
Sampath Bank Plc is one of the largest banks in Sri Lanka, with a rich history dating back to 1987. It was founded by Dr. Harsha Cabral's father, Dr. Harsha Cabral, in 1987.
The bank's success can be attributed to its innovative approach to banking, which has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition. With a strong presence in the Sri Lankan market, Sampath Bank has become a household name.
Sampath Bank offers a wide range of financial services, including personal banking, corporate banking, and investment banking. Its services are designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
The bank's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its customer-centric approach, which has earned it a loyal customer base.
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Financial Performance
Sampath Bank has seen a significant increase in sales by activity over the years.
The bank's retail and personal banking sales have grown from 3.57 billion in 2019 to 67.86 billion in 2023.

Corporate banking sales have fluctuated, reaching a peak of 33.22 billion in 2019 before dipping to 5.86 billion in 2020.
Dealing and investment sales have also seen a significant increase, jumping from 8.7 billion in 2019 to 26.2 billion in 2023.
Other sales, including those from the bank's other business segments, have grown from 723 million in 2019 to 1.1 billion in 2023.
The bank's eliminations and unallocated sales have seen a significant decline, dropping from -821 million in 2019 to -47.83 billion in 2023.
Here's a breakdown of the bank's sales by activity over the past five years:
Corporate Structure
Sampath Bank has a well-defined corporate structure that ensures effective management and decision-making.
At the heart of the bank's corporate structure is the Executive Committee, which consists of experienced professionals who oversee various aspects of the bank's operations.
Ajantha de Vas Gunasekara serves as the Director of Finance/CFO, a role he has held since August 31, 2017.
The bank's leadership team is led by Sudharshana Jayasekara, who is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Deepal de Silva is the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the bank's day-to-day operations and ensuring smooth execution of plans.
Manjula Abeysundara is the Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for managing the bank's administrative functions.
Ajith Salgado is the Chief Technology/Science/Research and Development Officer, driving innovation and technology advancements within the bank.
Here is a list of the Executive Committee members:
Shareholders and Ownership
Sampath Bank is a publicly listed company, with its shares traded on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
The bank has a diverse shareholder base, comprising both local and foreign investors.
The largest shareholder of Sampath Bank is the Sri Lanka-based conglomerate, HNB Group, which owns approximately 25% of the bank's shares.
Sampath Bank's shares are also held by various institutional investors, including foreign banks and investment firms.
The bank's management has a significant stake in the company, with the CEO and other senior executives owning a combined 5% of the shares.
Sampath Bank's ownership structure has undergone changes over the years, with the bank's shares being delisted from the London Stock Exchange in 2018.
The bank has maintained its listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange, providing investors with a platform to buy and sell its shares.
Industry and Market
Sampath Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in Sri Lanka, with a network of over 180 branches and 500 ATMs across the country.
The bank was founded in 1987 and has since grown to become a major player in the Sri Lankan banking industry.
Sampath Bank offers a wide range of banking services, including personal and corporate banking, investment banking, and insurance services.
The bank's customer base is diverse, with a strong presence in both urban and rural areas.
Sampath Bank has a strong commitment to digital banking, with a mobile banking app that allows customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds on the go.
The bank's online banking platform is also user-friendly and secure, making it easy for customers to access their accounts and conduct transactions from anywhere in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sampath Bank a government bank?
No, Sampath Bank is a private sector bank, not a government bank. It operates independently in the Sri Lankan banking industry.
Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank in Sri Lanka?
Yes, you can open a bank account online in Sri Lanka, but you'll need to undergo video verification as per CBSL guidelines. This process is linked to your NIC verification through the DRP system.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampath_Bank
- https://www.cbinsights.com/company/sampath-bank
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SAMPATH-BANK-PLC-6491990/company/
- https://www.worldfinance.com/banking/sampath-bank-helping-sri-lanka-move-in-the-right-direction
- https://markets.ft.com/data/equities/tearsheet/profile
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