Sampath Bank PLC has officially received approval from the Governing Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to establish a dedicated branch within Port City Colombo, marking a significant move that reinforces Sri Lanka’s ambition to emerge as a globally connected financial and investment hub. This milestone represents a major step forward not only for the Bank’s expansion strategy but also for the broader transformation of Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem. This marks Sampath Bank’s second strategic milestone in Port City Colombo, following the establishment of its inaugural footprint in 2025 with the deployment of a Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) at Port City Duty Free.
This strategic expansion was formalised through an agreement signed by Deepal De Silva, Chief Operating Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, and Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. The branch, to be established at Building 1 of the Business Centre at Port City Colombo – Commercial Hub, is expected to serve as a key financial access point for businesses, individuals and investors operating both in Sri Lanka and internationally.
As an Authorised Persons Licensed Institution under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, Sampath Bank is now positioned to offer a comprehensive portfolio of banking and financial solutions tailored to both residents and non-residents operating within the Port City Colombo jurisdiction, across Sri Lanka and worldwide. The branch will provide services in Sri Lankan Rupees as well as designated foreign currencies, enabling seamless international financial transactions and greater flexibility for investors, corporations, entrepreneurs, global business entities and individuals.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, emphasised the strategic importance of Port City Colombo to the nation’s future. He noted that Port City Colombo presents a transformative opportunity for Sri Lanka to enhance its position as an internationally connected financial and investment destination.
He further stated that Sampath Bank’s presence within the Port City Colombo ecosystem reflects the Bank’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s future economic potential and its commitment to enabling international trade, investment, and enterprise through trusted financial expertise. According to him, this is not merely the opening of another branch, but the establishment of a specialised banking platform specifically designed to support global businesses and investors seeking efficient access to a modern, internationally aligned operating environment.
As Sri Lanka’s first multi-service Economic Zone, Port City Colombo is being developed across 269 hectares as an extension of Colombo’s existing central business district, featuring a mix of commercial, residential and lifestyle offerings. Port City Colombo is positioned to serve as a strategic platform for international business and investment in South Asia, supported by an expected overall investment of up to US$15 billion upon completion and direct access to over 45 major global destinations through established trade and connectivity routes.
“A key part of our role as master developer is ensuring that Port City Colombo continues to evolve into a business environment that is practical, well-supported and ready for day-to-day operations,” said Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. He noted that the continued expansion of banking and financial services within the City plays an essential role in advancing that progress. He added that Sampath Bank’s presence further strengthens the network and enhances the convenience and accessibility needed as more businesses and investors begin operating within Port City Colombo.
The establishment of this branch reflects Sampath Bank’s commitment to supporting international commerce and facilitating foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka. Through its presence in Port City Colombo, the Bank aims to create a modern banking environment that aligns with international financial standards and caters to the evolving needs of global markets.
Sampath Bank achieved its first strategic milestone in Port City Colombo through the launch of a Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) at The Mall at Port City Colombo in 2025, which is home to Sri Lanka’s first downtown duty-free retail offering and established one of the earliest on-ground banking access points within the Economic Zone. Strategically located within a key commercial and visitor destination, the CRM enables seamless cash withdrawals for local and international patrons while also providing cash deposit facilities for Sampath Bank customers.
In addition to conventional banking services, Sampath Bank plans to introduce a fully integrated banking proposition designed specifically for companies operating within Port City Colombo. This advanced banking platform will combine transactional convenience, digital accessibility, treasury management capabilities, and streamlined financial operations. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the ease of doing business and provide companies with efficient, technology-driven banking support.
