Adding yet another iconic milestone to its outstanding service to the nation, Sampath Bank recently marked 25 years of commitment towards the conservation of wildlife in Sri Lanka.

Sampath Bank has extended its support towards environmental sustainability by donating Rs. 5/- for each new issuance of a Sampath Debit Card every year since 1994 to the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS). Through Sampath Bank’s 25 years of commitment to the cause, every user of a Sampath Debit Card can take pride in making an active contribution towards the conservation of wildlife and nature in the country.

Expressing his views on this momentous occasion, Aruna Jayasekera – Group Chief Human Resource Officer of Sampath Bank PLC noted, “We are elated to celebrate this historic moment signifying Sampath Bank’s 25 years of commitment towards supporting nature and wildlife conservation. In line with our core values to uphold social and environmental sustainability, Sampath Bank launched this initiative 25 years ago to champion environmental stewardship and spread awareness on the importance of conserving the country’s flora and fauna. We wish to take this opportunity to thank all our stakeholders, and most importantly our customers for their continuous patronage and support to make this mission a success.”

Initiated as Ceylon Game Protection Society in 1894, the society was later established under its current title ‘Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka’ in 1970. The WNPS has immensely contributed towards the protection of fauna and flora and plays a key role as a policy advocate, environmental educator and conservator. The society has also notably contributed towards the enactment of wildlife protection legislation in Sri Lanka. WNPS further intervenes to prevent the destruction and harmful commercial exploitation of fauna and flora and provide assistance to conserve nature in all forms including landscape, water, soil, fauna and flora as well as marine habitats.

Sharing his thoughts on the commendable contribution made by Sampath Bank, Jehan CanagaRetna – General Secretary of WNPS noted, “This is truly a significant moment where a leading bank in the country has continuously supported a timely cause for 25 years consecutively. Long-standing contributors like Sampath Bank have given us the strength to continue our mission in protecting nature and wildlife for the benefit of future generations. We are happy to partner with an environmentally conscious bank such as Sampath Bank and hope to collaborate with them in our future endeavours for many more years to come.”

As a pioneer in digital innovation, Sampath Bank has steered a host of Digital Banking services with an aim to promote the best practices of green banking concept among its customers. Taking a revolutionary step in its effort to reduce carbon footprint, Sampath Bank Head Office was awarded ‘Carbon Neutral Certification’ by Climate Smart Initiatives for 2018. Attested by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the carbon neutral certification was a result of a stringent and comprehensive process implemented by the Sampath Bank Head Office and its entire branch network.

With environmental sustainability ingrained in its core values, Sampath Bank constantly strives to provide eco-friendly products and services while opening new avenues for everyone in the country to opt for Green Banking while proactively contributing towards environmental sustainability and conservation.