Sampath Bank PLC was recognised at the prestigious Sumathi Awards 2026, with the digital commercial created for its flagship CSR initiative, Wewata Jeewayak, earning Runner-Up honours in the Digital Commercial Awards category. The commercial highlighted the resilience of Sri Lanka’s farming communities while drawing attention to the importance of preserving the nation’s agricultural heritage and sustaining rural livelihoods for future generations.

The recognition reflects the impact of Wewata Jeewayak, a long-standing initiative through which Sampath Bank continues to support farming communities by restoring and revitalising village irrigation tanks across the country. Through a compelling narrative that brought these stories to life, the commercial reinforced the importance of safeguarding the resources that sustain Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector and the communities that depend on them.

This achievement follows Sampath Bank’s recognition at the Sumathi Awards 2025, where its Children’s Day campaign, Mawath Dakinna, was also honoured under the prestigious Digital Commercial Award category, further demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to creating meaningful and purpose-driven communications that resonate with audiences nationwide.

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Sampath Bank today opened a new branch at Port City Colombo, expanding its presence within the Special Economic Zone.

The bank’s involvement in Port City Colombo began with the introduction of a Cash Recycler Machine at the Duty Free facility, providing cash deposit and withdrawal services within the development. 

Today’s branch opening marks a further expansion of its banking presence in Port City Colombo.

According to the bank, the new branch will offer banking services and financial solutions for businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and other customers operating within Port City Colombo. 

The branch is expected to facilitate investment activities and support financial transactions in the area.

Port City Colombo is being developed as an international business and investment hub, with financial institutions and other service providers establishing operations to support its growth and development. (Newswire)

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Financial Performance

Sampath Bank reported Total Operating Income of Rs 28.5 Bn for the quarter ended 31st March 2026, supported by steady growth in Net Interest Income (up 5%) and Net Fee and Commission Income (up 28%) year-on-year. Notwithstanding this performance, Profit After Tax (PAT) declined by 26% to Rs 6.2 Bn, due to significantly higher impairment provisions of Rs 4.5 Bn recognised in response to the continued expansion of the loan book and taking into account the evolving geopolitical conditions. Additionally, one-off gains from the disposal of Treasury Bills and Bonds moderated to Rs 0.7 Bn in 2026, a decrease of Rs 2.0 Bn compared to the elevated levels recorded in the previous year.

The Bank’s total asset base crossed the Rs 2 Tn milestone for the first time, representing a significant achievement supported by strong loan growth of Rs 127 Bn in the first quarter of 2026.

The Sampath Group delivered a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs 9.4 Bn and a Profit After Tax of Rs 6.8 Bn for the quarter ended 31st March 2026.

Fund Based Income

The Bank reported total interest income of Rs 46.5 Bn, reflecting year-on-year growth of 6%. This increase was primarily driven by the expansion of the loan portfolio during the reporting period and in the latter part of the previous year, compared to the negative loan growth recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year, as well as an upward movement in the Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPLR).

Interest expense for the quarter also increased by 6% to Rs 26.4 Bn, reflecting growth in both deposit and borrowing portfolios. As a result, Net Interest Income (NII) stood at Rs 20.1 Bn, an increase of 5% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The Net Interest Margin (NIM) contracted marginally by 2 basis points to 4.09%, from 4.11% reported for 2025. This decline was primarily attributable to lower yields across the Bank’s investment portfolio, reflecting reduced rates in the Government Securities portfolio compared to the previous period.

Non-Fund Based Income

During the three month period ended 31st March 2026, the Bank’s total non-fund based income declined marginally by 4% to Rs 8.3 Bn, mainly due to a decrease in capital gains from the sale of Treasury bills and bonds. Capital gains declined from Rs 2.7 Bn in 1Q 2025 to Rs 0.7 Bn in 1Q 2026, representing a year-on-year decline of 75%.

Net fee and commission income, driven by credit expansion, higher trade volumes and increased card usage, recorded a robust growth of 28% across all income channels, reaching Rs 6.1 Bn by the end of the quarter.

The Bank recorded a total exchange gain of Rs 1.5 Bn during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 24%. This increase was primarily attributable to the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the USD by Rs 5.52 during the quarter.

Impairment Charge

In the first quarter of 2026, the Bank reported a total impairment charge of Rs 4.5 Bn, reflecting an increase of Rs 4.6 Bn when compared to the reversal of Rs 0.2 Bn reported in the previous period.

Impairment charge on loans and advances

The Bank recorded an impairment charge of Rs 4.1 Bn on loans and advances, compared to a reversal of Rs 0.1 Bn reported in 1Q 2025, driven by significant (10.4%) expansion of the loan portfolio and the resultant collective impairment requirements. Even though this growth has resulted in higher provisioning requirements, it is expected to generate net positive results during the current financial year.

Furthermore, the Bank continued its policy of conservative provisioning and an additional overlay allowance of Rs 1.5 Bn was recognised as a prudential measure in response to heightened geopolitical uncertainties. This forward-looking approach reflects the Bank’s commitment to prudent credit risk management, ensuring adequate buffers and resilience against potential adverse developments in the operating environment and the broader global landscape.

The Bank also conducted a comprehensive review of its ISL customers, allocating prudent provisions in its Financial Statements based on each customer’s unique credit risk profile. This targeted assessment reinforces the Bank’s disciplined risk management practices and its focus on maintaining financial stability in a challenging global context.

Impairment charge on other financial instruments

An impairment charge of Rs 0.4 Bn was recognised against other financial instruments during 1Q 2026, primarily due to new investments made during the quarter.

Operating Expenses

During the quarter, operating expenses increased by 19% year on year, driven primarily by costs related to the rollout of new strategic initiatives. The increase was mainly attributable to salary enhancements granted in 2025, the expansion of the cadre to undertake new initiatives and support business growth, and higher investments in technology. These strategic long-term investments are expected to deliver enhanced income in the coming years.

As growth in operating expenses outpaced the improvement in operating income, primarily due to the decline in one off disposal gains recorded in 2025, the Bank’s cost to income ratio (CIR) deteriorated by 620 basis points, increasing from 38.8% in 1Q 2025 to 45.0% in 1Q 2026.

Taxation

The total tax expense for the period amounted to Rs 5.0 Bn, representing a year on year decline of 43%, mainly attributable to lower profits and the finalization of prior period tax assessments.

Key Ratios

The Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity (after tax) stood at 14.05% as at 31st March 2026, compared to 17.93% as at 31st December 2025. Similarly, the Return on Average Assets (before tax) declined to 1.68% from 2.60% reported as at 31st December 2025.

Capital and Liquidity

The Bank maintained all capital ratios well above the regulatory minimum requirements. As at 31st March 2026, the CET 1, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios stood at 13.17%, 13.17% and 15.79%, respectively, compared to 14.75%, 14.75%, and 17.65% as at year end 2025. The decline in capital ratios was primarily due to the increase in risk-weighted assets arising from substantial loan growth during the quarter.

Liquidity levels remained robust, with the All-currency Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) at 187.87% and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) at 161.30% as at 31st March 2026, both comfortably above the regulatory minimum requirement of 100%.

The recognition of profit for capital purposes under Basel III following audit certification, together with the proposed Tier II debenture issue, is expected to further strengthen the Bank’s capital position during the remainder of the year.

Assets

During the reporting period total assets grew by 6%, reflecting an annualized growth of 24%, to Rs 2.1 Tn as at 31st March 2026, supported by the expansion of the loan portfolio. Gross loans increased by Rs 127.5 Bn, from Rs 1,223.6 Bn at end 2025 to Rs 1,351.1 Bn. This growth was primarily driven by a Rs 105 Bn increase in LKR denominated loans, while FCY loans recorded a modest increase of Rs 22 Bn during the period.

Liabilities

The Bank’s total liabilities increased by 7% since year end 2025, reflecting an annualized growth rate of 28%, to Rs 1.92 Tn as at 31st March 2026. This growth was primarily driven by the expansion of the deposit portfolio. Deposits increased by Rs 69 Bn from Rs 1.65 Tn at year end 2025 to Rs 1.72 Tn as at 31st March 2026. The increase was mainly driven by LKR denominated deposits, which contributed Rs 49 Bn, while foreign currency deposits increased by Rs 20 Bn.

Dividend

At the Annual General Meeting held on 30th March 2026, the shareholders of Sampath Bank approved a first and final cash dividend of Rs 10.30 per share for the financial year 2025. The Bank consequently recognised a provision of Rs 12.1 Bn in the 1Q 2026 Financial Statements to facilitate the payment of the approved final dividend to shareholders.

Commitment to Stakeholder Well-being

Reinforcing its environmental leadership, Sampath Bank became the first Sri Lankan bank to obtain ISO 14001:2015 certification across its Head Office and branch network. It also deepened its commitment to responsible business by joining the UN Global Compact Sri Lanka as a Patron on Diversity & Inclusion and Water & Ocean Stewardship, while partnering with NCPC Sri Lanka to raise awareness among Corporate and SME clients on low-carbon transition and sustainable business models.

The Bank continues to advance its sustainability agenda through its infrastructure rejuvenation programme, “Wewata Jeewayak”, marked by the completion of its 40th tank restoration, providing significant support for agricultural and community development in Sri Lanka. This initiative, together with the Bank’s ongoing programmes in coral restoration, turtle conservation, reforestation, mangrove restoration and other environmental and community projects, establishes Sampath Bank as a key contributor to environmental and social sustainability in the country.

As part of its ocean plastic reduction efforts, a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) established in Batheegama, Dickwella, in partnership with an organisation with aligned sustainability objectives, was officially handed over to the community.

Sampath Bank advanced its sustainability agenda during the period, strengthening sustainable finance, climate governance and operational performance. The Bank expanded ESG linked credit screening in line with the best global practices and successfully implemented SLFRS S1 and S2 under its Climate First Action Plan, enhancing climate related governance, risk management and reporting.

As part of its contribution to green finance, Sampath Bank launched a Green Fixed Deposit supported by a comprehensive Green Deposit Framework, which obtained independent limited assurance at the pre-issuance stage, thereby enhancing credibility and stakeholder confidence.

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Sampath Bank PLC continues to transform Sri Lanka’s banking landscape through the introduction of a fully integrated, AI-driven lending ecosystem, reinforcing its leadership in intelligent, data-led financial solutions. This marks one of the first comprehensive AI-driven lending frameworks in Sri Lanka, enabling seamless, paper-light loan approvals within seconds while setting a new benchmark for speed, simplicity, and accessibility across the industry.

The AI-driven lending model is designed to make accessing finance faster and more straightforward for customers. Existing customers who meet eligibility criteria receive instant loan offers through automated assessments, removing the need for documentation, collateral, guarantors, or salary remittance, while maintaining responsible lending practices. New-to-Bank customers are supported through a digitally enabled process that combines external credit insights with a holistic view of financial activity, allowing faster loan approvals at branch level. The entire journey is delivered through the Bank’s Vishwa digital platform, ensuring a seamless, secure, and transparent experience from application to disbursement.

Commenting on the development, DarshinPathinayake, Chief Business Intelligence Officer at Sampath Bank, stated that “Sampath Bank’s AI-driven lending ecosystem represents a significant step forward in delivering intelligent and responsive banking solutions. The use of advanced analytics enables faster access to finance while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and strong risk discipline, ensuring a superior customer experience across every touchpoint.”

The Bank’s enhanced leasing framework further strengthens its offering through simplified income assessment models and reduced turnaround times, enabling eligible approvals within a significantly shorter period. Personal leasing aligns income estimation to customer profiles, while commercial leasing applies structured evaluations supported by turnover analysis and supplementary income considerations where required, ensuring consistency and reliability across segments.

Sampath Bank continues to strengthen SME financing through AI-driven capabilities that make access to funding faster, fairer, and more transparent. Commenting further, Asanka Liyanage, Deputy General Manager – Consumer & SME Banking at Sampath Bank, stated that “This transformation is centred on making access to finance simpler and more inclusive for individuals and businesses across Sri Lanka. Faster turnaround times, reduced complexity, and a more transparent evaluation process enable customers to move forward with confidence, while ensuring that funding decisions are aligned with their true financial strength and growth potential.” Advanced tools analyse transaction flows and cash movement patterns to build a clear and reliable view of business performance. A structured, data-led evaluation model then applies consistent criteria to assess creditworthiness, ensuring objective assessments across the network while maintaining strong risk oversight.

This transformation enables businesses to access finance based on their true performance, reduces reliance on subjective assessments, and supports more consistent and responsible lending outcomes. Sampath Bank’s continued investment in AI-driven lending reinforces its position at the forefront of digital banking while delivering meaningful value to customers across retail, leasing, and SME segments.

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Sampath Cards has announced an exclusive partnership with Hilton Colombo, offering its premium cardholders the opportunity to indulge in a world of wellness, elegance, and convenience through a specially curated Hilton Sports Centre Membership plan.

Available only to Sampath Visa Infinite, Visa Signature, Mastercard World, and American Express Platinum Ultramiles Credit Cardmembers, this premium lifestyle collaboration offers 20% off the Hilton Sports Centre membership fee, along with a 12-month 0% interest Extended Settlement Plan. The promotion is valid until 31st December 2025, enabling cardholders to begin their fitness journey on their terms, affordably and luxuriously. Special rates also apply for immediate family members of eligible cardholders, with family membership covering the husband, wife, and two children under 18 years of age.

Members who avail themselves of this exclusive offer will also enjoy a suite of privileges that extend beyond the gym. These include 50% off the breakfast buffet at Graze Kitchen for the cardholder, 35% off Hilton Laundry services, 25% off spa treatments, and 15% off the total bill at all outlets, excluding Café Kai, for groups of up to six guests.

In addition to these benefits, the Hilton Sports Centre offers a wide range of premium facilities, subject to availability. These include a fully equipped cardio and weight gym, complimentary access to the swimming pool, sauna room, steam room, and jacuzzi, as well as the squash court. Cardholders also enjoy parking during their workout period, with access to shower and towel facilities, and a locker provided for the duration of their visit.

SampathCards continues to curate experiences that go beyond transactional benefits, offering meaningful lifestyle privileges that resonate with the evolving preferences of its premium clientele. The Hilton Sports Centre Membership plan exemplifies this approach, providing cardholders with exclusive perks that enhance everyday living through health, dining, and leisure.

The latest offering brings wellness into sharper focus within the Sampath Cards lifestyle portfolio, aligning physical well-being with the Bank’s vision of delivering complete lifestyle support. Access to premium fitness facilities and tailored privileges introduces a refined balance between convenience, care, and sophistication.

Beyond enhancing cardholder satisfaction, this initiative reinforces Sampath Bank’s position in the premium lifestyle space while encouraging increased engagement across sectors such as wellness and hospitality. For more details, cardholders are encouraged to contact Sampath Bank or reach Hilton Colombo directly via 011 2 492 492 or Latasha.Wijeyaratne@Hilton.com.

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Reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s banking sector, Sampath Bank has become the first local bank to launch a next-day POS settlement feature that functions seamlessly across weekends and public holidays.

Introduced in collaboration with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), this pioneering solution is a national first, tailored specifically for CEYPETCO fuel stations, and sets a new benchmark in merchant acquiring services. The initiative showcases Sampath Bank’s continued commitment to convenience-led innovation and marks a significant stride in enabling operational excellence for businesses across the island.

This transformative settlement feature ensures that CEYPETCO station owners receive card transaction funds in their accounts as early as the next day, regardless of whether the transaction takes place on a weekday, weekend or public holiday. This consistent access to funds allows for better liquidity management and supports the smooth continuation of daily business operations.

Commenting on this milestone partnership, Mr Shiran Kossinna, Assistant General Manager – Card Centre at Sampath Bank, said, “Sampath Bank continues to redefine merchant acquiring services through convenience-led innovation. Our partnership with CEYPETCO demonstrates how the right blend of technology and collaboration can meaningfully transform everyday business operations. Introducing this first-of-its-kind solution in Sri Lanka is not just a milestone for the bank, but also a progressive step toward building a more digitally empowered and financially inclusive economy.”

The new system offers several tangible benefits to CEYPETCO fuel station operators, including improved cash flow that enables smoother operations, lower insurance costs through reduced cash handling risks, and a decreased cost of funds due to quicker access to revenue. Sampath Bank’s POS terminals accept Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB, and LankaPay credit and debit cards, and are backed by 24/7 technical support along with easy access to transaction details through the Bank’s e-statement facility.

In addition to POS settlements, Sampath Bank is the only bank offering real-time crediting of cash and cheque collections as per standard clearing time-lines for CEYPETCO station owners. Available daily until 8:00 PM, including holidays, this service ensures immediate access to funds and added convenience through doorstep collection by CBSL-appointed service providers.

This initiative forms part of Sampath Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s digital transformation agenda, in alignment with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s vision for a cashless, financially inclusive future.

CEYPETCO station operators interested in accessing this facility can contact 0767 922 375 – Suranga Ananda for more information.

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Marking a significant leap in digital transformation and customer-centric innovation, Sampath Bank has introduced Sampath Select, Sri Lanka’s first fully automated, AI powered personal loan solution. Backed by the Bank’s strategic transformation initiative, EvolveX, the launch reaffirms Sampath Bank’s position as a disruptive force in the banking sector and a frontrunner in applying data intelligence to enhance access, convenience, and speed in financial services.

Sampath Select is a first-in-market, paperless automated personal solution that offers intelligent approvals based on real-time analysis of customer data, with a seamless and secure process designed to reduce complexity for the customer while ensuring responsible outcomes. It empowers customers to access personalised financial solutions within seconds through a simple five-click journey on the Sampath Vishwa Mobile App. Built on innovative AI and advanced analytics capabilities and supported by omnichannel customer engagement, the solution delivers a seamless, end-to-end digital process that prioritises speed, accuracy, and convenience.

“This innovation reflects a fundamental shift in how financial institutions can better understand, anticipate, and serve evolving customer needs. It is not just about technology, but about enabling experiences that are timely, frictionless, and intelligent. Sampath Select is the result of meticulous data modelling and a deep commitment to transforming traditional banking processes into digitally enabled solutions that truly respond to customer pain points. Our ability to automate what was once a manual, time-consuming journey is a testament to our vision for a smarter and more responsive future in banking,” said Mr Sanjaya Gunawardana, Chief Strategy Officer, Sampath Bank.

To support the broader transformation, the Bank has established an Advanced Analytics Centre of Excellence that is reimagining how data is used to serve customers better. The Centre functions as a decision-making entity focused on unlocking deeper insights and acting with greater agility. A clear roadmap of use cases has been identified, each designed to extend the Bank’s capability in data-driven decision-making and innovation.

As Sri Lanka’s first AI-led personal loan journey, Sampath Select represents more than a product innovation. It symbolises a progressive shift in banking, making it intelligent, accessible, and designed for a new era of customer expectations.

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