HNB PLC has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank for the 16th time at the TAB Global Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2026, The awards ceremony was held on 12 March 2026 in Shanghai, China, recognising financial institutions for excellence in retail banking and innovation.

Today, HNB serves over 2 million retail customers, with nearly 80% of them digitally active, reflecting strong adoption of the Bank’s digital banking platforms.

Commenting on the recognition, HNB Managing Director/CEO, Damith Pallewatte said:

"Retail banking continues to evolve as customers increasingly expect convenient, technology-driven financial services. At HNB, we remain focused on strengthening our digital banking capabilities while delivering reliable and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This recognition reflects our commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic progress while continuing to provide the best possible banking experience for our customers."

HNB continues to maintain market leadership in leasing, retaining the largest share in the industry.

"We are deeply gratified with this recognition. Winning this award for the 16th time is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation. We strive to simplify and enhance our products to deliver maximum value to our customers," HNB Chief Operating Officer, Sanjay Wijemanne said.

By placing the customer at the heart of its strategy and continuously evolving its digital capabilities, HNB remains a trusted partner in driving financial empowerment and economic progress in Sri Lanka.

The Bank has also introduced several product innovations, including Sri Lanka’s first World Elite Metal Mastercard, HNB Accept (Tap-to-Phone) which enables merchants to accept contactless payments via smartphones, and E-Cashback Loans.

“Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank for the 16th time is a tremendous honour and a testament to the trust our customers place in us. At HNB, we continue to invest in digital innovation, customer-centric solutions, and financial inclusion to ensure we deliver convenient, secure, and future-ready banking experiences. This achievement shows the dedication of our teams and our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of retail banking in Sri Lanka.” HNB’s Senior Vice President /Head of Retail Banking, Kanchana Karunagama added.

HNB was also appointed the exclusive banking partner for Sri Lanka’s first card-based expressway toll payment system, enabling motorists to make toll payments using their bank cards.

Further enhancing accessibility for customers across the country, the Bank also introduced a trilingual mobile banking application available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

HNB continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s financial services landscape. With a strong focus on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and customer-centric innovation, the Bank remains committed to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities while driving sustainable growth and delivering long-term value to its stakeholders.

HNB is rated AA‑(lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd. and was recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen for 2025 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Reinforcing its reputation for excellence, HNB was honoured with The Bracken Award for the Best Bank in Sri Lanka by the Banker Magazine, UK. The Bank was also recognised by The Asian Banker as ‘Sri Lanka’s Strongest Bank’ and, while receiving the title of ‘Best Bank for Large Corporates’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. HNB is further ranked among the ‘Top 1000 Banks in the World,’ as affirmed by The Banker Magazine, UK.

Photo caption - HNB, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Business, Chammika Weerasinghe, receives the Best Retail Bank award from TAB Global representatives, alongside the HNB team