Sampath Bank books nine-month PAT of Rs. 21.5 b, up 21% YoY

•  Group records PBT of Rs. 38 b and PAT of Rs. 23.1 b
• Reports exchange gain of Rs. 3.5 b
• Bank’s assets reach Rs. 1.95 t; Group’s total assets exceed Rs. 2 t

Chairman Harsha Amarasekera, PC

Managing Director and CEO Sanjaya Gunawardana

The bank reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 35.3 billion and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 21.5 billion for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2025, reflecting consistent year-on-year (YoY) growth of 18% and 21%, respectively. 

Furthermore, the Group delivered a strong financial performance, recording a PBT of Rs. 38 billion and a PAT of Rs. 23.1 billion for the same period, marking growth of 19% and 21%, respectively. 

The bank’s total interest income declined by 3% YoY for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2025, reaching Rs. 134 billion. This decrease was primarily driven by the continued reduction in the Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPLR) and lower yields from Government securities. Interest expenses saw a corresponding decrease of 2% YoY to Rs. 76.8 billion, reflecting the overall downward trend in market interest rates. Consequently, the bank’s Net Interest Income (NII) contracted by 6% YoY to Rs. 57.2 billion. The Net Interest Margin (NIM) narrowed by 81 basis points (bps), from 4.90% as at 31 December 2024, to 4.09% as at 30 September 2025.

The bank also reported a robust 107% YoY increase in total non-fund based income, reaching Rs. 23.9 billion for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2025.

Net fee and commission income, amounting to Rs. 15.6 billion, saw a robust 20% YoY growth, driven by strong performances in key business areas, including advances, cards, trade, operations, and electronic banking services.

The bank also recorded a total exchange gain of Rs. 3.5 billion during the period, marking a notable turnaround from the exchange loss of Rs. 3.5 billion reported in the same period last year. This improvement was primarily driven by the depreciation of the LKR against the USD by Rs. 9.30.

During the nine-month period, the bank recorded a total impairment charge of Rs. 2 billion, representing a significant decrease of 62% compared to the corresponding period in 2024. This comprised an impairment charge of Rs. 2.3 billion on loans and advances (2024: Rs. 3.1 billion), Rs. 0.6 billion on other financial assets (2024: Rs. 1.2 billion), and a reversal of Rs. 0.8 billion on credit-related commitments and contingencies (2024: charge of Rs. 1.1 billion).

Notwithstanding a significant 18.9% expansion in the bank’s loan portfolio during the period under review, impairment charges on loans and advances declined by 27% YoY. This reduction was largely attributable to improved credit quality and stronger repayment capacity across the customer base, supported by favourable macroeconomic conditions and an optimistic business outlook. 

The bank conducted a comprehensive assessment of its ISL customer portfolio, recognising tailored provisions in its financial statements to reflect the specific credit risk profiles of ISL customers. In line with its prudent risk management policy, the bank continued to maintain sound collective impairment provisions, ensuring adequate buffers against potential future credit losses. Notably, the core models used for collective provisioning remained consistent with those applied in 2024.

The reversal of Rs. 0.8 billion (2024: charge of Rs. 1.1 billion) relating to credit-related commitments and contingencies reflects the overall improvement in the credit quality of the bank’s customer base.

An impairment charge of Rs. 0.6 billion was recognised on other financial instruments during the reporting period, primarily attributable to newly acquired investments.

During the reporting period, the bank’s operating expenses increased by 19% compared to the same period in 2024, primarily driven by higher personnel costs as a result of annual salary revisions, as well as key strategic initiatives embarked upon by the bank requiring an expansion of the bank’s staff cadre and IT-related costs. As expense growth continued to outpace the increase in operating income, the bank’s cost-to-income ratio (CIR) deteriorated by 240 bps, reaching 41.3%, compared to 38.9% in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The total tax charge for the period increased to Rs. 24.1 billion, compared to Rs. 20.9 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, primarily due to the rise in taxable income. As at 30 September 2025, the bank reported a Return on Equity (after tax) of 17.24% and a Return on Average Assets (before tax) of 2.52%. These compare with 17.74% and 2.84%, respectively, as at 31 December 2024, reflecting a marginal decline in profitability ratios over the period.

Sampath Bank continued to demonstrate strong financial resilience during the period under review, maintaining capital adequacy well above the minimum regulatory requirements. As at 30 September 2025, the bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1), Tier 1, and Total Capital ratios stood at 14.06%, 14.06%, and 17.21%, respectively, compared to 16.75%, 16.75%, and 19.38% as at 31 December 2024. Following its designation as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB) by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, effective 17 April 2025, the bank became subject to an additional 1% capital buffer across all tiers. Despite this enhanced requirement, Sampath Bank comfortably maintained capital levels above the prescribed thresholds as at the reporting date.

Liquidity levels remained robust, with the All-Currency Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) at 249.0% and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) at 181.2%, compared to 307.4% and 198.7%, respectively, as at end-2024.

Sampath Bank’s total assets grew by 10% during the reporting period, reflecting an annualised growth rate of 13%. Total assets reached Rs. 1.95 trillion as at 30 September 2025, up from Rs. 1.78 trillion reported at the previous year-end. This growth was primarily driven by the expansion of the bank’s loan portfolio.

The bank’s gross loan portfolio, which surpassed the Rs. 1 trillion milestone in 2025, reported a substantial increase of Rs. 182 billion, rising from Rs. 964.6 billion at the end of 2024 to Rs. 1,147 billion as at 30 September 2025. This growth was primarily driven by a Rs. 163 billion expansion in Rupee-denominated loans, while foreign currency loans posted a modest increase of Rs. 19 billion during the period.

During the period, the bank’s investment portfolio recorded a marginal decline, primarily reflecting the strategic reallocation of funds towards lending growth following the maturity of short-term investment securities. Rupee-denominated Treasury Bills decreased by Rs. 55 billion, while US Treasury Bill holdings declined by Rs. 44 billion upon maturity. These reductions were partially offset by a Rs. 41 billion increase in Rupee-denominated Treasury Bonds, Rs. 40 billion in placements with other banks, and Rs. 11 billion in investments in Sri Lanka International Sovereign Bonds (PDIs).

The Sampath Group’s total assets exceeded Rs. 2 trillion during the year, marking a 10% increase over the nine-month period.

As at 30 September 2025, Sampath Bank’s total liabilities rose to Rs 1.78 trillion, reflecting an 11% increase since year-end 2024 and an annualised growth rate of 14%. This growth was largely driven by a robust expansion in the bank’s deposit base, which increased by Rs. 137.6 billion, from Rs. 1,469.2 billion at the end of 2024, to Rs. 1,606.8 billion. The increase was primarily fuelled by Rupee-denominated deposits, which contributed Rs. 127.5 billion, while foreign currency deposits rose by Rs. 10.1 billion.

The bank’s Current Account Savings Account (CASA) base strengthened by Rs. 55.1 billion during the period, resulting in an improvement in the CASA ratio to 34.5% as at 30 September 2025, up from 34.0% at the end of the previous year.

Sampath Bank continues to play an active role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery by assisting its customers in navigating financial challenges through the Business Revival Unit. This initiative provides advice and customised financial solutions to distressed businesses, enabling them to restructure, rebuild, and return to a growth trajectory. By enhancing customer creditworthiness and facilitating business continuity, the Bank has made a meaningful contribution in strengthening the financial stability and resilience of the small and medium enterprise (SME) and corporate sectors of the country.

Sampath Bank demonstrated strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) leadership through a diverse range of sustainability initiatives launched in celebration of World Environment Day 2025. Key efforts included the launch of a five-year project to conserve and promote the sustainable use of coral reefs and other coastal ecosystems within the Erumaitivu-Kakkativu seascape in Kilinochchi District, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Sri Lanka; the unveiling of the “Madhu Sampatha” floating market, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and supporting local artisans; and a mangrove restoration program in Karamba, Puttlam to safeguard the oceanic ecosystems.

The bank also continued its flagship “Wewata Jeewayak” irrigation tank restoration initiative and, in 2025, launched a women startup program to promote inclusive economic development. ESG-linked credit screening mechanisms were further refined to align with global standards, strengthening governance and fostering sustainable value creation.

In line with its commitment to climate transparency and responsible reporting, Sampath Bank is steadily aligning its ESG disclosures with globally recognised frameworks, including GRI, SLFRS S1 & S2, SASB, and the UN Global Compact. The bank has also joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). Collectively, these initiatives have strengthened Sampath Bank’s position as a national ESG leader, earning it the title of “Best Bank for ESG in Sri Lanka” at the Euromoney Awards 2025.