Sampath Bank Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sampath Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to financial excellence, Sampath Bank provides comprehensive personal and corporate banking solutions, shaping Sri Lanka's financial landscape through strategic leadership and customer-centric innovation.

Leadership Roles at Sampath Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Shane Perera
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Sanjaya Gunawardana
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara
  • Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer - Ranjith Samaranayake
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rahubadde de Silva
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Sashikala Yatawara
  • Chief Information Officer - Ajith Salgado
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lalith Weragoda
  • Chief Legal Officer - Pununuwan Wickremasekera
  • Chief Human Resource Officer - Chryshanthi Lokuhetty
  • Shane Perera - Chief Executive Officer

    Shane Perera, the Chief Executive Officer at Sampath Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Overseeing all major departments, Shane Perera ensures alignment with the bank's mission to deliver innovative financial solutions across Sri Lanka. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, managing stakeholder relations, and maintaining the bank's competitive edge in the dynamic financial services sector. By fostering a culture of excellence, Perera guides the executive team in achieving key performance indicators and expanding market reach. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses long-term planning and the implementation of robust governance frameworks, directly impacting the bank's financial stability and reputation. Shane Perera's strategic direction is crucial for navigating market complexities and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the commercial banking sphere.

    Sanjaya Gunawardana - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Sanjaya Gunawardana, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at Sampath Bank, spearheads the bank's comprehensive strategic direction and day-to-day management. This dual role involves overseeing all facets of the bank's operations, from corporate strategy formulation to the execution of business plans across Sri Lanka. Sanjaya Gunawardana ensures that the bank's offerings in personal and corporate banking consistently meet evolving market demands and regulatory standards. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with clients, regulators, and the board, driving profitability, and enhancing shareholder value. By championing innovation and operational efficiency, Gunawardana guides the institution through complex financial landscapes, solidifying Sampath Bank's position as a leading commercial entity. Sanjaya Gunawardana's leadership is pivotal in achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional financial services.
    Sanjaya Gunawardana

    Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara - Chief Financial Officer

    Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara, the Chief Financial Officer at Sampath Bank, directs the institution's financial planning, reporting, and risk management activities. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation for the bank's personal and corporate banking services in Sri Lanka. Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial statements, manages investor relations, and advises the board on financial strategy. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing the bank's financial structure, managing liquidity, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. By maintaining robust financial controls and driving fiscal discipline, Gunasekara safeguards the bank's assets and enhances its overall financial health. Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara's expertise is crucial for Sampath Bank's sustainable profitability and strategic financial decision-making.

    Ranjith Samaranayake - Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer

    Ranjith Samaranayake, the Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer at Sampath Bank, holds significant responsibility for the financial health and strategic fiscal direction of the entire group. This senior role involves comprehensive oversight of financial planning, accounting, treasury functions, and risk management across all subsidiaries and operations in Sri Lanka. Ranjith Samaranayake ensures adherence to stringent financial regulations and drives initiatives to optimize capital structure and enhance profitability. The Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer's purview includes managing group-level financial reporting, investor communications, and advising the board on major financial decisions. By providing astute financial leadership, Samaranayake contributes directly to the group's stability, growth, and long-term value creation. Ranjith Samaranayake's deep financial acumen is instrumental in navigating complex economic environments and achieving strategic financial objectives.

    Rahubadde de Silva - Chief Operating Officer

    Rahubadde de Silva, the Chief Operating Officer at Sampath Bank, manages the bank's extensive operational infrastructure and service delivery across Sri Lanka. This critical role involves optimizing internal processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the seamless delivery of personal and corporate banking solutions. Rahubadde de Silva oversees departments responsible for customer service, transaction processing, and branch operations, directly impacting client satisfaction and operational integrity. The Chief Operating Officer's focus extends to implementing technological advancements that streamline banking functions and improve service quality. By driving operational excellence, de Silva ensures that the bank's infrastructure supports its strategic growth objectives and maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements. Rahubadde de Silva's leadership is fundamental to the bank's ability to execute its business model effectively and maintain a strong market presence.

    Sashikala Yatawara - Chief Revenue Officer

    Sashikala Yatawara, the Chief Revenue Officer at Sampath Bank, drives strategies focused on maximizing revenue generation across all banking channels and product lines. This executive position involves overseeing sales operations, business development initiatives, and customer acquisition efforts for both personal and corporate banking segments in Sri Lanka. Sashikala Yatawara analyzes market trends and customer needs to identify new revenue streams and optimize existing ones, ensuring the bank's financial growth. The Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities include setting revenue targets, managing sales teams, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve ambitious financial goals. By focusing on revenue enhancement, Yatawara plays a key part in strengthening the bank's profitability and market share. Sashikala Yatawara's strategic approach is vital for Sampath Bank's sustained financial performance and competitive positioning.

    Ajith Salgado - Chief Information Officer

    Ajith Salgado, the Chief Information Officer at Sampath Bank, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology across the organization. This role is critical for enhancing the bank's digital infrastructure, supporting its personal and corporate banking solutions, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures throughout Sri Lanka. Ajith Salgado oversees all IT operations, including system architecture, software development, and data management, driving technological innovation to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include aligning IT strategy with business objectives, managing technology investments, and mitigating IT-related risks. By championing digital transformation, Salgado ensures Sampath Bank remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the financial sector. Ajith Salgado's leadership is essential for maintaining a secure, scalable, and modern technology environment.

    Lalith Weragoda - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lalith Weragoda, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sampath Bank, directs all human capital strategies and initiatives to support the bank's operational goals and corporate culture in Sri Lanka. This executive function encompasses talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and compensation and benefits administration for the entire workforce. Lalith Weragoda focuses on fostering an engaging and productive work environment that aligns with the bank's mission of delivering exceptional personal and corporate banking services. The Chief Human Resources Officer's responsibilities include developing HR policies, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and implementing programs that promote employee well-being and professional growth. By cultivating a strong talent pipeline and promoting a positive organizational culture, Weragoda plays a vital role in Sampath Bank's success. Lalith Weragoda's leadership ensures the bank has the skilled and motivated workforce necessary to achieve its strategic objectives.
    Pununuwan Wickremasekera, the Chief Legal Officer at Sampath Bank, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the institution's operations in Sri Lanka. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with banking regulations, corporate governance standards, and all applicable laws governing financial services. Pununuwan Wickremasekera manages the bank's legal department, advises the board and executive management on legal risks, and represents the bank in legal proceedings. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, managing litigation, and developing legal strategies to protect the bank's interests in its personal and corporate banking activities. By ensuring robust legal frameworks and proactive risk mitigation, Wickremasekera safeguards Sampath Bank's reputation and operational integrity. Pununuwan Wickremasekera's expertise is fundamental to maintaining the bank's legal standing and facilitating its business objectives.

    Chryshanthi Lokuhetty - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Chryshanthi Lokuhetty, the Chief Human Resource Officer at Sampath Bank, leads the strategic management of human capital to support the bank's objectives in Sri Lanka. This executive position focuses on developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies, including talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement initiatives for the bank's personal and corporate banking divisions. Chryshanthi Lokuhetty ensures that HR practices align with the bank's values and contribute to a high-performance culture. The Chief Human Resource Officer's responsibilities encompass workforce planning, succession management, and fostering a positive employee experience to attract and retain top talent. By driving effective HR policies and programs, Lokuhetty plays a key role in building a skilled and motivated workforce. Chryshanthi Lokuhetty's leadership is essential for enhancing organizational capability and supporting Sampath Bank's sustained growth and operational excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sampath Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sampath Bank?
    Sampath Bank is led by Shane Perera (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sanjaya Gunawardana (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director) and Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Sampath Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sampath Bank includes leaders such as Shane Perera (Chief Executive Officer), Sanjaya Gunawardana (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sampath Bank have?
    Sampath Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sampath Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sampath Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.