Sampath Bank introduces Sri Lanka’s first Touchless Cash Withdrawals across its ATM network

Sampath Bank PLC announced the introduction of Touchless Cash Withdrawals at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for the first time in Sri Lanka, and possibly the first time in the region.

State Minister of Money & Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, M.P., was the Chief Guest at the commissioning of this service at the Sampath Bank Head Office premises. He performed the first Touchless Cash Withdrawal transaction in the presence of Harsha Amarasekera, Chairman, Sampath Bank PLC; Nanda Fernando, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC; Ajith Salgado, Group Chief Information Officer, Sampath Bank PLC; and Ayodhya Iddawela Perera, Senior DGM – International Trade and Credit Control, Sampath Bank PLC.

Sampath Bank customers and customers of all other banks in the country will now be able to withdraw the funds in their accounts and cards at any Sampath Bank ATM around the island by simply scanning the QR code displayed on the ATM screen using the Sampath WePay app.

Doing away with the need to physically touch the surface of the ATM, this is set to minimize risk and enhance customer safety, thereby serving as an ideal means of withdrawing cash from ATMs during the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

This is yet another trailblazing digital solution brought to the Sri Lankan market by Sampath Bank. Right from its inception, the Bank has continued to deliver several innovations to the market including the introduction of the country’s first multi-point network of ATMs back in 1988.

Commenting on the occasion, State Minister of Money & Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, M.P., said, “As the government continues to strive to offer all possible assistance to our citizens during this pandemic, I would like to commend Sampath Bank on the launch of Touchless Cash Withdrawals – a timely innovation that offers a safer means of withdrawing cash to customers of all banks in the country. I am informed that this could be the first solution of its kind in the region – a fact that we can all take great pride in. Let’s continue to work together as a nation to develop more such innovative solutions that will help us overcome the challenges brought about by this global health and financial crisis.”

“While we work on developing and rolling out more innovative digital banking solutions, we are aware of the fact that the need to withdraw cash for certain transactions will always be present. Taking this into account, it is our privilege to introduce a safer, touchless means of withdrawing money through any of our ATMs with the launch of Touchless Cash Withdrawals. This is the first solution of its kind to be introduced in Sri Lanka,” said Nanda Fernando, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC.