The CEO Award winners with Amana Bank’s Chairman Asgi Akbarally and Managing Director/CEO Mohamed Azmeer

Dr. T. Senthilverl handing over an award

Amana Bank recently hosted its Bank Awards 2024, themed ‘Rewarding Excellence,’ to celebrate the extraordinary success and exceptional contributions of its employees. The ceremony took place at Shangri-La Colombo, where various key stakeholders, employees and distinguished guests were gathered to acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding performances and dedication by theBank’s employees.

Amana Bank Awards 2024 was held under the patronage of Amana Bank Chairman Asgi Akbarally along with foreign directors representing the IsDB Group, Mohammed Ataur Rahman Chowdhury and Mohammad Hassan. Other directors in attendance included Tishan Subasinghe, Dilshan Hettiaratchi, Mohamed Adamaly, Khairul Muzamel Perera, Delvin Pereira, and Azreen Zaheer, as well as Dr. T. Senthilverl and Nandhanan Senthilverl, representing the bank’s second-largest shareholders.

In appreciation of the long-standing commitment and loyalty, the Bank also recognized 180 employees who have completed ten years of service, with a special token presented to honour their decade of dedicated service to the bank.

As part of the main awards, a total of 70 employees were recognized across 30 award categories. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the pinnacle ‘CEO Award’ which is considered the highest recognition given to those who have shown great commitment and leadership beyond their regular call of duty thus bringing great value to the bank. 

The recipients of the CEO Award for 2024were Dasun Samarasinghe (Manager – IT Infrastructure Systems), Maznavi Rumy (Manager – Strategy and Sustainability), Shakir Navas (Manager – Finance) and Hilufa Agees (Manager - Organizational Development & Career Progression).In the category of Branch Awards, the Bank’s Pettah Branch walked away with the Gold Award for Best Overall Branch which was presented to Branch Manager Nishath Nawaz while Matale Branch was bestowed the Silver for Best Overall Branch, collected by Branch Manager Ifham Inthisar.

In his opening address, the Managing Director/CEO Mohamed Azmeer highlighted the need for recognition and acknowledgment of outstanding performance within the Bank stating that “Our people are our most valued asset, and their tireless dedication propels Amana Bank forward. This award ceremony celebrates their exceptional commitment and service, reflecting our collective capability to thrive in challenging environments. Tonight, we honor not just individual achievements but the success of our entire model. Congratulations to all nominees and winners—your excellence sets a benchmark and inspires us all to continue writing new chapters of success. I would also like to congratulate and thank the 180 staff members who have completed 10 years with us. Your dedication and commitment are truly commendable.”

On behalf of the IsDB Group, the Bank’s primary shareholder, Non-Executive Non-Independent Director Mohammed Ataur Rahman Chowdhury, addressed the audience, expressing gratitude to all employees for their dedicated efforts in advancing Amana Bank to its current success. He also acknowledged Amana Bank as one of their most successful investee banks and highlighted it as a success story in promoting Islamic banking across the world, and mentioned that as an investor, they are proud of Amana Bank’s achievement.

Addressing the audience along with a few valuable insights on leadership, Chairman Asgi Akbarally stated,“The strength of our Bank is in the calibre of our team, and each of the individuals that comprise that have made a huge contribution to Amana Bank’s success. The Bank has all it requires in terms of positioning itself strategically for accelerated growth and expand its reachwith this excellent and dedicated team. Although awards recognize specific achievements, there is no doubt that each person’s contribution counts much in guaranteeing us progress every year. Let this momentum continue as we aim even higher than ever before.”

Amãna Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder of the bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. Testifying its position as a leading practitioner of the non-interest based banking model, Amãna Banks continued to be recognized amongst the Top 50 Strongest Islamic Bank’s in the World by The Asian Banker.