Shapingthe future

We are the most representative professional body for banking professionals in Sri Lanka. Established in July 1988, the Association was formed by senior bankers to create a common professional forum that promotes knowledge sharing and strengthens professionalism within the banking industry.

Guided by our Vision of “The Power of Professionalism in Banking in Sri Lanka”, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct, while advancing the public interest and sound governance within the banking sector.

We bring together banking and finance professionals across licensed commercial banks, licensed specialised banks, and other recognised financial institutions, contributing to the long-term stability, development, and professional standards of Sri Lanka's regulated financial sector.

APBSL was established in July 1988 at a time when Sri Lanka’s banking sector was navigating significant economic and institutional change. Recognising the need for a strong professional platform, a group of senior bankers came together to create a forum focused on strengthening the industry through shared knowledge, ethical practice, and continuous professional development.

In its early years, the Association played an active role in bringing banking professionals together through lectures, seminars, training programmes, and professional forums. These initiatives supported learning across key disciplines, including governance, technology, management, and policy, helping bankers remain informed and professionally prepared in a changing environment.

An important early milestone was reached in 1998 with the completion of APBSL’s first decade, highlighted by the landmark symposium “Banking Beyond Year 2000”. The success of this event laid the foundation for the APBSL Annual Convention, which has since evolved into the Association’s flagship forum for professional dialogue and thought leadership.

The 25th Anniversary represented a period of consolidation and steady growth, reflecting APBSL’s expanding role within the banking community and its sustained commitment to professionalism and institutional continuity.

In 2018, APBSL reached its 30th Anniversary with a Convention themed “Regional Congruence – Harmonising Policy and Economic Prosperity”. This milestone reflected the Association’s broader regional outlook and professional maturity. The anniversary also highlighted APBSL’s contribution to professional thought leadership through its Anniversary Convention Volume, featuring articles by eminent banking professionals and subject experts.

Over the years, APBSL has continued to broaden its activities, strengthen governance structures, and expand its membership. Today, the Association is a recognised professional body within Sri Lanka’s regulated financial sector and is affiliated with the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) of Sri Lanka.

Building on this legacy, APBSL remains committed to upholding professional standards, ethical conduct, and sound governance, while supporting the evolving needs of the banking profession.