Sampath Bank PLC has been recognised as the Runner Up in the Banking Category at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2025, held recently at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The recognition was awarded for the Bank’s Integrated Annual Report 2024, reflecting its continued commitment to transparent, responsible and forward-looking sustainability reporting.

Sampath Bank’s recognition was driven by the strength of its integrated reporting approach, which connects financial performance with environmental and social impact. The Bank’s Integrated Annual Report 2024 presents a comprehensive account of how responsible governance, sustainable financing and stakeholder engagement contribute to long-term resilience. Clear articulation of material sustainability priorities, supported by measurable indicators and transparent disclosures, provided stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the Bank’s value creation journey.

Commenting on the recognition, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, Sanjaya Gunawardana, stated that sustainability reporting at Sampath Bank reflects the institution’s broader responsibility as a financial intermediary serving society. “Our approach to reporting goes beyond disclosure. It reflects how sustainability principles guide the way we operate, manage risk and create long-term value for stakeholders. Recognition at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards affirms the progress we have made in strengthening transparency while ensuring that our sustainability journey remains relevant and meaningful to those we serve.”

The report is aligned with globally recognised frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, the Integrated Reporting Framework and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. This alignment strengthens the credibility and relevance of the Bank’s sustainability disclosures while demonstrating how environmental and social considerations are incorporated into strategic decision-making.

Organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Sri Lanka, the Sustainability Reporting Awards were introduced in 2004 to recognise organisations that demonstrate meaningful disclosure of environmental, social and governance performance. Over the years, the awards have evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most respected benchmarks for corporate transparency, encouraging organisations to communicate how sustainability considerations are embedded within strategy, governance and long-term value creation.

Recognition at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards reflects Sampath Bank’s continued efforts to advance transparency while integrating sustainability into its long-term strategy, reinforcing its commitment to responsible banking and sustainable progress for Sri Lanka.

Photo Caption: From left: Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of South Asia, ACCA; Gayani Jinadasa, Deputy General Manager Finance, Sampath Bank PLC; Nuwan Pathirana, Head of Sustainability, Sampath Bank PLC; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; and Sampath Illangasinghe, Manager Sustainability, Sampath Bank PLC.