Sri Lanka's leading private sector bank, HNB PLC, recently announced its partnership with the KIU Group, a conglomerate that provides comprehensive educational and professional opportunities, to nurture the country's next generation of leaders.

HNB and KIU Group of Companies, comprising of KIU University, EIPER International (Private) Limited, Green Cross Sri Lanka, and PYG Lan (Pvt) Ltd., signed the MoU at a ceremony held at HNB Towers, with HNB Head of Retail Banking, Kanchana Karunagama, Chairman of KIU Group of Companies/President of KIU University Dr. Jagath Seneviratne, and senior management from both companies in attendance.

Under the terms of this MoU, HNB will collaborate with KIU University to offer innovative financial solutions that facilitate access to KIU’s undergraduate and post-graduate programmes, including educational loans and payment schemes designed to alleviate financial pressures on students and their families. As a university recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and accredited by the University Grants Commission, KIU offers a diverse range of degree programs, ranging from law, accounting, IT and HR to business analytics, nursing and acupuncture and more.

“Expanding access to education is fundamental to ensuring a durable economic recovery. Our partnership with KIU Group is a significant step towards addressing the critical challenges faced by Sri Lanka's higher education system. This collaboration not only aligns educational programs with current industry needs to enhance employability but also creates pathways for international education and professional training. Together, we are committed to building a skilled workforce, fostering financial inclusion, and supporting the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s next generation of professionals and business leaders,” HNB Head of Retail Banking, Kanchana Karunagama said.

Through partnerships with international institutions such as the University of Western Australia and the Roshana Care Group, KIU Group offers students valuable opportunities to pursue higher education and professional training in Australia. Notably, the collaboration with Roshana Care Group provides pathways for qualified nurses and caregivers to secure employment in Australia. KIU Group is also successfully facilitating the placement of Registered Nurses in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, the NCC International Foundation Diploma serves as an entryway to higher education opportunities in the UK, USA, and Australia without requiring the completion of A-Levels

This MoU also extends to EIPER International, and focuses on enhancing professional opportunities through recruitment and training initiatives. This partnership will enable EIPER International, a licensed recruitment agency, to support the deployment of skilled professionals to international markets, particularly in the health sciences and caregiving sectors, thereby contributing to global workforce development.

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 as the "Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka" for the 14th occasion by the Asian Banker, being declared the "Best SME Bank" by Asiamoney Magazine, being awarded the Sri Lanka Technology Excellence Award for Robotics – Banking at the Asian Technology Excellence awards 2023, for integration of Robotic Process Automation in its Custody Banking and Trustee Services, as well as securing a Top 5 position in Business Today's Top 40 rankings for 2023.

Image Caption : HNB Head of Retail Banking, Kanchana Karunagama (fourth from left) and KIU Group of Companies Chairman & President of KIU University, Dr. Jagath Seneviratne (fifth from left) exchanging the MoU in the presence of (from left): HNB Product Manager (HNB Adishtana), Chathura Kodikara, HNB Relationship Manager, Ruwanthika Perera, HNB Head of Business Development, Samuddika Mendis, KIU University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sajeewanie Liyanaarachchi, Chief of Global Strategic Partnerships & Member of the Board of Management of KIU University, Managing Director of EIPER International (Private) Limited, Thishani Rodrigo, and KIU University Head of Marketing Division & Member of the Board of Management, Dilhara Rathnayake.