Sampath Bank celebrates 25th anniversary with islandwide religious activities

Commemorating their 25th anniversary, the staff and stakeholders of Sampath Bank PLC conducted various religious activities across the island.

Renowned as the ‘truly Sri Lankan Bank’, Sampath Bank has maintained its commitment to being truly local by supporting the diverse religions practiced within this multi ethnic and multi religious populace of Sri Lanka.

Commencing with a service of thanksgiving at the St. Mary’s Church in Negombo to commemorate the Bank’s 25th anniversary, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando conducted a beautiful service for parishioners and senior Managers of the Bank.

A special Bodhi Pooja was held at the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura along with a book donation program for schoolchildren in various schools in the district. This was attended by Sampath Bank Managing Director Aravinda Perera along with Managers and staff of the Bank’s branch network in Anuradhapura.

Earlier this month, senior Management of the Bank worshipped at the Sri Dantha Datunwahanse with the offering of lotus flowers and atapirikara pooja followed by a Saangika Dane at the Asgiriya Pirivena for 175 monks.  

 Seth pirith for over 200 employees was chanted by the monks headed by the Maha Nayake thero of the Asgiriya Chapter the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thero.A Scholarship Fund for the education of the resident priests of the Pirivena was opened by the Bank with a generous donation of Rs. 100,000 which was presented to the Maha Nayake Thero by Perera.

As one of the few banks to reach out to the North and East post war, a special pooja was held at the Nallur Kovil in Jaffna. After the service, a cash donation of Rs. 50,000 and educational materials were distributed to the Primary section of the Nallur Hindu Tamil Girls School along with 65 Savings Accounts which were opened for 65 students of the school. Additionally, a stack of valuable books were donated to the Jaffna Library.  The Chief Guest was Mrs. P Yogeswary Jaffna Mayor and Government authorities and the Bank’s senior Management including Managing Director, Aravinda Perera and several board members participated in these events.

A special religious recital was given by Mowlavi Kuddoos at the Akkaraipattu Branch to commemorate 25th Anniversary.  The Managing Director and senior Management of the Bank who participated at the ceremony donated medical equipment worth of Rs. 100,000 to the Base Hospital Akkaraipattu.  The Bank will continue to hold religious activities across the island throughout the year.

The Bank holds a unique place in the Sri Lankan banking arena for its commitment towards being a truly indigenous bank, be it via the logo symbolising a ‘Punkalasa’ utilising a historic symbol of prosperity and sustenance or employees who don traditional saris and greet you with ‘Ayubowan’ paying homage to the values and heritage of Sri Lanka. Today, Sampath is the third largest private sector commercial bank in the country, with a network of 209 branches across the island, and over 3,000 employees.