank has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s export community by renewing its partnership with the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) for 2025. The agreement, signed recently at the Sampath Bank Head Office, marks another chapter in the Bank’s long-standing collaboration with the NCE, further strengthening its role as a trusted financial partner to exporters across the country.

Through this renewed partnership, Sampath Bank will continue to promote ethical trading and sustainable business practices within the export sector. In today’s global marketplace, where fair trade, environmental responsibility and sustainable development are increasingly vital, the NCE’s Certificate of Ethical Trading (CET) serves as a valuable benchmark for exporters seeking international competitiveness. Recognising its importance, the NCE, as the only trade chamber in Sri Lanka to issue such certification, guides its members in establishing strong governance systems and practices. The Certificate validates an organisation’s commitment to ethical operations, builds buyer confidence, and enhances market credibility. As part of this partnership, Sampath Bank will sponsor 30 member companies to obtain the certification, reflecting the Bank’s belief that integrity and responsibility are essential to long-term economic progress.

Commenting on the renewed partnership, Mr. Halin Hettigoda, Assistant General Manager – International Banking, Sampath Bank PLC, said, “Exporters continue to play a defining role in revitalising Sri Lanka’s economy. At Sampath Bank, we remain deeply committed to empowering them through responsible banking, ethical trade support, and financial innovation. Our ongoing partnership with the NCE reflects this shared vision to strengthen the export sector and build a more resilient and inclusive economy.”

The partnership will also provide Sampath Bank with significant brand visibility across the NCE’s large-scale technical seminars that bring together key industry stakeholders to discuss vital trade and policy issues. These platforms encourage innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration within the export community. In addition, the Bank will take part in the NCE’s Regional Exporters Delegation, offering opportunities to engage directly with regional producers and suppliers while promoting financial inclusion and stronger export linkages across the country.

The collaboration will culminate at the 33rd Annual NCE Export Awards, scheduled for 13 February 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, where outstanding exporters will be recognised. Through this partnership, Sampath Bank continues its commitment to advancing sustainable trade and empowering Sri Lankan exporters to achieve success in global markets.

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Sampath Bank proudly marked the groundbreaking ceremony of five more tanks under its flagship sustainability initiative, the ‘WewataJeewayak’ tank restoration programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to empowering rural farming communities across Sri Lanka. This new phase of the initiative is set to uplift the livelihoods of 1,112 farming families while rejuvenating 2,182 acres of paddy lands.

The restoration effort spans five strategically vital tanks such as the Divuldamana Wewa – Damminna, Manik Wewa – Dimbulagala, Awwadukulam Wewa – Senapura, Ketthapahuwa Wewa – Maho, and Ketan Wewa – Hambantota. The Divuldamana Wewa will support 637 farming families and revitalise 1,575 acres of paddy land, while Manik Wewa in Dimbulagala and Awwadukulam Wewa in Senapura are set to benefit 65 and 150 farming families cultivating 161 and 155 acres, respectively, with technical support provided by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority. Meanwhile, Ketthapahuwa Wewa in Maho and Ketan Wewa in Hambantota will uplift 160 and 100 farming families across 131 and 160 acres of paddy land, under the guidance of the Department of Agrarian Development. The restoration work across these tanks will include repairing tank bunds and sluice gates, removing accumulated sludge, clearing invasive aquatic plants, and constructing water distribution canals to ensure consistent irrigation.

Commenting on the milestone, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank, said, “As a bank deeply rooted in the heart of our communities, we recognise the transformative power of water in shaping resilient livelihoods. Through the ‘WewataJeewayak’ initiative, we are breathing new life into our irrigation system that sustain generations of farmers, enabling them to cultivate with confidence and contribute to our nation’s food security. This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to creating sustainable value while honouring the heritage and vitality of rural Sri Lanka.”

This initiative also reflects Sampath Bank’s strong commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, where environmental stewardship and community empowerment go hand in hand. Through its investment in sustainable agriculture and rural development, the Bank continues to play a vital role in building a more inclusive and resilient future for Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 2001, the ‘WewataJeewayak’ programme has revitalised numerous tanks across the island, reaffirming Sampath Bank’s dedication to driving socio-economic progress while preserving Sri Lanka’s rich agrarian heritage. As work begins on these five tanks, the Bank continues its journey of nurturing communities, empowering farmers, and strengthening the nation’s agricultural future.

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Sampath Bank has successfully led a landmark syndicated loan of Rs. 33.5 billion for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), together with Nations Trust Bank and Pan Asia Bank. This significant funding facility will cushion the debt restructure of CEB and support its ongoing operations, ensuring the continued delivery of reliable power to the nation.

The syndicated loan highlights the collective strength of Sri Lanka’s banking sector in supporting nationally important institutions. By taking the lead role in this initiative, Sampath Bank reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable growth and contributing to the country’s long-term economic development.

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Sampath Bank PLC and Sathosa Motors PLC have partnered to offer exclusive benefits to vehicle buyers. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently at the Bank’s Head Office, marking progress in expanding affordable transport options in Sri Lanka.

Customers buying vehicles from Sathosa Motors will gain access to tailored financial solutions from Sampath Bank, subject to standard regulations. These include a 0.5% interest rate reduction on vehicle lease, interest free loans for insurance premiums if settled within two months, and credit cards issued without a joining fee. Insurance payments via these cards can be repaid over 12 months at 0% interest for increased convenience.

Additionally, Sathosa Motors will offer special promotions to its customers under this agreement, including a discount of Rs. 50,000 on trucks and Rs. 100,000 on double cabs, free vehicle registration, three free services covering both labour and material, and exclusive discount coupons on spare parts. These offers aim to provide added value and long term support to customers choosing Sathosa Motors vehicles.

Sathosa Motors PLC, a trusted name in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry, has represented the Isuzu brand for over six decades. The company’s extensive product portfolio includes double-cab pickup trucks, commercial vehicles, luxury passenger coaches, and specialised vehicles such as fire trucks and bowsers. Supported by an island-wide network of workshops and dealers, Sathosa Motors continues to deliver reliable vehicles backed by comprehensive after-sales service.

This partnership between Sampath Bank and Sathosa Motors demonstrates their shared vision to make vehicle ownership more rewarding while strengthening the country’s transport sector.

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Sampath Bank PLC recently announced its entry into the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP), a partnership aimed at widening access to trade finance across Sri Lanka.This strategic move is said to benefit a broad spectrum of international trade customers, from large corporates to emerging businesses.

The partnership was formalised at the Sampath Bank Head Office in Colombo, where the Managing Director Designate of Sampath Bank, Sanjaya Gunawardana and ADB’s Sri Lanka Country Director, Takafumi Kadono, signed the agreement in front of senior leaders from both organisations.

“ADB is pleased to partner with Sampath Bank under the TSCFP, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s private sector and building a resilient financial ecosystem. Through this collaboration, ADB and Sampath Bank will unlock greater access to trade finance for businesses engaged in international trade, driving business growth and regional integration”, said Takafumi Kadono, Country Director for Sri Lanka.

Through this initiative, trade finance instruments issued by Sampath Bank will now qualify for ADB’s credit guarantees. This development is expected to lower the risk associated with cross-border transactions and draw in more international banking partners. As a result, Sampath Bank will be able to offer a stronger lineup of trade finance solutions that are timely, competitive, and sustainable, delivered to a broader range of businesses.

“Joining the TSCFP now is a timely development as revitalising trade is key to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. This partnership enables us to extend our support to exporters and importers, while advancing our mission of inclusive and sustainable growth”, said Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director Designate at Sampath Bank.

Backed by ADB’s AAA credit rating, the TSCFP operates through a global network of over 200 partner banks and has, since 2009, supported more than 121,000 transactions worth approximately USD 77 billion across Asia, playing a pivotal role in enhancing trade flows in emerging markets.

Sampath Bank has already begun a close collaboration with ADB, participating in the program’s capacity-building efforts designed to upgrade trade finance operations through enhanced risk management strategies and streamlined procedures.

The partnership is expected to catalyse Sri Lanka’s participation in regional and global trade, supporting importers and exporters in expanding their businesses and achieving new milestones in international markets.

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Sampath Bank has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank and Best Commercial Bank by the UK based World Finance magazine at the World Finance Banking Awards 2025. This marks the 11th year the Bank has received this prestigious dual honour, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence, customer centric innovation and sustainable growth.

First receiving the titles in 2014, Sampath Bank has continued to redefine banking excellence in Sri Lanka, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in retail and commercial banking. These accolades acknowledge not only the Bank’s strong financial performance, but also its consistent efforts to create more value for customers, empower businesses and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director– Designate, Sampath Bank PLC, said, “This recognition belongs to everyone who has placed their trust in Sampath Bank, including our customers, employees and other stakeholders. It reflects the collective resilience, forward-thinking spirit, and integrity that continue to define our journey. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain deeply focused on elevating the banking experience and shaping a future-ready financial ecosystem for all Sri Lankans.”

The World Finance Banking Awards, renowned for their rigorous selection criteria and global perspective, evaluate financial institutions on innovation, operational excellence, service delivery and leadership in sustainability. Winning these two key categories for over a decade highlights Sampath Bank’s ability to consistently stay ahead of the curve while maintaining stability and reliability in a changing landscape.

As the Bank marks over ten years of continued excellence on this global stage, it reaffirms its commitment to being a trusted financial partner, delivering intelligent, accessible and inclusive solutions that help individuals and businesses thrive.

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