WEWATA JEEWAYAK
Sampath Bank Unveils Heartfelt Commercial Showcasing the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ Initiative
Colombo, 21st February 2025 – Sampath Bank unveiled a moving commercial at Scope Cinema, Colombo City Centre, bringing to life the story of resilience, renewal, and the profound impact of the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ initiative. The event was attended by officials from the Mahaweli Authority, senior management and staff of Sampath Bank, cast members from the commercial, and the media.
For generations, Sri Lanka’s farmers have nurtured the land, with their livelihoods connected to the reservoirs that sustained entire communities. As these water sources fell into neglect, cultivating fields became increasingly difficult, which in turn threatened agriculture and rural livelihoods. Sampath Bank’s ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ initiative was born out of a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farming communities, focusing on restoring the tanks that are essential to their way of life.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager – Marketing, Customer Care & Card Centre, Sampath Bank, said, “Sri Lanka has always been a nation that provides for itself, with rice cultivation at the heart of its history. However, over time, farmers have faced increasing challenges due to water scarcity, making it nearly impossible to cultivate during the Yala and Maha seasons without sufficient rainfall. Two decades ago, Sampath Bank recognised this struggle and took action to restore neglected reservoirs that are vital lifelines for both agriculture and the broader ecosystem. As we near the completion of the 25th restored tank, we are proud to share this journey with the nation, capturing the essence of the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ initiative and the lasting impact it has had on thousands of lives. To reflect the project’s lasting impact and its transformative effect on countless communities, our Marketing and CSR teams collaborated to create a commercial that brings this story to life.”
In addition to sustaining agriculture and livelihoods, these restored tanks play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, providing a vital water source for animals in the surrounding areas. Beyond nourishment, they serve as a natural barrier, helping to prevent elephants from straying into villages in search of water, thereby reducing human-elephant conflict.
The commercial, starring renowned Sri Lankan actors Sarath Kothalawala and Amila Abeysekera, delivers a powerful message about the resilience of farming communities and the importance of preserving the country’s rich agricultural heritage. It will be aired nationwide in the coming days, further amplifying the story of Sampath Bank’s ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ programme and its mission to sustain generations to come.
