Share Tweet 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 Fina…
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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.
News Negombo Civil Appellate HC dismisses appeals by Pujith and Nilantha in Easter Sunday civil case
Published 56 seconds agoon 2026/07/5
The Civil Appellate High Court of Negombo on Friday dismissed leave-to-appeal applications filed by former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former State Intelligence Service Director and Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena, affirming a District Court order that their objections on the issue of limitation should be determined only after the trial. The judgment, delivered by a Bench comprising Justices Yvonne Fernando and Nirosha Fernando, upheld the order issued on December 11, 2024, by then Negombo District Judge, now Colombo District Judge, Lalith Kannangara. The case was filed by Dona Nayana Rasika Kumari, a survivor of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attack at St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, Negombo, seeking damages from several respondents, including the two former senior police officials. Jayasundara and Jayawardena argued that the action was time-barred under Section 88 of the Police Ordinance because it had not been instituted within three months of the incident and should therefore be dismissed at the outset. However, the District Court ruled that the issue could not be determined as a preliminary question of law and should instead be considered after hearing evidence at the conclusion of the trial. The Civil Appellate High Court affirmed that ruling. The plaintiff maintained that she became aware of the alleged negligence and breach of duty by the former officials only after information emerged through the proceedings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks, and that legal action was instituted promptly thereafter. The ruling is expected to have implications for 182 similar civil actions pending before the Negombo District Court, paving the way for those cases to proceed to trial.
News Police to take legal action against pedestrians using headphones on roads
Published 2 mins agoon 2026/07/5
Police on Friday said legal action will be taken against pedestrians who walk on roads while listening to music through headphones or earphones, citing the growing number of road accidents involving inattentive road users. Director of Traffic Control and Road Safety, Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, said pedestrians currently found using headphones on public roads are issued warnings, but offenders will be prosecuted in the future. Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau to mark the 11th National Accident Prevention Week, scheduled from July 6 to 10, Ranagala said more than 10 people die in road accidents each day in Sri Lanka. He said 1,323 fatal road accidents were reported between January 1 and June 30 this year, claiming 1,389 lives. Compared with the corresponding period in 2025, the number of fatal accidents had increased by 105, while deaths had risen by 107. Ranagala said pedestrians and cyclists remained the most vulnerable road users, with inattention, traffic law violations, speeding and poor vehicle and road maintenance among the leading causes of accidents. He said Police, acting on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police, had intensified traffic enforcement and introduced new technology, including advanced speed detection equipment capable of monitoring vehicles over a three-kilometre range. He warned that stricter enforcement, heavier penalties and the suspension of driving licences would be introduced to curb the rising number of road accidents. by Norman Palihawadne
News Singapore-based Buddhist monk marks nearly four decades of humanitarian service
Published 16 mins agoon 2026/07/5
Distribution of necessary materials to pregnant mothers Venerable Dr. Karadetiyana Gunarathana Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk based in Singapore, has continued his humanitarian and religious service across Asia for nearly 37 years, combining disaster relief, education, and community welfare initiatives. The Thero, who serves as Senior Vice President of Singapore’s Multi-Religious Harmony Committee and Religious Advisor to the Mahakaruna Buddhist Society, has led or supported several large-scale relief projects in Sri Lanka. Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, he helped facilitate the construction of more than 1,000 houses in partnership with the Suki Foundation. He has also contributed to the construction of schools in Vavuniya and Kegalle and assisted families affected by the Aranayaka landslide through a housing programme. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the monk coordinated the donation of hospital equipment, including beds, wheelchairs, medical masks and more than 750 oxygen concentrators. His ongoing social service includes providing laptops and school supplies to underprivileged students, supporting kindergartens and computer training centres, and distributing dry rations to rural communities. Venerable Dr K Gunarathna Thero In late June, the Mahakaruna Buddhist Society organized welfare programmes in Vavuniya and Anuradhapura, benefiting pregnant mothers, schoolchildren and low-income families. A Poson Dansala held at the Sri Maha Bodhi premises served more than 20,000 devotees and was attended by government officials, religious leaders and community representatives. Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake