SriLanka, Nov. 13 -- Sampath Bank PLC's group net profit rose 15 percent to Rs. 8.68 billion in the September quarter, helped by a lower income tax bill. Profit before income tax fell 7 percent to Rs. 11.18 billion, with higher operating costs and impairment charges absorbing the gains from stronger lending income.

Group net interest income climbed 26 percent to Rs. 25.27 billion and net fee and commission income rose 11 percent to Rs. 6.93 billion. A Rs. 4.76 billion net trading loss, against a Rs. 355 million gain a year earlier, held total operating income growth to 10 percent. Operating expenses rose 23 percent to Rs. 15.68 billion and impairment charges more than doubled to Rs. 1.13 billion. The group's income tax expense fell 45 p...