Sampath Bank champions gender equality with the ‘Wonder Women Initiative’ for International Women’s Day

Presented as a fireside chat, Sampath Bank’s Wonder Women panel this year featured eminent professionals at the top of their respective professions

Sampath Bank MD Nanda Fernando handing over a token of appreciation to one of the panellists, President's Counsel (Retired Senior Additional Solicitor General) Farzana Jameel

Sampath Bank MD Nanda Fernando handing over the token of appreciation to one of the panellists, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Professor and Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative Global Dengue Program Head Neelika Malavige

Celebrating the ethos of women empowerment within its workplace culture, Sampath Bank held a ‘Wonder Women Initiative’ for the second consecutive year, to mark International Women’s Day, which falls on 8 March every year. 

The notable event brought together bright and successful professionals who have ascended to the pinnacle of their respective professions, to discuss a range of issues related to how women can excel in the workplace despite shouldering many responsibilities. Through this Wonder Women Initiative, Sampath Bank is championing this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #EmbraceEquity, by inspiring a gender equal world that values diversity and rejects gender bias.

Commenting on the successful event, Sampath Bank MD Nanda Fernando said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s ‘Wonder Women Initiative’ as a way to celebrate International Women’s Day. The prominent personalities featured in the event were women who exemplify balance and achievement in every way. The powerhouse panellists shared valuable insights and wisdom with an audience of 200 at the fireside chat as well as with the many men and women who joined us through live-streaming platforms.”

Adding further, he said: “We are honoured to shine the spotlight on women and their many contributions in all spheres of life – be it in the corporate sector, academia, professions such as the medical and legal professions, or in entrepreneurship. We hope their dynamic stories inspire the younger generation to blaze their own career paths. The Wonder Women Initiative serves as an extension of our policy of equity and inclusion of women at Sampath Bank, to ensure women have equal representation across our operations and to inspire other institutions to follow suit.” 

Senior Deputy General Manager - Digitalisation, Deposit Mobilisation and Marketing Tharaka Ranwala stated: “For far too long the role of women have been defined by men with many men and also some women still thinking that the role of women is to be a housewife. However, we at Sampath Bank believe in empowering women and standing side by side with them and helping them in their journey every single day. 

“We thought of bringing it to a pinnacle by starting the Wonder Women Initiative last year and continuing it this year as well, where we showcase and share the inspirational stories of these amazing women and take it to society to make a change.”

Presented as a fireside chat, the Wonder Women panel this year featured eminent professionals, including Professor at University of Sri Jayewardenapura and Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative Global Dengue Program Head Neelika Malavige, John Keells Holdings PLC Head of Legal, Secretarial and CSR Nadija Tambiah, President's Counsel (Retired Senior Additional Solicitor General) Farzana Jameel,  

Charini Founder and Director Charini Suriyage and Automated Barcode Solutions Director/CEO Manoja Jayawardhane. 

The moderator for the animated discussion was Lankan Angel Network Chairperson and Virtusa Vice-President-HR Chandi Dharmaratne. The event was also live-streamed on Sampath Bank’s social media platforms directly from Cinnamon Lakeside, where the fireside chat was held. 

The Board of Directors of Sampath Bank graced the occasion in solidarity with the International Women’s Day 2023