SAMPATH BANK
Chief Human Resources Officer
Q: Your organisation was recently recognised at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2024 hosted by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce – what factors contributed to your success, in your assessment?
A: Sampath Bank’s recognition at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2024 highlights our leadership in sustainability and unwavering commitment to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) principles. Our robust ESG framework integrates sustainability across all operations – ensuring transparency, accountability and meaningful impact.
Collaboration plays a key role as we foster local and international partnerships to enhance initiatives with expertise and stakeholder engagement. Innovation drives our progress with a strong focus on digitalisation to deliver eco-friendly, efficient and customer-centric solutions, reducing our environmental footprint while improving service quality. Additionally, our emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) empowers our workforce to co-create sustainable solutions. By combining governance, partnerships, innovation and inclusivity, Sampath Bank has set a benchmark in sustainability, serving as an example to the corporate world.
Q: What are your most recently launched sustainability initiatives?
A: Our ‘A Breath to the Ocean’ programme promotes marine ecosystem rehabilitation through coral restoration, turtle conservation and mangrove restoration. Coral restoration efforts in Mirissa, Batheegama (Dickwella) and Dutch Bay (Trincomalee) involve reef ball placement; live coral planting; and awareness workshops to rejuvenate reefs, mitigate climate change and promote ecotourism.
At Rekawa beach, in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, we conserve endangered sea turtles through hatchery construction, public awareness campaigns and ecotourism promotion, positioning Sri Lanka as a ‘Paradise for Turtles.’
The ‘Life to Our Mangrove’ initiative focuses on restoring mangrove forests – enhancing biodiversity, improving ecosystem resilience and supporting ecotourism to boost local economic growth. These initiatives reflect Sampath Bank’s commitment to protecting natural ecosystems while uplifting communities.
Q: How do employees contribute to your company’s sustainability endeavours?
A: Employees are central to our sustainability journey, actively participating in volunteer engagements, awareness campaigns and capacity building programmes.
Through initiatives such as the ‘Environmental Pledge for Team Sampath,’ we align employees with the bank’s environmental goals. Staff members contribute by attending workshops, field visits and tree planting activities – while engaging in environmental and social due diligence processes.
Our structured governance, led by the Board Sustainability Committee, ESG Committee and ESG Working Group ensures collaboration across business units, aligning efforts with strategic goals. The Sampath Bank Nature Protection Club (SNaPC) further fosters eco-friendly practices and employee wellbeing, reinforcing our ESG objectives.
Q: What are your organisation’s plans and strategies for the future?
A: Sampath Bank remains focused on redefining banking through sustainability, customer-centricity and digital innovation. We aim to enhance customer experiences by tailoring retail and corporate banking solutions while embedding ESG principles into operations.
Investments in advanced technologies – such as touch-less ATMs; virtual teller machines (VTMs); slip-less banking; and platforms such as Sampath WePay, Sampath Vishwa and Sampath PayBand will drive operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact through lower paper use and energy consumption.
By seamlessly integrating sustainability with digital transformation, we aim to set new standards in responsible banking, creating lasting value for people, the planet and future generations.
Sampath Bank will continue to lead by example, inspiring the corporate world to embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of success.
Telephone 2303040 | Email info@sampath.lk | Website www.sampath.lk
