Reinforcing its commitment to Sri Lanka’s business community, Sampath Bank has introduced the Mastercard Business Credit Card, a dedicated solution designed to support the financial and operational needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Developed in partnership with Mastercard, the latest addition is geared towards improving cash flow, enhancing financial flexibility, and enabling smarter day-to-day business management.

Recognising the vital role SMEs play in economic growth, the card offers tailored features including flexible repayment options with instalment plans to support cash flow, customisable credit limits aligned to business performance, and ultra rewards loyalty points on business-related spending. Businesses also benefit from unmatched local and global offers, enhanced security features, online platform access to monitor and settle payments, strengthening transparency andcreating opportunities to integrate broader SME banking solutions.

Commenting on the launch, Darshin Pathinayake, Chief Business Intelligence Officer, Sampath Bank, stated, “The introduction of the Mastercard Business Credit Card reflects our focus on empowering SMEs with practical financial tools that support growth, improve cash flow management, and strengthen operational control. As businesses navigate an increasingly dynamic environment, access to flexible and intelligent financial solutions becomes essential to sustaining momentum and unlocking new opportunities.”

Cardholders gain access to a range of value-added benefits, including Lounge Key membership for global airport lounge access, and year-round credit card promotions. Additional advantages such as exclusive extended settlement plans, a cash advance facility of up to 50% of the credit limit, and reward points for every spend further enhance its appeal.

Complementing the SME-focused offering, Sampath Bank has also introduced the Mastercard Purchasing Card, designed to streamline procurement and expense management for corporates. Positioned within the Bank’s Corporate Cards portfolio, the solution enables organisations to manage operational expenses with greater control, visibility, and security.

The Mastercard Purchasing Card further supports organisations through transaction controls, merchant category restrictions, and consolidated reporting. Automated bill payments, SMS alerts, and e-statements provide real-time tracking and transparency, while integration with the Sampath Vishwa Corporate portal enables businesses to view balances, settle statements, adjust limits, and access reports through a secure, centralised platform.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Mastercard, said, “This association underscores Mastercard’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital payment solutions for businesses across Sri Lanka. Leveraging our global network, robust security standards, and innovation capabilities, the new cards are designed to support the growth of SMEs and streamline procurement and payment processes for corporates in an increasingly digital economy.”

The dual launch reflects Sampath Bank’s continued focus on delivering relevant, forward-looking solutions that address the evolving needs of both SMEs and corporates, supporting sustainable business growth across Sri Lanka.

The post Sampath Bank unveils ‘Mastercard Business Credit Card’ to power SME growth appeared first on Newswire.

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.

The post Sampath Bank Leads Sri Lanka’s Lending Transformation Through AI-Enabled Credit Intelligence appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), and KPMG, hosted a high impact Family Business Forum under the theme:
“Building a Lasting Family Legacy: A Strategic Approach to Growth and Continuity.”

Held in Colombo, the forum attracted nearly 150 influential participants, including family business owners, next-generation leaders, industry professionals, and advisors. The event served as a timely platform to explore the challenges, opportunities, and strategic imperatives for family owned enterprises, which remain a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy.

A Platform for Purposeful Transition and Sustainable Growth

The Forum addressed key themes essential for navigating the evolving dynamics of family enterprises, including:

• Succession planning and generational leadership transitions

• Governance structures for business longevity

• Separation of family and business wealth

• Long-term capital formation and listing readiness

• Redefining success beyond financial metrics

Participants engaged in deep discussions on how family-run enterprises can adopt structured and sustainable frameworks to preserve legacy, promote continuity, and embrace professionalization all while staying true to their founding values.

SEC Chairman Advocates Investment-Driven Growth

Delivering a compelling address, SEC Chairman Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara called for a national mindset shift from one that prioritizes savings to one that fosters investment for long term prosperity.

“We must refocus from saving to investing. Increasing our investment-to-GDP ratio is vital to unlocking real economic value,” Prof. Dissabandara said.

He emphasized the pivotal role of the capital market in enabling access to funding for SMEs and family businesses, stating:

“Capital formation is essential. A robust regulatory framework is now in place to protect investors, and there is no need to fear loss of control. Your visionary leadership will remain intact — transparency and collaboration will only amplify your legacy.”

He urged business owners to consider listing as a strategic option, positioning it as a pathway to capital, credibility, and continuity.

Global Perspective on Family Business Transformation

The keynote address was delivered by Daniel Trimarchi, Global Managing Director of the KPMG Private Enterprise Centre of Excellence for Family Business (Australia). Trimarchi shared global insights on how successful family businesses are shifting their focus:

“Success today isn’t just financial. Families are defining purpose, aligning governance, and managing wealth in ways that reflect their identity and future goals,” he said.

He encouraged attendees to redefine their legacy through intentional, human-centric, and fit for purpose governance structures, while acknowledging the unique cultural and generational dynamics of Sri Lankan family businesses.

Power Panel: Real Stories, Real Insights

A thought-provoking panel discussion featured high profile Sri Lankan business leaders who brought decades of first-hand experience in managing family run corporations and navigating succession:

• Dilshan Wirasekara, Former Chairman – CSE

• Imthiaz Esufally, Group Director – Hemas Holdings PLC

• Senaka Kakiriwaragodage, CEO – NDB Capital Holdings Ltd

• Prakash Schaffter, Executive Deputy Chairman – Janashakthi Insurance PLC

• Rushanka Silva, Deputy Chairman – Sampath Bank PLC and Managing Director – Indra Traders (Pvt.) Ltd

• Daniel Trimarchi – KPMG Australia

Moderated by Thamali Rodrigo, Partner and Head of Restructuring & Corporate Governance at KPMG Sri Lanka and Maldives, the discussion explored the delicate balance between professionalization and legacy preservation, leadership handover, capital market access, and family unity in enterprise governance.

An interactive Q&A session allowed attendees to raise questions on sensitive transition issues, succession hurdles, and governance challenges unique to Sri Lankan family enterprises.

Empowering Generational Progress Through Capital Markets

The forum underscored the urgent need for Sri Lankan family businesses which account for a major share of employment and national GDP to build long term resilience by adopting formal structures, separating ownership from management, and preparing for generational shifts.

It also highlighted the capital market’s readiness to provide tailored financing options for family enterprises through public listing, private equity, and structured advisory support.

This collaborative initiative by the CSE, SEC, SLID, and KPMG aims to empower family businesses with knowledge, governance frameworks, and growth strategies ensuring their legacy is not just preserved but also transformed for future generations.

The post CSE, SEC, SLID & KPMG Host Transformative Family Business Forum on Legacy, Growth & Continuity appeared first on Newswire.