• Declared Overall Best Corporate Citizen for 2022
• Takes home 5 accolades
• Ranked among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens
• Governance category winner
• Sustainability Champion for the Finance sector
• Second runner-up for Demonstrated Resilient Practices for COVID-19 category

Consolidating a legacy of true leadership in sustainability, good governance and corporate excellence, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC, secured a resounding victory at the prestigious Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2022 (CCC BCCSA).

Having been declared Overall Winner of the coveted ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award’ for 2022, HNB went on to dominate the BCCSA 2022, securing an additional 4 accolades including being ranked among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens – a position which HNB has achieved for 13 years.

“The past three years have challenged our organization, tested the resilience of Sri Lanka’s economy, and the spirit of our people time and again. Yet, in our efforts to achieve our corporate goals, we made a conscious effort to never lose sight of what matters most: our shared values, and our collective responsibility to nurture sustainable growth, particularly at the grassroots of the Sri Lankan economy.

“While there are many more challenges ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuously drive operational excellence, while extending a helping hand to the communities, lives and livelihoods that we are connected to. We will continue to serve as Sri Lanka’s partner in progress – in good times and bad,” HNB Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles said.

HNB was also crowned Sustainability Champion for the Finance Sector in recognition of its systemic national contributions in supporting Sri Lanka’s transition towards renewable energy, and grassroots-led economic development, as well as the multi-pronged environmental and social campaigns led by the HNB Sustainability Foundation.

These included the employee-led flagship HNB Oba Venuwen Api initiative launched in 2020 to support deserving communities across the island. The Hatna family has since supported Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector with essential medicine and medical equipment, in addition to launching a nutrition drive to support 1,000 expectant mothers from disadvantaged communities. HNB further committed to providing a stable financial future for their children by encouraging each mother to open a Singithi Kirikatiyo account with a deposit of Rs. 1,000 provided by the bank.

The Oba Venuwen Api initiative also resulted in the accumulation of a further Rs. 25.1 million which was offered as grants to 251 microfinance customers. The funds ensured the revival of businesses supporting small communities affected by the COVID pandemic and the ongoing economic crisis.

With rising concerns over Sri Lanka’s food security, HNB also initiated its pioneering Saru Ge-Watte campaign, partnering with local farmers in the Central Province, and utilizing the bank’s extensive branch and customer network to create new markets and opportunities for them to sell their produce during the peak of last year’s fuel crisis. Additionally, the bank also provided material support to promote home gardening in urban areas and help enhance regional food security.

Additionally, HNB further strengthened its commitment to environmental conservation by restoring and managing a 2.5-hectare block of degraded rainforest land through Project LIFE, an initiative which the bank has supported for the past 4 years. Similarly, HNB continued to build on novel initiatives like HNB Walk The Talk – promoting eco-friendly commuting among its employees.

Reaffirming the bank’s commitment to sustainability, HNB DGM-Chief Human Resource Officer and Head of the HNB Sustainable Business, L. Chiranthi Cooray, said: “We have always aimed to set the standard for sustainability among Sri Lankan corporates. While our initiatives and campaigns are rooted in supporting environmental and social change among the community and the country at large, we are also focused on creating a sustainable environment for our employees by streamlining our processes and embedding employee well-being into our corporate strategies. I thank our regional and branch leadership for their unwavering support and dedication towards helping disadvantaged communities through our community outreach programme.”

Notably, HNB’s outstanding efforts in keeping staff and customers safe, and its extensive support offered to customers including targeted capital moratoriums and working capital loans for SMEs, efforts and its pivot into sophisticated digital banking products during the pandemic, helped secure HNB’s award in the Demonstrated Resilient Practices for COVID-19 category.

Organised by the CCC for the 19th consecutive year, the awards are designed to showcase Sri Lankan corporates adopting best practices and delivering effective progress on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Evaluated by national experts in sustainability, this year’s awards drew 27 applications – among the largest pool in the BCCSA’s history - including Sri Lanka’s leading corporates.

With 256 customer centres, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative private banks. Consolidating its reputation for banking excellence, HNB ranked among the World 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 12th occasion at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2022 hosted by the Asian Banker Magazine.

Photo Caption : (from left) HNB Head of Marketing, Upul Adikari, HNB Sustainable Business- Executive, Shanel Perera, HNB Head of Legal/Board Secretary, Shiromi Halloluwa, HNB DGM-Chief Human Resource Officer and Head of the HNB Sustainable Business, L. Chiranthi Cooray, HNB Managing Director/CEO, Jonathan Alles, HNB Executive Director/COO, Dilshan Rodrigo, HNB Assistant General Manager- Risk, Dilunika Jayasinghe, HNB Assistant Manager- Sustainable Business,  Hemantha Senanayake and HNB Assistant General Manager- Strategy, Priyanka Wijeratne with the awards

Sri Lanka’s most digitally–savvy bank HNB PLC recently took home the Gold Award for Best Search Engine Optimisation/Search Engine Marketing and the Silver for the Best Use of Experiential Digital Marketing at the SLIM DIGIs 2.2 Awards.

Hosted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the awards recognise the most innovative, impactful and unique marketing endeavours employing digital media in the country.

Commenting on the wins, HNB Head of Marketing, Upul Adikari said, “We have faced numerous unique challenges over the past three years as individuals and as a nation. Alongside these changes consumer behavior too has evolved dramatically, and we have had to take a step back to recalibrate, learn and understand this evolution in the digital sphere. Our strategy over the last year was to be in the right place with the right messages to fully leverage the organic traffic driven into our platforms and we are delighted to be recognized in these efforts at the SLIM DIGIs 2.2.”

The Gold award for Best SEO/SEM Campaign was presented for the Bank’s ‘Maximising Organic Traffic’ campaign. Under this category, HNB was adjudged on its ability to conduct comprehensive search campaigns encompassing elements of search engine optimisation and digital marketing.

The bank was also presented with a Silver Award for its innovative approach to experiential digital marketing, leveraging campaigns like the SOLO Experiential Drive with SOLO Pola and SOLO Podi Podi Business to raise awareness and engage customers with  HNB’s digital innovations.

“Given the challenges that businesses face due to the ongoing economic crisis, we at HNB have worked tirelessly towards creating digital solutions backed new market places and supply chains by leveraging our extensive MSME portfolio. The SOLO Pola and SOLO Podi Podi Business are initiatives that help small businesses assimilate digital methods of cashless and contactless transactions with our assistance. We are delighted to have been recognized in our efforts to provide our MSME customers with hands on experience of the exclusive range of digital payment products from HNB,” HNB AGM Digital Business Chammika Weerasinghe said.

The campaigns prompted HNB’s customers to be active participants through sampling, hands-on product demos, immersive events, tours or online and offline activities. Moreover, the Bank successfully demonstrated how its customers interacted with its product or service via a sensory experience that made a lasting impression.

Last year, HNB and the nation’s leading e-commerce platform, ikman.lk, was presented with the Silver Award for Best Use of Data at the SLIM DIGIs 2.1 for their ground-breaking ‘Leasing Guru’ campaign.

Reiterating its commitment to innovation, HNB recently partnered with South Asia’s leading e-commerce platform Daraz to onboard the Bank’s extensive network of MSMEs. The bank also signed on as an Official Banking Partner for ‘Sri Lanka Internet Day 2022’, organised by The Digital Services Chapter of the Federation of Information Technology in Sri Lanka (FITIS).

Photo Caption: HNB digital marketing team and agency (Group M) with HNB Head of Marketing Upul Adikari (fifth from right) at the awards ceremony

Ringing in the Christmas season with joy and happiness, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, HNB PLC, recently hosted the annual carol service themed ‘This is Christmas to me’ at HNB Towers.

Director of the Divine Retreat Center, Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran, attended the festivities as the Chief Guest and was accompanied by Fr. Joby George. HNB CEO/MD Jonathan Alles, HNB Director/COO Dilshan Rodrigo, corporate and senior bank officials, staff and families came together to enjoy the carols performed by the Hatna family choir.

Giving his Christmas message and blessings for the evening, Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran stressed the need for everyone to work together during these difficult times and congratulated the hard work and commitment of the choristers.

Meanwhile, HNB CEO/MD Jonathan Alles, in his prayer and message for the Hatna family, emphasized that improvement in the country can only take place with the commitment of all towards bringing about positive change.

Led by choirmaster Nicole Liyanage and organist Nirmal Madasekara, the HNB choristers presented a range of Christmas carols in English, Sinhala, Tamil and Latin captivating the audience.

(from left) HNB CEO/MD Jonathan Alles, Director of the Divine Retreat Center, Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran, Fr. Joby George and HNB COO Dilshan Rodrigo

Photo Caption : HNB choristers singing carols

Celebrating a key milestone in its journey in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC, completed another round of capacity building workshops in partnership with PPOD Consultancies, a premium capacity building and consultancy firm in the country.

HNB completed the second round of financial literacy workshops aimed at enhancing the knowledge base of SME entrepreneurs, especially in areas such as accounting, finance, cash flow management, investment, bookkeeping, basics of taxes, IT and other specific capabilities based on each industry. As part of the agreement, HNB SMEs will gain access to a knowledge base that assists them in building a comprehensive business plan, including expansion of business operations locally and internationally, upgrading facilities, HR and productivity management, investments and consolidations.

“A company's growth hinges on its ability to take intelligent, informed decisions, particularly in managing and optimizing expenses across day-to-day operations, and channeling investments towards business expansion. Especially given the current economic condition, it is vital that all SMEs are provided with the knowledge necessary to make accurate and timely financial decisions, and secure their long-term viability. Hence, we are delighted to be working with PPOD Consultancies to train, guide and support our SME customers and lead them towards sustainable growth,” HNB Head of SME Products and Partnerships Niluka. T. Amarasinghe said.

“We are honoured to continue providing our expertise for such an important cause. Our shared goal is to strengthen SMEs, and help them gain the resilience needed to grow and tap into new markets. Ultimately, we hope that these continuous workshops can guide in uncovering their own entrepreneurial mindset, and ensure that they take financial and management decisions based on a sound understanding of business fundamentals,” PPOD Consultancies Senior Trainer and Consultant Stephen Paulraj said.

Previously, PPDO conducted Four workshops for HNB SME customers within the year 2022. SMEs participating in the workshops have access to development programmes in any preferred language (Sinhala, English and Tamil). The programmes are conducted by experts and pioneers in the field who have previously conducted similar sessions with HNB.

With 256 customer centres, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative banks. It has won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. Consolidating its reputation for banking excellence, HNB bagged the Best Retail Bank and Best SME Bank awards in the Banking category at the International Finance Awards 2021. The bank was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for five consecutive years. HNB was also declared Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Sri Lanka at the Global Finance Awards 2020. HNB has a national rating of AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd.

Photo Captions : Workshops conducted for HNB SME customers

Celebrating efforts made to uplift and empower women in the workplace, Sri Lanka’s premier private sector bank HNB PLC was recognized as offering one of the nation’s best working cultures for women at the Second Edition of the Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2022 (WFWA).

A joint initiative pioneered by Satyn Magazine and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Sri Lanka. The WFWA showcases Sri Lankan corporates that take the lead in creating a fair and even playing field for women to achieve their highest potential in the workplace.

“Sri Lanka’s women have always played an iconic role in our society, contributing immense economic value, and providing leadership at every level. As a nation, it is more important than ever to ensure that women are given equal respect and opportunity in the workplace. We are honored to have received this important recognition, which is a validation of our efforts to create workplaces that empower women, and encourage them to achieve their fullest potential,” HNB Deputy General Manager, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Transformation Officer, L. Chiranthi Cooray stated.

Diversity and inclusion are essential components of HNB’s HR strategy, as evidenced by the bank’s near even male-to-female ratio of 52:48, while internal research conducted by the bank across executives, managers and senior management roles has found that women and men working in the same pay-grades are evenly remunerated.

The bank also enforces a zero-tolerance policy on sexual discrimination and harassment, while women are well represented in all employment grades, including its Board of Directors. Over the recent past, the bank has also implemented several additional measures to encourage greater female participation in its workforce, including introduction of family-sensitive transfers, mobility and remote work policies.

Similarly, 380 leaders were provided with a unique ‘Women in Management’ development program run by HNB Talent Centre. The bank also offers extensive support in order to encourage work-life balance for all employees and especially among new mothers. As a result, almost 100% of all HNB employees have chosen to return to work after taking maternity leave.

Sharing some of her personal experiences working for the bank, Sri Lankan National Women’s Netball Team Captain Gayanjali Amarawansa said: “HNB has always been extremely supportive of my professional, athletic and personal ambitions. In addition to investing in my professional career, the bank also supported the sustainable development of my sports career. I’m sure that my personal experience with HNB is only one of thousands and I am proud to be a part of HNB’s journey in setting the standard for inclusive workplaces for women in Sri Lanka.”

Hailing from a similar background in sports, Sri Lanka Women's Basketball Team Captain Anjalee Ekanayake shared her HNB experience: “My journey with HNB started as a student manager while schooling. I have been amazed by its work culture since then. It was my dream workplace when I was a child and today, I stand proud as an employee at HNB who not only excels at her professional career, but also in representing Sri Lanka on the court. HNB has been a source of strength and plays a pivotal part in me becoming a victorious national basketball captain in 2022. I am grateful for all the support given to me by HNB and I take pride in being part of such an amazing workplace culture”.

WFWA, jointly pioneered by Satyn Magazine and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Sri Lanka, held its inaugural award ceremony in 2021 and has garnered great interest among corporates ever since. With a mission to recognize corporate workplace cultures that uplift women and work towards their inclusive growth , WFWA continues to support organizations to inculcate diversity, inclusivity and women empowerment within its sustainable growth strategy in creating an equitable workplace culture.

Photo Caption: HNB DGM Legal / Company Secretary, Thushari Ranaweera accepting the award for Sri Lanka’s most Women - Friendly Workplaces from Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Global President and Head of Finance and Administration at the World Bank in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Melanie Kanaka in the presence of (from left) HNB Head of Legal Shiromi Halloluwa, HNB Senior Manager Talent Development Gayathri Ganeshan, HNB Head of Marketing Upul Adikari, HNB AGM Risk  Dilunika Jasinghe, HNB Head of Club Michelle De SIlva, HNB Deputy General Manager -Treasury & Markets Arjuna Abeygunasekara and Nayomini Weerasooriya Managing Editor -Satyn Magazine

With the intention of uplifting the spirits of children in marginalized communities during the festive season, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC, launched the ‘Season of Giving’ donation campaign on its premier digital payment app SOLO, to support Caritas Sri Lanka.

The non-profit organization, the social arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, is one of the largest and most respected humanitarian organisations working Integral Human Development projects across 12 diocese across the island. Chief Guest Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and Caritas Vice Chairman of the Commission of Justice, Peace and Human Development Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, HNB Director and Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo, HNB AGM-Digital Business Chammika Weerasinghe, Caritas Sri Lanka National Director Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera together with reverent fathers and sisters, donors and senior officials of HNB were present at a special ceremony held at Caritas Head Office to launch the initiative.

“The ongoing economic crisis has increased the number of families that do not have access to the proper meals, sanitation and shelter in Sri Lanka. As of now, data indicates that as much as 4.8 million children do not have access to these basic facilities each day. Given that we do not have the funds or the facilities to reach out to each and every one of these children, we partnered with Caritas Sri Lanka to provide for those we can. We hope that many will join us in this worthy cause to provide for those in need, during this festive season,” HNB Director/COO Dilshan Rodrigo said.

All donations made via HNB SOLO will be directly sent to the Caritas Sri Lanka accounts, with the bank making an additional donation for every transaction made by users. Moreover, HNB has also facilitated donations directly to the organization through the Direct Pay option available on the payment app.

"Christmas is the time for giving and sharing. With the support of your donations, these children will receive the necessary books and equipment required to gain the education they need in order to create promising futures for themselves and be free of poverty. Many children have lost their motivation to return to school, but with your support, we can help them get the education they need to create a new change in their lives and communities. When you donate, you change their future and help them see beyond their struggles of poverty,” Caritas Sri Lanka National Director Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera said commenting on the initiative.

Last year, HNB launched a similar campaign with HelpAge Sri Lanka to obtain donations through the SOLO app to uplift the lives of all people.

With 252 customer centres across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka's largest, most technologically innovative banks, having won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. The bank has continuously won prestigious accolades including being declared Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for 2020 by the Asian Banker Magazine for the eleventh occasion, in addition to being the highest ranked privately owned commercial bank in Sri Lanka by the prestigious Banker Magazine Top 1000 global rankings in 2020.

Presidents Counsel Faiszer Musthapha making the first donation via the HNB SOLO digital payment app

Photo Caption : HNB Director and Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo (second from left) exchanging the MOU with Caritas Sri Lanka National Director Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera (second from right) in the presence of Chief Guest Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and Caritas Vice Chairman of the Commission of Justice, Peace and Human Development Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva (center), HNB AGM-Digital Business Chammika Weerasinghe (far left) and HNB Regional Business Head- North Western, Rajiv Perera (far right)

Sri Lanka’s largest private sector retail bank, HNB PLC, launched a bonanza of exclusive deals for Debit and Credit card-holders to ‘Shop with Joy’ during the upcoming festive season.

Starting from 13th Nov 2022 to 31st Dec 2022 HNB will be partnering with a wide network of leading merchants – including Sri Lanka’s leading retail, lifestyle, jewelry, and e-commerce brands, as well as some of the most popular restaurants, supermarkets and hotels across the island - to offer Debit and Credit cardholders access to some of the best value in the market, including discounts of up to 70%, and zero-interest instalment plans up to 60 months.

“The festive season is always a special time for all of us, and we wanted to ensure that at such a moment, we were able to offer maximum value to our cardholders. This year, we have partnered with an even larger network of merchants in order to provide our customers with the very best deals for the season, spanning everything from daily essentials, to electronics, apparel, holidays and much more,” HNB Head of Cards Gauthami Niranjan said.

Given the increasing price of essential items, the most critical sector HNB has tied up with is supermarkets. Customers with HNB Credit and Debit cards can buy groceries and other crucial home-based appliances from leading supermarket chains during all seven days.

For instance, Cargills offers 20% off on meat and dairy items for orders above Rs.  2,500 and Keells Super will give 25% off on fresh Vegetables, fruits and seafood for orders over Rs. 4,000.  HNB credit cardholders will also be entitled to a 25% discount at Laugfs Super outlets on a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables with orders above Rs. 2,500.

For HNB Credit and Debit card customers, Softlogic Glomark will provide discounts of 20% off and 10% off on the total invoice, respectively. Likely fresh fruits, veggies, and fish purchases over Rs. 2,000 at SPAR will receive a 20% discount on credit cards. Lastly, Arpico Supercentres will discount selected fruits, vegetables, and seafood by 25% for purchases over Rs. 3,000.

Given the rapidly increasing demand for electronic items in Sri Lanka, HNB has also partnered with reputed brands, such as Abans and Buyabans, Singer showrooms and Singer.lk, Softlogic showrooms, Softlogic MAX and Furniture, Seetha Holdings, Dinapala Group, Hunters, Singhagiri & Company and CameraLK. Depending on the merchant, these outlets offer discounts of up to 40% on selected items and zero-interest instalment schemes for up to 24 months.

HNB has also tied up with a wide range of online and retail stores, enabling customers to shop safely from their homes. Accordingly, any items purchased from the websites of Daraz.lk, Takas.lk, Wasi.lk, Promateworld.com, Glomark.lk and PickMe Food and Market can enjoy savings and discounts of up to 30%.

Discounts and zero-interest instalments are also applicable for purchases at renowned jewellery stores for HNB Credit cardholders. Discounts of up to 40% for selected jewellery items are offered for purchases at Premadasa Jewellers, Raja Jewellers, Swarnamahal Jewellers, Vogue Jewellers, Colombo Jewellery Stores and Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers, in addition to interest-free instalment schemes provided on all purchases of jewellery up to -12 months.

HNB Credit cardholders can also enjoy substantial discounts while dining at many of the country’s most popular restaurants as well as special discounts at select hotel properties.

HNB cardholders will have access to exclusive discounts at Cinnamon Hotels, Browns Hotels and Oak Ray properties. Additionally, customers can use their Credit cards to purchase any Large Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut and receive a complimentary Classic range Large Pan Pizza, or purchase one item from Taco Bell's à la carte menu and receive a second item for free, they will also receive a discount of 20% when using their credit cards of delivery and take away orders from Indulgence at the Kingsbury Hotel, and receive a 20% discount when using their Credit cards to purchase food from the hotel's dinner buffet at Flavoured, Cinnamon Red.

Moreover, students waiting to start the new term at the school can also purchase all their stationery requirements from Promateworld.com with discounts of up to 30% off on Credit cards and up to 25% on Debit cards.

Additional details of the promotion are available at https://www.hnb.net/personal/promotions/card-promotions#secoffers.

HNB Head of Cards Gauthami Niranjan

Strengthening the digital presence of Sri Lankan businesses, private sector bank HNB PLC partnered with South Asia’s leading e-commerce platform Daraz to on-board the bank’s extensive network of SMEs.

The collaboration enables HNB SME customers to gain access to a wide range of services and facilities to establish an online presence. HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail & SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne and Kaymu Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Managing Director Rakhil Fernando were present at a special ceremony held to sign the MoU.

“Given the present economic conditions, the possibility of opening physical stores is drastically slim but thanks to technology, businesses now have a lifeline online. As the bank with the largest SME portfolio, we believe it is our duty to provide our customers access to new opportunities and set their growth trajectory. Our partnership with Daraz will open up new avenues and marketplaces regionally for our customer and we hope many will make use of this unique opportunity to strengthen their online presence,” HNB Assistant General Manager – SME Kailaivasan Indravasan said.

Customers who have established new businesses have unlimited access to educational material provided by Daraz University. Moreover, the commission for the first three months would be waived off for HNB customers

“We are excited for this partnership with HNB that offers the bank’s wide ranging SME client base the opportunity to strengthen their e-commerce capabilities. E-commerce has the potential to drive inclusive growth and level the playing field for all types and sizes of businesses. It also provides a cost-effective gateway for SMEs to explore new markets. Given the wide reach, large active buyer base and the powerful platform technology of Daraz, this partnership will enable small businesses to reach millions of customers island-wide, while taking advantage of our technical support for marketing and logistics.” Stated Rakhil Fernando Managing Director of  Daraz

SMEs on-boarded to the Daraz platform under this partnership will be offered packaging free-of-charge for their first order, along with photo-shoots, warehouse shelf space, as well as pick-up and drop-off services. Additionally, the funds for all transactions will be channeled to vendors within 14 days enabling better cash management cycles.

Image Caption: HNB Deputy General Manager Retail & SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne exchanging MOU with Daraz Managing Director Rakhil Fernando in the presence of (from left) HNB Undergraduate Trainee Nelomi Neranjana, HNB Head of SME Products & Partnerships Niluka. T. Amarasinghe, HNB Assistant General Manager SME Kailavasan Indravasan, Daraz Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Gerald Sathiyasiva, Daraz Head of Seller Marketplace Saed Meera and Daraz Head of Payments and Partnerships Dulika Jayamanne

Sri Lanka’s largest SME-friendly bank, HNB PLC, partnered with the Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their agriculture services via technology-based solutions.

The collaboration will offer SMEs access to agro forums on technology-based solutions such as mechanisation, innovative harvesting and post-harvesting. HNB Deputy General Manager - Retail & SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne, HNB Assistant General Manager – SME Kalivasan Indravasan, HNB Head of SME products & Partnerships Niluka T. Amarasinghe, HNB Head of Refinance Schemes & Special Lending Products Bandara Rekogama, and Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum Chairman Rizvi Zaheed, Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum Honorary Secretary Selvanathan Anojan, were present during the occasion.

“Despite the advancement of technology, most of the agriculture sector still utilises traditional modes of farming. Unsurprisingly, SMEs operating in Sri Lanka do not have adequate resources to learn and implement technology-based solutions for growth. Therefore, we hope that Sri Lankan SMEs will make use of this unique opportunity to develop despite the current disruptions in the market,” HNB Assistant General Manager – SME Kalivasan Indravasan said.

The partnership will provide SMEs access to local and global market opportunities, get the required assistance in preparing cultivation budgets, pricing forecasts, and set up businesses and trading offices in overseas countries.

“Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum’s immediate goal is to urgently implement a medium/long-term vision for the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. Our key objective is improving national food security by uplifting farmers into key economic contributors. Through this partnership, we will be able to improve data resources available for academics and connect stakeholders on one platform,” Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum Hony. Secretary Dr. Selvanathan Anojan said.

Furthermore, the joining fee will be waived for HNB SME customers who wish to join Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum and access the network to source raw materials, agro-inputs and much more at market rates and discounted prices.

Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum is the premier Agribusiness Association in Sri Lanka, representing various stakeholders such as growers, farmer organisations, Agri value-addition enterprises, Agri professionals and academics, Agri scientists, local and global marketers of Agri produce, providers of Agri inputs, and local Agri investors.

Image Caption: HNB Deputy General Manager - Retail & SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne (fifth from left) exchanging MOU with Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum Chairman Rizvi Zaheed (fifth from right) in the presence of (from left) HNB Assistant General Manager – SME Kalivasan Indravasan, HNB Head of SME products & Partnerships Niluka T. Amarasinghe, HNB Head of Refinance schemes & Special Lending Products Bandara Rekogama, HNB Undergraduate Trainee Dasuni Basnayake and Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum Honorary. Secretary Selvanathan Anojan, Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum ExCo member Jeevan Gnanam, Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum ExCo member Kalpana Kandage and Sri Lanka Agripreneures Forum Head of Secretariat Ruwin Mapa.

Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC was selected as a partner financial institution by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to disburse a component of the US$ 13.5 million in funds allocated to the SME-Line of Credit (SMELoC) Emergency Response Scheme.

The ADB scheme aims to support and strengthen Sri Lankan MSMEs affected by the ongoing economic crisis with working capital credit facilities, with a special emphasis on agriculture, tourism and export sectors.

In working towards this goal, HNB looks to disburse funds to select businesses across its extensive MSME network.

“We are delighted to be a part of this powerful initiative from the ADB. Given the unique strength and scale of HNB’s network of SME clients across the island, and our long-standing relationship with ADB, we believe that HNB is uniquely positioned to help uplift this sector, which even through our current challenges, continues to serve as the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy. We urge all eligible SME clients that are facing challenges in their working capital requirements to make use of this invaluable opportunity,” HNB Head of Refinance and Special Lending Products, Bandara Rekogama said.

SMEs that meet the eligibility criteria of a Rs. 750 million annual turnover will be offered a maximum facility of Rs. 10 million, with a repayment period of three years. All loans under the scheme must be utilised exclusively for working capital requirements, including recurring expenses such as salaries, overheads and raw material purchasing. Moreover, HNB will provide the attractive interest rates of 11.77% for the facility, significantly lower than the current market rates.

Notably, the bank has supported over 650 MSME customers with working capital and Capex facilities accounting for over Rs. 6.5 Bn through the ADB – SME LoC schemes. Established to support businesses affected by the COVID—19 pandemic, the Emergency Response Scheme initially disbursed USD 10 million to 280 local businesses as emergency working capital loans over the past two years.

Furthermore, HNB disbursed loans to the value of Rs. 600 million for approximately 132 women entrepreneurs with a grant of Rs. 100 million under the SME LoC – Wefi component.

With 254 customer centres across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically-innovative banks, having won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. HNB has a national rating of AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd. The bank was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for six consecutive years, and was also ranked as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank for the 12th year at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2022 hosted by the Asian Banker Magazine.