Businesses have taken on a greater role in protecting the environment as the world grapples with numerous environmental issues due to irresponsible consumption. Enterprises work closely with customers, business partners, governments, and other stakeholders to develop business models that are beneficial for the environment, society, and their bottom lines. Sampath Bank is a responsible bank that has continued to advocate for the environment.
Since its inception sustainability has been a priority for the bank. It has always adopted an environmentally-friendly business model through the use of emerging technologies.
Sampath Bank’s continued investments in the digitalisation of its core operations are one of the key drivers of its sustainability efforts. Over the years, the bank introduced many innovative digital solutions, such as Sampath Vishwa (Payeasy), WePay, Slip-less Banking and WePay to the market. They have changed the way consumers and businesses access financial services. This has allowed more Sri Lankans to have access to these services. They have also helped to reduce the bank’s environmental footprint by enabling its customers and business partners, as well as the bank, to do so.
The bank’s commitment to the environment extends to its business dealings too. Serving as an active partner of the country’s Non-Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) sector, Sampath Bank has offered financing for several renewable energy projects around the island.
Sampath Bank is constantly looking at every aspect of its operations to find ways to reduce its environmental impact. Sampath Bank has increased its use of energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning solutions and other energy-saving measures to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Sampath Bank has been looking at alternative sources of energy to power its operations. The bank launched a solar migration initiative in 2016 and has since installed rooftop solar systems at several branches.
The bank is aware of the fact the things that are measured get done. It monitors its environmental performance and compares it to other banks. Sampath Bank closely monitors the bank’s carbon footprint and uses the Greenhouse Gas protocol to measure its direct and indirect emissions. Captured in the bank’s annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventory report, this data helps it strengthen its carbon management strategy and pursue new opportunities for carbon reduction.
“Sri Lankan society has always placed great emphasis on living in harmony with nature. Our culture has always been committed to conserving natural resources and protecting our environment. Sampath Bank, a responsible business that takes pride in its Sri Lankan roots and continues to invest in energy conservation and CSR initiatives, is committed to environmental sustainability. In light of growing concerns about global warming, we are expanding our sustainability and community outreach efforts to make a greater positive impact on society as well as the environment. We will continue to engage with all stakeholders to present a better future for all Sri Lankans,” said Sampath Bank PLC Managing Director Nanda Fernando.
Sampath Bank has invested heavily in the environment, beyond its business activities. It also has its strategic corporate social responsibilities initiatives.
Sampath Bank has always taken great pride in Sri Lanka’s heritage and is hence well aware of the significance of the country’s network of inland tanks or We wereOur kings built this structure eons back. Serving as the principal source of water for irrigation and domestic use in the country’s dry and intermediate zones, the tanks also support rich ecosystems made up of countless plants, animals and insects around them. The bank has been restoring dilapidated tanks through its flagship CSR programme, “Wewata Jeewayak”. To date, the project has seen the restoration of 10 tanks. Work on three additional tanks is ongoing. Ensuring a continued, reliable supply of water for families engaged in farming and other related activities, the restoration of these tanks also nourishes the ecosystem intrinsically linked to it, thereby helping conserve and nurture the region’s biodiversity.
The bank is also participating in a five year project with Biodiversity Sri Lanka, to restore 10 hectares in degraded forest land within the Halgahawala Forest Reserve (Opatha, Galle). The International Union for Conservation of Nature, (IUCN), and the Forest Department of Sri Lanka offer technical assistance to the program. This is intended to increase the area’s plant population from 9,000 to 30.000. A plant nursery with 4,500 plants was established to support a variety of species.
In addition to these programmes, Sampath Bank has been supporting the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) of Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts for over 27 years. The bank has contributed Rs. For every Sampath debit card that is issued, the bank contributes Rs.
The bank also engages with school children through its “Gasai Mamai Pubudu Potai” initiative, aimed at encouraging young Sri Lankans to be more environmentally conscious. Sampath Bank provides fruit saplings to primary school children under this unique program. These saplings will be planted on school grounds, and the children will take care of them until they bear fruit.
Sampath Bank has the environment at its core. This is evident in everything it does, from its core operations to its community outreach efforts.
Caption:
Inauguration of the ‘Gasai Mamai Pubudu Potai’ tree planting programme at Nagala Sri Piyarathana Junior School, Bibile with the participation of Sampath Bank PLC Managing Director Nanda Fernando