2008-06-19 23:55:07 -

www.washtrust.com - The Board of Directors of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ Global Select; symbol: WASH), today declared a quarterly dividend of 21 cents per share for the quarter ending June 30, 2008, an increase of one cent per share from the most recent quarterly dividend rate. This represents the 16th consecutive year with a dividend increase

for Washington Trust shareholders. The dividend is payable on July 11, 2008 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2008.

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. is the parent of The Washington Trust Company, a Rhode Island state-chartered bank founded in 1800. Washington Trust offers personal banking, business banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and southeastern Connecticut. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select under the symbol WASH. Investor information is available on the Corporation's web site: www.washtrust.com.

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Elizabeth B. Eckel, 401-348-1309
Senior Vice President, Marketing
ebeckel@washtrust.com