HNB PLC, recognized as Sri Lanka’s most customer-friendly bank, has reaffirmed its partnership as the official leasing partner for 2023/2024 with the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), the representative body of Sri Lanka's automotive industry.

The renewed strategic collaboration between the two organizations will provide CMTA members with access to a comprehensive range of leasing facilities offered by the bank.

The event was attended by representatives from both HNB and CMTA, who were present to commemorate the renewed partnership.

"In the wake of recent economic challenges, Sri Lanka's automotive industry is on the path to recovery. Our collaboration with the industry's representative body ensures robust and streamlined leasing solutions for its members, extending the benefits to our valued HNB customers. This strategic alliance reflects our commitment to supporting key sectors and fostering economic resilience,” said HNB DGM - Retail Banking Group, Sanjay Wijemanne.

"We eagerly anticipate expanding our collaboration with HNB to further enhance access to valuable leasing solutions for our members and beyond. Since our initial partnership, there has undeniably been a positive impact on improving economic efficiency by providing these solutions to both members and customers. As we continue this successful journey, we are committed to driving innovation and fostering financial empowerment for the automotive industry, contributing to sustained economic growth," commented CMTA Chairman, Charaka Perera.

Founded in 1919, the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) is affiliated with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and is widely accepted as the voice of the Sri Lankan Automotive Industry. It is the most senior automotive trade association in the region and represents all major international automotive manufacturers through its agents.

Furthermore, the members of the CMTA collectively employ and train thousands of Sri Lankan citizens while bringing in international best practices in engineering and management, making a talent pool that is trained and employable internationally. Additionally, the CMTA members have over 7,000 direct employees and established island-wide dealer networks under them, comprising more than 5,000 small & medium scale enterprises spread across the island.

With 254 customer centres and 800+ Self Service Devices (SSMs) nationwide, 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. The bank further secured four additional accolades, including being ranked among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens and taking home the Governance category and Sustainability Champion for the Finance sector titles.

Additionally, HNB was ranked among the World’s Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for the sixth consecutive year in 2022, in addition to being crowned the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 13th occasion at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2023 hosted by the Asian Banker Magazine.

Image Caption : HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking Group, Sanjay Wijemanne (fourth from left) and CMTA Chairman, Charaka Perera (fifth from left) exchanging the agreement in the presence of (from left) HNB Assistant Manager – Leasing, Roshan De Silva, HNB Head of Leasing, Susith Perera, HNB Assistant General Manager – PFS, Kanchana Karunagama, CMTA Senior Vice Chairman, Virann De Zoysa and HNB Assistant Manager - Business Development Leasing, Mahesh Ratnayake