Amana Bank PLC has acquired ownership of its Corporate Office premises located on Galle Road, Colombo 3, from Lee Hedges PLC, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s corporate growth journey.
The property transfer took place recently in the presence of Amana Bank Chairman Asgi Akbarally, members of the Bank’s Board of Directors and Management Committee, as well as the Directors of Lee Hedges PLC.
The property, spanning 95 perches, comprises a modern five-storey office complex with an approximate built-up area of 50,000 square feet, along with basement and outdoor parking facilities. The Bank had been operating from the premises under a lease arrangement since October 2025 before completing the acquisition and securing full ownership.
Commenting on the milestone, Amana Bank Chairman Asgi Akbarally said the acquisition represents a defining moment in the Bank’s journey as it establishes a permanent home for its Corporate Office.
“The acquisition of this property marks a defining milestone in Amana Bank’s journey, as we proudly establish a permanent home for our Corporate Office. More than the acquisition of an iconic building, this symbolises the remarkable progress the Bank has made. This achievement has been made possible through the resilient performance of our development-focused, people-friendly banking model, the confidence placed in us by our customers and shareholders, and the unwavering dedication and commitment of our employees. As we look ahead, this new home will serve as a lasting symbol of our strength, stability, and continued commitment towards enabling growth and enriching lives,” he said.
Amăna Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, with the IsDB Group (Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank Group) as its principal shareholder.
The IsDB Group is a AAA-rated multilateral development financial institution with membership across 57 countries. Amana Bank has also been recognised among the Top 50 Strongest Islamic Banks in the World by The Asian Banker, reflecting its position as a leading practitioner of non-interest-based banking. The Bank operates without subsidiaries or affiliated institutions, apart from its engagement with OrphanCare as its founding sponsor.
People’s Bank marks 65 years of banking excellence and national service
People’s Bank, one of Sri Lanka’s leading banking and financial institutions, celebrated its 65th anniversary on July 1, marking six and a half decades of dedicated service to the nation.
Since its establishment in 1961, the Bank has played a pioneering role in expanding access to formal banking services, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Today, People’s Bank continues to build on this legacy through innovative digital banking solutions that extend services to customers across even the most remote areas of the country.
With consolidated assets exceeding Rs. 3.7 trillion, People’s Bank remains a key contributor to national development. Its customer-centric strategy is supported by a wide range of financial solutions delivered through both physical and digital channels.
The Bank currently operates an extensive network of 745 branches and service centres, supported by more than 8,100 employees. Its innovative network of over 300 Self Banking Units (SBUs) enables customers to access banking services 24/7 without visiting a branch. Serving more than 15.2 million customers, People’s Bank holds the largest customer base among commercial banks in Sri Lanka.
Last year, the Bank inaugurated People’s Tower, its new head office located on Dr. Colvin R. de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 2, marking a significant milestone in its corporate history and reflecting its continued growth and contribution to the financial sector.
Established under Act No. 29 of 1961 with the objective of strengthening the cooperative sector, rural banking, and local communities, the Bank was founded under the leadership of then Minister of Trade, Food, Co-operatives and Shipping T. B. Ilangaratne, during the tenure of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Its first Chairman, Vincent Subasinghe, played a key role in transforming cooperative banking by introducing Sinhala and Tamil into banking operations, thereby improving accessibility for the wider public.
People’s Bank was also a pioneer in introducing retail banking innovations such as children’s savings accounts, women-focused savings schemes, and pawning services in 1961 with improved security and competitive interest rates—initiatives that helped build a strong national savings culture.
Beyond traditional banking, the institution continues to support key sectors including exports, education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, reinforcing its long-standing role as a driver of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development.
Amana Bank acquires ownership of corporate office premises
