Sampath Bank introduces ‘Madu Sampatha’ floating market at Madu River to enhance livelihoods and curb plastic waste

From left: District Secretary – Galle G.W. Dharmasiri; Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Director – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Thamari Senanayake; a representative of the Madu Sampatha Self-Entrepreneurs Association; and Sampath Bank Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Ajantha de Vas Gunasekara (far right), ceremonially open ‘Madu Sampatha’ floating market

Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Ajantha de Vas Gunasekara (second from right), and Sampath Bank Chief Manager – Branch Banking Keshan Dabare (far right), present memento to representatives of ‘Madu Sampatha’ Self-Entrepreneurs Association

Biodegradable and locally sourced products

Madu Sampatha floating market

Sampath Bank strengthens its commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment through a landmark initiative aimed at reducing ocean plastic at the Madu River Sanctuary in Balapitiya. This project, part of the bank’s Green Month activities, reflects its commitment to this year’s World Environment Day theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, by launching the ‘Madu Sampatha’ floating market that promotes eco-friendly plastic alternatives and sustainable livelihoods.

Situated within the pristine Madu River Bay, a vital mangrove ecosystem that supports diverse marine life and protects coastal communities, this initiative aims to reduce plastic waste entering the ocean while enhancing the quality of life for residents. At the heart of this effort is the ‘Madu Sampatha’ Floating Market, a community-led enterprise driven by the residents of Balapitiya, including those from Maduwa Island, and established in collaboration with Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka and Neptune Papers Ltd.

Sampath Bank Chief Human Resource Transformation Officer Dr. Lalith Weragoda said, “This initiative at the Madu River is a powerful example of how environmental stewardship can go hand in hand with community upliftment. We are proud to support a project that not only promotes alternatives to plastic but also uplifts the lives of local entrepreneurs, especially women, by creating sustainable income avenues and strengthening their connection to nature.”

The floating market has created opportunities for over 545 beneficiaries, including women entrepreneurs, suppliers, and boat operators, empowering them through increased access to eco-tourism. Attracting hundreds of daily visitors and even larger numbers on weekends, the market promotes locally sourced biodegradable products while reducing the community’s reliance on plastic and polythene.

The promotion of biodegradable and locally sourced products through this initiative directly addresses the escalating issue of ocean plastic pollution, while offering visitors an authentic and enriching eco-tourism experience. It also aims to cultivate a stronger connection between the community and its natural surroundings, emphasising the importance of preserving the delicate balance between environment, heritage, and livelihood.

Sampath Bank remains committed to advancing sustainable development through impactful, community-led initiatives that address both environmental concerns and economic empowerment. The ‘Madu Sampatha’ floating market initiative at Madu River reflects the bank’s broader strategy to support long-term ecological conservation while creating opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurship. Through such efforts, the bank continues to shape a cleaner, greener Sri Lanka, where sustainability and inclusive growth are given equal priority.