Sampath Bank PLC has become the first bank in Sri Lanka to introduce integrated PayPal withdrawal and account connectivity capabilities through Sampath Vishwa, marking a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s digital banking landscape and expanding access to secure global payments.

Sri Lanka’s digitally connected workforce and business community continue to expand across international marketplaces and cross-border industries. Growth in freelancing, entrepreneurship, online commerce, exports, and remote work has increased demand for trusted international payment channels. Sampath Bank’s collaboration with PayPal responds directly to this shift, enabling greater financial connectivity between Sri Lanka and the global economy while supporting foreign currency inflows into the country.

Commenting on the launch, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, said, “Digital access should never limit Sri Lankan talent from participating in the global economy. Our collaboration with PayPal represents an important step towards helping individuals and businesses engage confidently with international markets through secure and convenient banking. Sampath Bank remains committed to presenting the future for our customers through meaningful digital innovation that supports entrepreneurship and strengthens Sri Lanka’s growing digital economy.”

Commenting on the partnership, Amir Valliani, Vice President and General Manager of PayPal, said, “PayPal’s partnership with Sampath Bank marks an important step in expanding secure and trusted access to global payments for customers in Sri Lanka. This collaboration represents an important milestone for Sri Lanka, helping freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses to easily connect to international opportunities and access their earnings with greater convenience and confidence. We are excited to support Sri Lanka’s growing digital economy and the talented communities driving its global participation.”

The integration enables customers to securely link their PayPal accounts to the Sampath Vishwa Mobile App and withdraw funds directly into their Sampath Bank accounts in LKR or USD. Customers without a PayPal account can initiate setup directly through the platform, simplifying access for first-time users entering the global digital marketplace.

Designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, exporters, online sellers, and digital professionals, the solution delivers a seamless experience while maintaining the high standards of security, reliability, and compliance associated with Sampath Bank’s digital banking services.

Extensive collaboration, regulatory engagement, and investments in digital infrastructure supported the development of the initiative, ensuring compliance with evolving international payment requirements. The launch further reinforces Sampath Bank PLC’s position as a future-focused banking leader committed to accelerating digital adoption and delivering innovative financial solutions for emerging customer needs.

The initiative enables Sri Lankan individuals and businesses to compete and grow beyond borders with greater confidence while supporting the continued development of the country’s freelance, entrepreneurial, and export-oriented sectors.

Driven by its brand promise, “We Present Your Future,” Sampath Bank PLC continues to invest in banking solutions that enhance convenience, accessibility, and financial empowerment for customers across Sri Lanka.

Photo caption: Amir Valliani, Vice President and General Manager of PayPal and Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, at the official signing ceremony for the PayPal integration via Sampath Vishwa.