Business
Sampath Bank scores 9th consecutive win at World Finance Banking Awards
Retains Status as Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Commercial Bank’
Sampath Bank PLC has been rated as Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Commercial Bank’ for the 9th consecutive year at the renowned World Finance Banking Awards ceremony hosted by the UK-based World Finance magazine.
Displaying the Sri Lankan flag prominently at this prestigious global forum where the Bank has been receiving both these tributes every year since 2014, Sampath Bank is the only bank from the country to be lauded at this venue this year, too.
The World Finance Banking Award is one of the most coveted accolades in the banking and financial services sector, globally. World Finance magazine–widely read and respected in the industry–has celebrated outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership since 2007, through these annual awards that rate banks’ excellence in numerous relevant criteria.
“It is a great distinction to be rated amongst the best banking and financial service providers in the world, and to maintain our position as the ‘Best Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Commercial Bank’ in Sri Lanka for the 9th straight year at the World Finance Banking Awards,” said Nanda Fernando, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC. “This is an unparalleled achievement made possible by the trust, support and endorsement of our customers, investors and business partners and by the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence of our team members. Awards such as this motivate us to recommit ourselves to deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders, as we continue to present their future.”
This recent recognition, one of innumerable awards and accolades bestowed on Sampath Bank, comes at a troubled time when Sri Lanka and the rest of the world is coping with a series of health, political and economic crises. The Bank has continued its steady rise on corporate leaderboards, earning several distinctions for both its strength and financial probity as well as the trust and respect it has earned from its customers and the industry at large.
Most recently, Sampath Bank was ranked as the country’s Most Loved Bank in the 2022 edition of the Brands Annual ‘Most Loved Brands’ listings, compiled by Brand Finance and presented by LMD. The Bank was also placed 11th in the overall ‘Most Loved Brands’ rankings. It stands out amongst FMCG giants as the only banking brand to be featured in the Top 15. The Bank was also ranked among the Top 10 ‘Most Valuable Consumer Brands’ for 2022.
Despite the contemporary obstacles faced by the banking sector in Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank has successfully maintained all its capital ratios well above regulatory requirements throughout 2021. With a total asset value of Rs. 1.2 trillion, this reflects strongly as an indication of the Bank’s stability. Meanwhile, its deposit book stood at Rs 978 Bn at the end of 2021, and continues to enjoy a year on year growth rate of 10.3%. All the while, Sampath Bank has implemented all government-led moratorium schemes for eligible customer segments affected by the pandemic. The Bank’s digitalisation strategy has also continued to prove its worth during these trying times by securing a more accessible and safer banking experience for customers.
Sampath Bank is a 100% locally-owned bank that has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution with numerous innovations to its credit. It continues to be a market leader today thanks to its customer-focused approach to banking. Sampath Bank has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector. These include the introduction of automated teller machines (ATMs) to Sr Lanka, extended banking hours for the convenience of customers, slip-less banking and touchless ATM withdrawals. The bank continues to steadily transform itself into a technology-driven financial services provider whilst keeping true to its traditions, values and ideals.
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) announced the appointment of Sarah Nasry as Director & Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
In her new role, Sarah will lead both the Finance and Human Resources functions at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and people agenda. She holds a distinguished track record across multiple business disciplines, including Supply Chain, ICT, Administration, Corporate Communications, and CSR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her most recent position as General Manager – Finance & Business Partnering at Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer.
Recognised for her strengths in business partnering, financial planning, and strategic decision-making, Sarah is also widely respected for nurturing inclusive, people-centric cultures that foster growth and high performance.
Thayalan Bartlett, Executive Chairman of MLG, commented, “Sarah’s appointment follows an extensive search for the right person to lead our finance division through the next phase of our journey. Her wide-ranging experience and strong leadership credentials give me every confidence that she will continue to strengthen the financial integrity and compliance standards we are known for, and the Board looks forward to working closely alongside her in this journey.”
Sarah also marks a significant milestone for the company, becoming the first female member of MLG’s Board of Directors. She will additionally serve on the MLG Executive Committee (ExCo), reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said, “I am honoured and excited to join MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka and help steer the company into its next chapter. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at MLG to drive financial strength, champion a people-first culture, and build on the company’s strong legacy of creativity and performance.”
Business
Sun Siyam Pasikudah Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Best of the Best Winner for 2025
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a boutique luxury resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, is thrilled to announce its recent win at the Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of resorts worldwide. This accolade reflects the resort’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
Reopened in November 2023 after an extensive transformation, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers 34 spacious one- and two-bedroom garden and beach pavilions, each featuring bold monochromatic interiors accented with golden tones. The redesign, led by Studio Sixty7, emphasizes a blend of contemporary elegance and local craftsmanship. The resort collaborated with local artisans, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich talent and cultural heritage.
‘‘We are thrilled to being recognized on par with some of the world’s best resorts. Under just two years since our reopening, this achievement couldn’t be possible with the tremendous effort and support of our world-class team and our guests that keep coming for the unique experiences we offer. We are proud to contribute to Sri Lanka, a destination that is on every traveler’s go-to list,’ said its General Manager, Arshed Refai who has been with Sun Siyam Resorts for over a decade.
OTTO Bathware has received Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). This certification confirms that OTTO’s sanitaryware meets the highest national standards for safety, durability, and performance. With over 30 years of experience, OTTO Bathware operates under the ADI Group (Art Decoration International Pvt. Ltd.- www.ottobathware.com) and runs a modern 435,000square feet manufacturing facility in Bandaragama. The company has grown to become; South-Asia’s largest decorative ceramic manufacturer/ exporter, Sri Lanka’s second-largest sanitaryware producer, supplying to over 500 retailers island-wide.
“We’re proud to offer sanitaryware that meets national safety and quality standards. We encourage all Sri Lankans to look beyond the price tag and choose products that are certified, tested, and built to last.” said its Chairman, S. H. B. Karunarathne.
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