The HNB Legacy Open 2026, powered by Visa Infinite, concluded on 22nd August in Nuwara Eliya, bringing together players from across the island for the third edition of the flagship golf tournament hosted by HNB Private Banking.

Played in the hill country, the tournament combined sport, fellowship, and recognition in a format designed exclusively for HNB Private Banking clientele. The event opened on 21st August at the iconic HNB Bungalow, with the main tournament at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club and the awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel on 22nd August, where winners were celebrated across five categories.

A defining feature of this year’s tournament was the introduction of the prestigious HNB Legacy Trophy, creating a lasting symbol of excellence for future champions. The names of this year’s winner will be the first to be engraved on the trophy, which will be permanently displayed at the HNB Private Banking Centre on Green Path, alongside a dedicated Honours Board celebrating the tournament’s champions through the years.

Mohan De Silva took overall honours with 45 points, also topping the Seniors Category ahead of runner-up Roy Anthony on 32 points. Chulaka Amarasinghe won Category A with 30 points from Ayaan Gunasekera on 27, while A.W.M. Riza took Category B with 35 points ahead of Priyanga Hapugalle on 33. Hemanga Karunasena won Category C with 34 points from Priyantha Kapuwatte on 32, and Ruwani Desinghe topped the Ladies Category with 32 points ahead of Kumudini Anthony on 26. Participants also competed for special prizes, with Thusara Rupasinghe taking Longest Drive on a 315-yard shot and Manjula Lanerolle finishing Nearest to the Pin at 36 inches.

HNB Chief Operating Officer, Sanjay Wijemanne said: "The Legacy Open has grown into a fixture our Private Banking clients plan their year around, and the standard of play this year reflected that. Golf rewards patience and precision over long periods, which is the same discipline that defines how we manage relationships in Private Banking. Partnering with Visa Infinite allowed us to extend the experience beyond the course, and the partner support behind this edition gives us a clear basis to build on."

Visa Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Avanthi Colombage said: "Across affluent consumers, the definition of value is moving beyond ownership to access, discovery, and experiences that feel personal and memorable. Visa Infinite is designed around this evolving aspiration, bringing cardholders premium privileges and curated experiences that complement their lifestyles. Through our partnership with HNB at the Legacy Open, we are able to bring this proposition to life for HNB cardholders in a setting that celebrates excellence, community, and the power of shared experiences."

Category winners were presented with gifts sponsored by Cinnamon Hotels across its four Colombo properties, Santani Resorts Kandy, and Siddhalepa Resorts, while the overall champion received an all-expenses-paid three-day golf tour to The Bluffs Grand in Vietnam, ranked as one of Asia’s best coastal golf experiences.

With over 15 years of continued support for golf in Sri Lanka, HNB Private Banking continues to shape the Legacy Open into an annual tradition that celebrates sport, camaraderie, and trusted relationships.

The 2026 HNB Legacy Open winner, Mohan De Silva, with HNB MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte, HNB COO Sanjay Wijemanne and HNB VP Private Banking Dilanka De Silva at the awards ceremony

The HNB Legacy Open award recipients with members of HNB management at the awards ceremony

Photo caption: A golfer takes a tee shot at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club during the tournament