Business
HNB ranked among Sri Lanka’s Top 5 Corporates
Sri Lanka’s most innovative bank, HNB PLC’s commitment to banking excellence and its resilient performance over the past year, helped to secure a Top 5 position on Business Today Top 40 for 2022.
“Over the past 4 years, Sri Lanka has been challenged and tested like never before. HNB’s performance in that time is a testament to the power of adaptability. In responding to the crisis, our organization prioritized assistance to SMEs, organizations and individuals most in need, while doubling down on our efforts to drive radical digital transformation across every aspect of the bank.
“Our performance in this year’s Business Today rankings is a powerful validation of that journey, and we take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to the HNB team, and to our valued customers for powering our success at such a crucial moment. Moving forward, we remain committed to delivering seamless and frictionless banking experiences and support our nation’s collective mission to revive and rejuvenate our economy,” HNB Managing Director/CEO, Jonathan Alles stated.
HNB’s ranking was based on its strong financial performance, pioneering initiatives in digital transformation, and its extensive support for communities, enterprises and individuals impacted by Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. By the end of the year, HNB maintained assets, advances and deposits in excess of Rs. 1 trillion during which time, deposits grew by over 30% Year-on-Year (YoY) to Rs. 1.4 trillion.
HNB has been regularly featured among the Top 10 of Business Today’s rankings, ever since they were first launched in 1997. Business Today’s Top 40 Rankings were compiled following a series of stringent evaluations of all applicants by a panel of respected corporate sector veterans. Each of the nominees for this year’s rankings was assessed on their quality of growth, corporate governance and long-term vision.
Based on its recent performance, HNB was also crowned as 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.
In addition to driving outstanding financial performance, over the recent past, HNB was also ranked among the Top 1,000 World Banks by the prestigious Banker Magazine, in addition to being recognized as Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen at the prestigious Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2022 (CCC BCCSA). Notably, HNB has also been consistently ranked among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens for 13 consecutive years.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”


