Sampath Bank PLC has received a Special Appreciation Award for AI/ML Implementation in Banking at the ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave & Awards 2026 held in New Delhi, India, becoming the only bank in Sri Lanka to receive this recognition while highlighting the Bank’s continued progress in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to strengthen banking operations, improve customer experiences and support data-driven decision-making.
Presented by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the regional awards celebrate excellence among financial institutions across the BIMSTEC region, including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Thailand. The AI/ML recognition acknowledges organisations that are successfully integrating emerging technologies to improve performance, enhance operational efficiency and create long-term value. The awards are evaluated by an independent panel of former banking and regulatory leaders, while PwC India served as the Process Reviewer to ensure a transparent assessment process.
Commenting on the recognition, Darshin Pathinayake, Chief Business Intelligence Officer of Sampath Bank, said, “We are honoured to receive this Special Appreciation Award for AI/ML Implementation in Banking at the ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave & Awards 2026. This recognition reflects our commitment to using data, analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to create meaningful value for our customers while strengthening innovation and informed decision-making across the Bank. As banking continues to evolve, these technologies are helping us improve customer engagement, speed and convenience, strengthen operational excellence and enhance risk management. This achievement also recognises the dedication of our teams whose expertise continues to advance our data-driven transformation journey.”
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning continue to play an increasingly important role in the Bank’s digital transformation strategy. Technology-enabled insights are helping the Bank better understand customer needs, streamline business processes, strengthen risk management capabilities and deliver more relevant financial solutions. Continued investment in advanced analytics is also enabling greater organisational agility while creating sustainable value for customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Sampath Bank was represented at the event by Darshin Pathinayake, Chief Business Intelligence Officer, and Kiruparan Balachandran, Principal Data Scientist. Pathinayake also participated as an invited panellist during a leadership discussion on trust, technology and transformation, where banking leaders explored digital transformation, cyber resilience, regulatory developments and collaboration between banks, fintechs and technology partners.
The latest regional recognition reflects Sampath Bank’s continued focus on combining technology, data and innovation to build a future-ready banking experience while strengthening its position among Sri Lanka’s leading digitally progressive financial institutions.