HNBA News

HNB Assurance PLC entered an exciting new partnership with the Industrial Development Board (IDB), which will bring customized insurance solutions to more than 10,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and large corporates that are registered with the IDB. This collaboration is aimed at supporting the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy and helping businesses thrive with the security they need to grow.

Speaking about this collaboration, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, opined, "We see our partnership with the IDB as more than just a collaboration, it’s in a way a national service. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are the heart of our economy and they play a huge role in driving growth and creating jobs. By teaming up with the IDB, we are not only offering insurance products, we are providing a sense of security for business owners and their employees. As a result, these companies can focus on what they do best and help our economy thrive. My sincere thanks to the IDB for placing their trust on HNB Assurance and we look forward to a fruitful partnership”

Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Chairman of the IDB, emphasized the importance of this collaboration "At IDB, our mission has always been to empower Sri Lanka’s industrial sector. We operate with the ultimate goal of providing a boost to the Sri Lankan economy by creating employment opportunities, improving the standard of living and promoting overall economic development. Hence, this partnership with HNB Assurance is a natural extension of that mission. By offering customized insurance solutions, we’re giving our registered companies an added layer of security, which is crucial in today’s competitive market.”

The unique feature of this partnership comes in the form of a commitment to supporting the growth of local industries, where HNB Assurance has pledged to allocate a small sum to the IDB Development Fund. Which the IDB will utilize to offer business loans to entrepreneurs at the lowest possible interest rates.

Mr. Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer – Partnership Channel of HNB Assurance PLC, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, stating, “I certainly believe that this partnership is poised to create significant benefits for everyone involved. For HNB Assurance, it opens up new opportunities to serve the business community. For the IDB, it creates more resources to support their mission of industrial development. For the SMEs, it means greater security and peace of mind as they navigate the challenges of today’s economy. For this collaboration, we have developed a specialized product tailored to the unique needs of IDB-registered companies and additionally we have also pledged a sum from each policy to the IDB’s Development Fund to be given out as a loan, whereby business growth is facilitated.”

HNB Assurance PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Ananda Jayawardane as Non-Executive / Non-Independent Director with effect from 09th August 2024. 

Professor Ananda Jayawardane is currently a Senior Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, a Commission Member of the University Grants Commission, and a member of governing boards of several other public and private sector organisations. He recently completed his term as the Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC after serving nine years in its Board. He is also a past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, a past Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and a past Director General of the National Science Foundation.

He has extensive experience and expertise in corporate governance in public institutions & private corporates, banking, finance, strategy, leadership, institution building, policy making, science & technology and teaching in subject areas of planning, project management, technology management, technology transfer and negotiation. 

He is a Chartered Engineer, an International Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, a Fellow of the Institute of Project Managers, Sri Lanka, a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka, a Life Member of Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, a Graduate Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors and a Member of the Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka. He is also the past NDB Bank Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Moratuwa and a Past President of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. He has also served as a member of the governing Councils/Boards of National Science Foundation, Institute for Construction Training and Development, State Engineering Corporation, Post-graduate Institute of Management, Miloda Academy of Financial Studies, the Open University of Sri Lanka, Construction Industry Development Authority, Engineering Council of Sri Lanka and Green Building Council of Sri Lanka.

He has co-authored several textbooks and has published and presented over 85 research papers both locally and internationally and delivered memorial orations, convocation addresses and keynotes in many occasions.  He has received several awards for his research publications. He is also the recipient of the National Achiever’s Award  - 2013 under the category of Engineering by Lions Clubs International – District 306A1, the IESL President’s Award – 2012 and the Asia’s Education Excellence Award – 2016 for outstanding contribution to education, Sri Lanka Education Leadership Award – 2017 for education leadership, Sri Lanka Education Leadership Award – 2018 for outstanding contribution to education presented by World Education Congress and CMO Asia and “Eminence in Engineering” award – the highest, most prestigious life time award given by the IESL for eminence in practice of engineering – 2018.

HNB Assurance PLC was once again recognized for its ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women, helping them secure the prestigious "Sri Lanka's Most Outstanding Women Friendly Workplace" award at the Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2024 powered by AICPA & CIMA.

For the second consecutive year, HNB Assurance was honored with this esteemed accolade highlighting the organization’s efforts including the in.she initiative which drives the company’s employee wellbeing program, particularly targeting women, championing gender equity, work life balance and supporting their career advancement within the insurance industry. 

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, stated, “It is truly an honor to be recognized for our efforts in creating a workplace where women can grow and succeed. At HNB Assurance, we’ve always believed that diversity and inclusion are key to our strength as a company and this award shows that we’re on the right track. Our recent Great Place to Work certification is further proof of our commitment in this regard.”

In addition to the company’s recognition, Padma Dissanayake, Senior Manager Technical was recognized as the Most Outstanding Female of the Sri Lankan Workplace, marking another milestone for the organization in promoting women leaders.

“I also take this opportunity congratulate Padma Dissanayake on being named Most Outstanding Female Employee, which I’m certain will serve as an inspiration to all. I must also say a big thank you to the HR team along with the members of the in.she committee for steering these initiatives within the organization” added, Mr. Wimalaratne.

Mr. Navin Rupasinghe, Head of Human Resources at HNB Assurance, stated, “Winning this award again clearly shows that our efforts to create a women-friendly workplace are truly making an impact. We’ve placed great importance on ensuring that our workplace is one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive equally. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing ahead and it’s rewarding to know that the work we’re doing is being noticed and making a real difference. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Satyn Magazine for this recognition, as it validates our efforts and drives us to continue building a more inclusive future for all our employees.”