In support of ongoing national efforts to modernise agricultural productivity and exports, HNB PLC, Sri Lanka's leading bank, renewed its partnership with Browns Agriculture to offer maximum value to leasing customers on select agri-machinery.

The renewed collaboration creates structured value-added leasing packages for Browns Agriculture tractors and harvesters designed to ensure the nation's farming community can still access high-quality agri-machinery despite the challenging economic environment. 

"The modernisation of our agriculture sector is critical for Sri Lanka and a shared mission for HNB and Browns Agriculture. As the country's partner in progress, we are committed to helping our agricultural community build on this success and reach their fullest potential. Renewing our partnership with Sri Lanka's pioneer in agricultural mechanisation, Brown's Agriculture, is a significant step toward this shared goal," HNB Head of Retail Banking, Kanchana Karunagama said.  

HNB leasing customers will be provided with concessionary terms on interest rates, as well as a value-added credit card to supplement their business, with the first year's fee waived. Offering additional security, customers will also gain access to attractive discounted insurance premiums from HNB General Insurance, as well as free life insurance with accident coverage up to Rs. 4.5 million.

To further enhance the value provided to farmers, Browns Agriculture will also have a 2-year or 2,000-hour warranty period for the sale of TAFE tractors, as well as 4 labour-free doorstep services, free registration and first-year insurance premiums on selected TAFE tractors. Browns Agriculture will additionally provide a 6-month (or 300-hour) warranty for specific brands of harvesters, along with 3 labour-free doorstep services for the purchase of YANMAR and SUMO harvesters.

Browns Agriculture has further committed to buying back repossessed tractors and harvesters under certain conditions, ensuring that farmers have a safety net if their financial situation becomes untenable.

"The renewal of our partnership with HNB underscores our shared commitment to supporting the agricultural sector during this crucial phase of the nation's efforts towards economic revival. We are confident that our top-quality products and superior after-sales services, combined with HNB's internationally renowned financing, will greatly benefit farmers looking to scale their operations," Cluster Chief Operating Officer Browns Agriculture & Heavy Equipment/Chief Executive Officer – Browns Agri Solutions Sanjaya Nissanka said.

Established in 1875, the Browns Group is one of Sri Lanka's largest and leading diversified conglomerates, which manages a fast growing and valuable portfolio of brands across several key industry sectors, such as automotive; power generation; agriculture and plantation; pharmaceuticals; investments; marine and manufacturing as well as leisure.

With 254 customer centres, HNB is one of Sri Lanka's largest, most technologically innovative private banks. Consolidating its legacy in sustainability, good governance, and corporate excellence, HNB was crowned the Best Corporate Citizen for 2022 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Awards. Other significant accolades include being adjudged the "Best Automobile Financing Bank in the Asia-Pacific Region" and "Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka" for the 14th occasion by the Asian Banker, being declared the "Best SME Bank" by Asiamoney Magazine, as well as securing a Top 5 position on Business Today's Top 40 rankings for 2023. 

Image caption: HNB Head of Retail Banking - Kanchana Karunagama (fifth from left) and Cluster Chief Operating Officer Browns Agriculture & Heavy Equipment/Chief Executive Officer – Browns Agri Solutions Sanjaya Nissanka (sixth from left) exchanging the MoU in the presence of (from left): HNB Product Manager – Leasing, Mahesh Ratnayake, HNB Head of Microfinance - Mahinda Senavirathna, HNB Head of Leasing - Udara Pathinayake, Browns Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Cluster - General Manager - Niyas Ahamed, Head of Operations Browns Agriculture - Chanaka Chandrasekara and Head of Sales Browns Agriculture - Thushan Nilanka.