Sri Lanka’s first ever foreign currency exchange ATM commissioned

Indunil Hewage

Sampath Bank commissioned Sri Lanka’s first ever foreign currency exchange ATM at the Sampath Bank Head office in Colombo 2 yesterday. The ATM machine was ceremonially commissioned by Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. Sampath account holders as well as non-account holders now have the opportunity to exchange foreign currency through this ATM. An ATM card is not necessary to access the ATM. The user can do so by inserting his or her passport number or the national identity card number. At the initial stages, only US dollars can be used for transaction. However, the bank hopes to extend the facility to other foreign currencies in the near future.

“The launch of Sri Lanka’s first foreign currency exchange ATM by Sampath Bank shows its commitment to introducing innovative banking solutions for the benefit of the local banking customers,” Sampath Bank Managing Director Aravinda Perera said.

“We will make sure that this will be available at locations where people seek this service. Sampath has always been at the forefront in delivering innovative banking solutions for the local customers from the day it was established,” Perera said. Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the Central Bank is always committed to encouraging innovations in the local banking industry and believe that, if Sri Lanka needs to move towards achieving $ 4000 per capita income by 2016, banks must introduce these types of new services to the local baking system.