Sampath Bank Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sampath Bank has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, human resources, and legal.

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
  • Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer - Ranjith Samaranayake
  • Chief Operating Officer - Manjula Abeysundera
  • Chief Information Officer - Ajith Salgado
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Sashikala Yatawara
  • 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 business units, Perera ensures alignment with the bank's mission to deliver innovative financial solutions across Sri Lanka. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, optimizing service delivery, and maintaining the bank's competitive edge in the dynamic financial sector. By fostering a culture of excellence, Shane Perera guides the executive team in achieving key performance indicators and upholding the bank's reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to stakeholder engagement, ensuring robust relationships with investors, regulators, and the broader community.

    Sanjaya Gunawardana - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Sanjaya Gunawardana, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at Sampath Bank, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the bank's operations. This dual role encompasses setting the long-term vision, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring the bank's sustained growth within Sri Lanka's financial services industry. Gunawardana oversees the integration of corporate strategy with day-to-day activities, focusing on enhancing customer experience and expanding market reach. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director's responsibilities include fostering innovation in banking products and services, managing risk effectively, and ensuring regulatory compliance across all divisions. Through strategic leadership, Sanjaya Gunawardana champions the bank's commitment to delivering value to its customers and stakeholders.
    Sanjaya Gunawardana

    Ranjith Samaranayake - Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer

    Ranjith Samaranayake, the Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer at Sampath Bank, manages the bank's financial health and strategic financial planning. Samaranayake oversees all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and capital management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in Sri Lanka. This executive role is crucial for guiding the bank's investment strategies, managing financial risks, and optimizing profitability. The Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to stakeholder communication regarding financial performance and securing funding to support the bank's expansion. By providing financial leadership, Ranjith Samaranayake ensures the bank's fiscal stability and supports its long-term strategic objectives.

    Manjula Abeysundera - Chief Operating Officer

    Manjula Abeysundera, the Chief Operating Officer at Sampath Bank, directs the bank's daily operational activities and process optimization to ensure seamless service delivery. Abeysundera is responsible for enhancing operational efficiency, managing risk within business processes, and implementing strategies that support the bank's growth objectives in Sri Lanka. This leadership position involves overseeing key operational departments, ensuring adherence to service standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The Chief Operating Officer's mandate includes optimizing resource allocation and streamlining workflows to enhance customer satisfaction and maintain the bank's reputation for reliability. Through effective management, Manjula Abeysundera ensures that the bank's operational framework consistently supports its strategic goals.

    Ajith Salgado - Chief Information Officer

    Ajith Salgado, the Chief Information Officer at Sampath Bank, architects and executes the bank's technology strategy, ensuring robust and secure digital infrastructure. Salgado oversees the development and implementation of innovative IT solutions that support personal and corporate banking services, driving digital transformation across the organization. This critical role involves managing all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and system integration, to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. By leading the technology division, Ajith Salgado ensures that Sampath Bank remains at the forefront of digital banking advancements in Sri Lanka. The Chief Information Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to create competitive advantages and streamline business processes, supporting the bank's overall growth objectives.

    Sashikala Yatawara - Chief Revenue Officer

    Sashikala Yatawara, the Chief Revenue Officer at Sampath Bank, drives strategies to maximize revenue generation across all banking channels and product lines. Yatawara oversees the development and execution of sales initiatives, customer acquisition programs, and revenue enhancement projects, focusing on expanding the bank's market share in Sri Lanka. This role is pivotal in identifying new revenue streams and optimizing existing ones through data-driven insights and market analysis. The Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities include fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure a unified approach to revenue growth and customer engagement. By leading revenue-focused efforts, Sashikala Yatawara plays a key part in achieving the bank's financial targets and strengthening its position in the competitive financial landscape.

    Lalith Weragoda - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lalith Weragoda, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sampath Bank, leads the development and implementation of human capital strategies to support the bank's objectives. Weragoda oversees talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and compensation and benefits programs, fostering a positive and productive work environment across Sri Lanka. This role is essential for attracting, retaining, and motivating a skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional banking services. The Chief Human Resources Officer's focus includes cultivating a strong organizational culture, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and driving employee engagement initiatives. By championing human resources best practices, Lalith Weragoda contributes significantly to the bank's operational success and long-term sustainability.
    Pununuwan Wickremasekera, the Chief Legal Officer at Sampath Bank, provides expert legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the institution. Wickremasekera ensures that the bank operates in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations within Sri Lanka, managing legal risks and advising on corporate governance matters. This critical position involves safeguarding the bank's interests in all legal proceedings and contractual agreements. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include managing the legal department, developing legal policies, and providing strategic guidance on legal implications of business decisions. By ensuring legal integrity, Pununuwan Wickremasekera supports the bank's operational stability and protects its assets and reputation.

    Chryshanthi Lokuhetty - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Chryshanthi Lokuhetty, the Chief Human Resource Officer at Sampath Bank, directs human capital management strategies to align with the bank's business goals. Lokuhetty oversees key HR functions including talent management, organizational development, employee relations, and HR policy implementation across the bank's operations in Sri Lanka. This leadership role is vital for cultivating a high-performance culture and ensuring the bank has the necessary talent to drive innovation and service excellence. The Chief Human Resource Officer's focus includes enhancing employee experience, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring compliance with employment legislation. Through strategic HR initiatives, Chryshanthi Lokuhetty contributes to building a motivated and skilled workforce essential for the bank's continued success.

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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 Ranjith Samaranayake (Executive Director and Group 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), Ranjith Samaranayake (Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sampath Bank have?
    Sampath Bank has 9 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, Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer.