The award was ceremonially presented in Singapore, positioning Sampath Bank among a distinguished group of global and regional banking and financial institutions recognised for embedding sustainability into their core strategies and creating long term value for all stakeholders.
The Bank’s submission to Euromoney highlighted key milestones achieved in 2024, including channelling Rs.1.44 billion ($4.78 million) into renewable energy projects through its green financing programme, launching solar loan concessions to increase access to clean energy, and equipping 1,418 employees and board members with ESG training.
These internal initiatives contributed to an 8% reduction in the Bank’s carbon footprint and a 36% increase in solar power generation through branch network.
Sampath Bank also introduced recyclable metal credit cards to reduce plastic usage while strengthening its wider waste reduction programmes.
Commenting on this achievement, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director Designate of Sampath Bank, stated,
“Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for ESG by Euromoney is a defining moment for Sampath Bank.
This honour reflects our deep commitment to sustainability as a core pillar of our business and our responsibility to the nation.
Our efforts in corporate governance, green financing, product innovation and capacity building are not short-term projects but long-term commitments to shaping a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka.
This recognition is a tribute to the dedication of our team, our valued customers and our stakeholders who continue to walk this journey with us.”
Sampath Bank’s recognition also stems from its flagship CSR initiatives, including ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ to restore traditional reservoirs for farming communities, ‘A Breath to the Ocean’ to restore coral reefs, as well as turtle conservation and mangrove restoration projects.
Alongside a tree-planting programme with 88 schools and a strong focus on green financing and renewable energy, these efforts demonstrate the Bank’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and ESG integration.
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the financial services industry.
Organised annually by Euromoney, a UK-based publication that has been a leading authority in banking and capital markets for over five decades, the awards benchmark innovation, resilience and leadership across more than 100 countries.
In the ESG category, institutions are assessed on governance frameworks, sustainable financing initiatives, product innovation, capacity building and alignment with global standards, reflecting a comprehensive approach to responsible banking.
This recognition reinforces Sampath Bank’s leadership in sustainable finance and its role as a trusted partner in driving inclusive and responsible economic growth.
The Bank remains committed to advancing ESG integration across all aspects of its operations, ensuring long-term value creation for Sri Lanka and its people.
Photo Caption: Right to Left: Mr. Ben Naylor – Euromoney Global Head of Accreditation Research, Mr. Nuwan Pathirana – Head of Sustainability, Sampath Bank, Mr. Sanjaya Gunawardana – Managing Director Designate, Sampath Bank, Dr. Lalith Weragoda – Chief Human Resource Transformation Officer, Sampath Bank and Ben Hanlin – Presenter and Magician at the Euromoney Award Ceremony.