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Achieving trust through robust governance
Sampath Bank’s strong leadership and governance framework have earned recognition both in Sri Lanka and internationally, underpinned by a rigorous yet adaptable approach to banking
 
Banking | Featured | Sustainable banking
Author: Dr. Lasantha Senaratne, Company Secretary, Sampath Bank plc
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Sampath Bank’s commitment to strong leadership is evident in the structure of its governance framework. The bank recognises that effective governance begins with the quality of leadership, particularly within Sri Lanka’s highly regulated banking environment, which demands accountability, prudence and resilience. As a systemically important financial institution, Sampath Bank recognises that its business success and long-term sustainability are intrinsically linked to the guidance and vision of its leaders.
At the board level, Sampath Bank demonstrates a highly diversified leadership structure, with directors drawn from key sectors including banking, finance, law, accounting, entrepreneurship, technology, human resources and public policy. The board embodies diversity across professional backgrounds, sectoral representation, age, experience and gender, carefully brought together to foster well-balanced perspectives, independent judgement and robust oversight. This breadth of expertise is clearly reflected in the distinguished profiles of its members, whose industry knowledge and accomplishments reinforce the bank’s governance strength. Our Chairman, President’s Counsel, Harsha Amarasekera’s strong leadership has been pivotal in embedding governance discipline, enhancing board effectiveness, and guiding the bank through periods of economic and operational transition. Under his stewardship, Sampath Bank has cultivated a future-ready governance mindset, firmly anchored in sustainability and long-term value creation.
At the management level, Sampath Bank is guided by an experienced and professionally diverse leadership team, headed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Sanjaya Gunawardana. This team contributes both individually and collectively through specialised expertise, sound judgement and strategic alignment. This synergy has played a vital role in elevating the ‘Sampath’ brand to one of the most trusted and highly regarded banking institutions in Sri Lanka. The bank firmly believes that governance is ultimately rooted in human behaviour, and that strong leadership is therefore an essential prerequisite for effective governance and continued success.
The diversity of the Directors has helped ensure a high standard of responsibility for the bank’s governance architecture, ensuring effective strategic oversight and accountability. This accountability is reinforced through the Board and the Board mandatory subcommittees, particularly through the Board Nominations and Governance Committee, Board Integrated Risk Management Committee, Board Audit Committee, Board Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and the Board Related Party Transactions Review Committee.
These structures are complemented by non-mandatory Board committees, which provide additional focused oversight and support overall governance accountability. Governance execution is effectively performed through corporate management, supported by the Three Lines of Defence framework led by business owners, the Chief Risk Officer, the Chief Compliance Officer, and the Chief Internal Auditor, ensuring
