Sampath Bank only Sri Lankan Bank recognised for AI Innovation at ICC Emerging Asia Banking Awards

Sampath Bank reports receiving a Special Appreciation Award for artificial intelligence and machine-learning implementation at the ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave & Awards 2026 in New Delhi.

The bank identifies the Indian Chamber of Commerce as the organiser of the regional awards, which cover financial institutions across the BIMSTEC countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Its announcement links the recognition to applying data and technology in banking operations, customer engagement and decision-making.

Chief business intelligence officer Darshin Pathinayake described artificial intelligence and machine learning as tools for improving customer convenience, operations and risk management. He also credited the bank’s teams for developing its use of data and analytics.

Sampath’s digital transformation programme includes using technology to understand customer needs, streamline business processes and develop financial products. The bank presents its investment in advanced analytics as part of efforts to make the organisation more responsive.

Pathinayake and principal data scientist Kiruparan Balachandran represented Sampath at the event. Pathinayake also joined a leadership panel discussing trust, technology and transformation.

The panel considered digital transformation, cyber resilience, regulatory developments and cooperation between banks, financial-technology companies and technology partners.

According to Sampath, the awards were assessed by a panel of former banking and regulatory leaders, with PwC India acting as process reviewer. The AI and machine-learning recognition focused on the use of emerging technologies in financial institutions.

The award forms part of the bank’s account of its continuing technology programme, which combines data analysis with operational and customer-service applications.