Amăna Bank, Sri Lanka’s first and only licensed commercial bank operating entirely under a non-interest-based banking model, marked 15 years of operations on 1 August 2026, celebrating a journey built on customer trust, sustainable growth and inclusive economic development.
Since commencing operations in 2011, the Bank has continued to expand despite navigating some of the most challenging periods in Sri Lanka’s recent economic history. Today, Amăna Bank serves more than 500,000 customers through a growing network of over 80 customer locations, comprising branches and Self Banking Centres across the country.
The Bank attributes this growth to its development-focused and people-friendly approach to banking, with a continued emphasis on enabling customers to achieve their financial goals while contributing to broader economic progress.
Amăna Bank has also strengthened its position within Sri Lanka’s banking sector through sustained financial performance and expansion. The Bank recently surpassed LKR 200 billion in total assets, becoming one of the fastest banks in the country to reach the milestone.
The Bank has consistently recorded growth in deposits and financing above industry levels while maintaining a strong CASA ratio and one of the sector’s lowest non-performing advances ratios. These achievements reflect its focus on sustainable growth supported by prudent risk management, sound governance and a customer-centric culture.
Amăna Bank has also maintained a consistent record of profitability and has declared dividends for eight consecutive years, further reinforcing its financial resilience and long-term performance.
As a retail and SME-focused bank, Amăna Bank has played an important role in supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and households. Through its asset-backed banking model, the Bank directs financing towards the real economy, supporting productive economic activity, strengthening businesses and industries, creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods.
A significant milestone in the Bank’s development has been the continued confidence of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, which remains its principal strategic shareholder through the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
Despite Sri Lanka not being a member state of the IsDB Group, its investment in Amăna Bank represents a notable example of international confidence in the country’s banking sector and demonstrates how ethical, value-based banking can operate successfully within a diversified financial market.
As Amăna Bank enters its 16th year, its 15-year journey reflects a continued commitment to combining financial sustainability with meaningful economic and social impact, while strengthening its role as a development-focused and customer-oriented financial institution in Sri Lanka.
New Anthoney’s Group Returns as Official Poultry Supplier for MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 2
New Anthoney’s Group has confirmed its return as the Official Poultry Supplier for MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 2, extending its partnership with the culinary reality show following its successful inaugural season.
As the search begins for Sri Lanka’s next generation of home-cooking talent, New Anthoney’s will once again supply poultry to the MasterChef kitchen, bringing its commitment to quality, food safety and antibiotic-free poultry production to the second season.
MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 1 premiered on ITN on 14 February 2026 under the theme “Sri Lanka on a Plate.” The inaugural season featured 25 episodes and brought together contestants from across the country. Sanjula Manoj from Hasalaka was crowned the first-ever MasterChef Sri Lanka winner on 9 May 2026 after a competition that tested culinary creativity, composure and the ability to showcase Sri Lankan heritage through refined cuisine.
The judging panel, led by internationally acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita, alongside Savindri Perera, Rohan Fernandopulle and Kapila Jayasinghe, brought a high level of culinary expertise to the competition.
As the 71st international adaptation of the MasterChef franchise, which is broadcast across 72 countries, the Sri Lankan edition provided a platform to showcase the country’s diverse culinary traditions to a wider audience.
New Anthoney’s Group’s continuation as the official poultry supplier builds on its involvement from the first season. The company has positioned its poultry offering around a commitment to producing chicken without the use of antibiotics at any stage of production.
This commitment is independently verified through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Peradeniya’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited Food Safety and Quality Assurance Laboratory, providing scientific verification of the company’s poultry production standards.
The partnership also reflects New Anthoney’s Group’s broader emphasis on transparency, food safety and responsible poultry production, ensuring that the ingredients featured in the MasterChef kitchen meet established quality standards.
Commenting on the partnership, Eranga Kurukulaarachchi, Executive Director and Business Development Manager of New Anthoney’s Farms, said:
“We were proud to be part of Season 1 from the very beginning, and we are proud to be back for Season 2. MasterChef Sri Lanka has done something important: it has shown this country that its food is worth taking seriously, and that the ingredients behind the food matter just as much as the skill of the cook. New Anthoney’s has always believed that. This is exactly the platform where that belief belongs.”
With Season 2 set to continue the show’s celebration of Sri Lankan cuisine and culinary talent, New Anthoney’s Group’s renewed partnership reinforces its role in supporting a programme where quality ingredients and culinary creativity take centre stage.
Amăna Bank Celebrates 15 Years of Non-Interest-Based, Development-Focused and People-Friendly Banking
