Sanjaya Gunawardana begins tenure as Sampath Bank MD/CEO

Sanjaya Gunawardana

Sampath Bank PLC announced that Sanjaya Gunawardana officially commenced his tenure as the 9th Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank on 24th September 2025. 

He succeeds Ayodhya Iddawela Perera, who concluded her term in office after steering the Bank through a period of growth and transformation.

Gunawardana is a banking professional with over 36 years of experience across Retail Banking, Trade Finance, Information Technology, Strategic Planning, and Organisational Development. 

His multidimensional expertise and forward-looking approach to leadership have positioned him as a transformative figure in Sri Lanka’s banking industry.

Under his stewardship, Sampath Bank has embarked on its second major technological evolution, integrating AI-powered machine learning models into core banking operations to enhance efficiency, strengthen risk management, and enable data-driven decision-making. He regards technology as a strategic enabler and catalyst for organisational progress, capable of enabling value for customers while reinforcing operational excellence.

In addition to his executive role as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank, Gunawardana currently serves on the Boards of the Sri Lanka Bankers’ Association, Lanka Financial Services Bureau Limited, and Lanka Pay (Pvt) Ltd.