HNB Assurance PLC proudly introduces HANA, HNB Assurance Next-Generation Assistant, novel  AI-powered chatbot designed to transform how customers connect with them. Developed as part of HNB Assurance’s drive to embrace cutting-edge technology and reimagine customer service, HANA delivers instant, 24/7 assistance, making insurance simpler, faster and more intuitive for every policyholder. From policy inquiries to claims guidance and company updates, HANA offers seamless, personalized interactions that remove the need for wait times on calls or branch visits.

Speaking on the launch, Lasitha Wimalaratne, Executive Director and CEO of HNB Assurance PLC, said, “At HNB Assurance, our priority has always been to place the customer at the heart of everything we do. With HANA, we are taking that promise to a new level by introducing a virtual assistant who is always available, always informed and always ready to help. This is not just a launch, it is a reflection of the significant investments and digital roadmap we have developed over the past few years to leverage technology in making insurance easier and more accessible to meet the evolving needs of our customers. My sincere thanks and congratulations to all the teams involved in making this milestone a reality and elevating the way we serve our customers.”

Highlighting the vision behind HANA, Suneth Jayamanne, Chief Information Officer / General Manager of HNB Assurance, stated, “Implementing HANA is more than deploying a chatbot, it is about embedding intelligence into every interaction. Powered by advanced natural language processing (NLP), machine learning algorithms and deep integration with our core systems, HANA is designed to handle complex queries, learn from vast datasets, and deliver responses with human-like understanding. We certainly believe that his launch is an exciting first step in our broader strategy of using AI to create meaningful, customer-centric experiences. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to CodeGen International (Private) Limited for their invaluable contribution in turning this vision into reality.”

As one of Sri Lanka’s leading life insurers, HNB Assurance continues to invest in new digital capabilities that deliver convenience and confidence, allowing customers to engage with the company on their own terms. Customers can now meet, experience and explorer HANA by accessing the website, www.HNBAssurance.com.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) recorded outstanding success of its sales team at the Life Industry Sales Competition held during the NAFLIA Conference, where the Company secured eleven prestigious accolades across both the Advisor Channel and the Partnership Channel. Demonstrating exceptional performance and commitment, the winners from HNBA delivered outstanding performances at a national level, showcasing the strength of the organization

The accolades spanned a diverse range of categories including Fast Starters, Advisors, Supervisors and Bancassurance Officers, reflecting the collective strength and capability of HNBA’s sales force.

Among the winners, Ms. Gammeda Liyanage Deepa Shamalie was recognized as Best Advisor – Silver, while Mr. Anjula Prasath Thilakarathne earned the Best Advisor – Bronze award. In the Bancassurance category, Ms. Dinushika Ratnayake was awarded Best Bancassurance Officer – Silver, and Mr. J. I. M. Fernando secured the Best Bancassurance Officer – Bronze.

In the supervisory categories, Mr. P. J. K. K. Jayarathne distinguished himself by winning the Best Supervisor – Gold, while Mr. Alan Baker, Regional Partnership Head – Northern Region, was honored with the Best Supervisor – Bronze award.

HNBA’s Bancassurance Fast Starters also made their mark at a national level, with Ms. V. Kirushalini achieving Gold, Ms. Lakmali Pusalle securing Silver, and Ms. Thilini Lakmali being recognized with Bronze.

In the Advisor Fast Starter category, Ms. Bhagya Sewwandi triumphed with the Gold Award, while Ms. Anoma Kumari followed with the Silver Award, completing a remarkable sweep across the board.

This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the success of HNB Assurance’s sales force, whose consistent efforts continue to uplift the Company’s standing in the insurance industry. The recognition gained at the Life Industry Sales Competition not only celebrates individual achievement but also underscores the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving excellence across all levels of its operations.

Breaking boundaries in brand storytelling, HNB Assurance proudly bagged a Silver at the Dragons of Sri Lanka 2025 Awards for its Virtual Avurudu Village campaign under the Digital Category. This innovative initiative redefined how traditions can meet technology, turning a beloved cultural festival into an immersive digital experience that struck a chord with a new generation of audiences.

Commenting on this achievement, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Executive Director / CEO of HNB Assurance, stated, “We are very pleased to receive this Silver Dragon for our Virtual Avurudu Village campaign. At HNB Assurance, we believe in constantly exploring new and innovative ways to connect with people and this campaign was a perfect example of that. By reimagining a traditional celebration in a virtual format, we were able to create an engaging experience that resonated strongly with both younger and wider audiences. My sincere thanks and heartfelt congratulations to all the teams involved in designing and delivering this campaign.”

Sharing his thoughts, Dinesh Yogaratnam, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer/ General Manager of HNB Assurance, added, “Winning a Silver Dragon this year reinforces the importance of evolving our communication strategies to keep pace with consumer trends. With Virtual Avurudu Village, we not only embraced innovation but also stayed true to our cultural roots by bringing Avurudu festivities to a digital platform. This enabled us to create a unique blend of tradition and technology, opening the door to new audiences while strengthening brand affinity. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to our digital partner, Kites Global, for their contribution in bringing this idea to life.”