Sampath Bank retained Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Retail and Best Commercial Bank’ titles for the 12th year and was awarded ‘Best Corporate Governance’ title for the year 2026 Sampath Bank PLC has been recognised with three prestigious accolades at the World Finance Banking Awards 2026, s…
Sampath Bank retained Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Retail and Best Commercial Bank’ titles for the 12th year and was awarded ‘Best Corporate Governance’ title for the year 2026
Sampath Bank PLC has been recognised with three prestigious accolades at the World Finance Banking Awards 2026, securing the titles of Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank, Best Commercial Bank, and Best Corporate Governance – Sri Lanka 2026. Presented by UK-based World Finance magazine, the awards recognise institutions that demonstrate excellence in performance, innovation, leadership, customer value, long-term sustainability and Governance. The recognition marks the 12th year that Sampath Bank has been named both Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank and Best Commercial Bank, reflecting a sustained ability to serve the evolving needs of individuals, entrepreneurs, corporates, and communities across the country. The addition of the Best Corporate Governance – Sri Lanka 2026 accolade further highlights the Bank’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, ethical leadership, and responsible stewardship. Commenting on the achievement, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank, said, “Receiving these three recognitions from World Finance is a significant milestone for Sampath Bank. The awards reflect the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our employees, and the confidence of our stakeholders. While the retail and commercial banking honours recognise our ability to consistently deliver meaningful value and innovative financial solutions, the governance accolade affirms the strength of the principles that guide every decision we make. Together, these achievements reinforce our commitment to building a resilient, future-ready financial institution that contributes to the progress of Sri Lanka.” World Finance evaluates financial institutions through a rigorous assessment process that considers financial performance, innovation, operational excellence, customer experience, sustainability, leadership, and governance. The publication’s global perspective and stringent selection criteria have established the awards as a respected benchmark within the international banking industry. Sampath Bank’s recognition for corporate governance reflects the strength of an integrated governance framework supported by robust Board oversight, proactive risk management practices, and a culture that prioritises responsibility and ethical conduct. These foundations continue to support the Bank’s resilience, stability, and ability to create sustainable value for stakeholders in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The dual banking honours recognise more than a decade of consistent performance and customer-focused innovation. Throughout this period, Sampath Bank has continued to strengthen its digital capabilities, expand access to financial services, support business growth, and introduce solutions that respond to changing customer expectations while contributing to national economic development. The latest accolades build on a strong record of recognition for governance, sustainability, and responsible banking, including honours such as Asia’s Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility by Euromoney in 2024 and Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for ESG by Euromoney in 2025. Together, these achievements reinforce Sampath Bank’s position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading financial institutions and reflect its commitment to delivering long-term value through sound governance, responsible banking, and customer-focused innovation.