HNBA News

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 500 MN during 1H 2020, depicting a steady growth amidst the outbreak of a global pandemic. Speaking on the financial performance of the Group, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI, Mrs. Rose Cooray stated, “it is indeed a great pleasure to announce that HNB Assurance Group has achieved a significant PAT growth compared to the corresponding period of the previous year following an economic downturn caused by the outbreak of a global pandemic. Through the tireless efforts, our teams successfully navigated the challenging environment to deliver a noteworthy performance. The Life Insurance business recorded a PAT of LKR 176 MN showcasing a growth of 25%. The profit does not include any surplus transfer from the Life Fund. The General Insurance business recorded a PAT of LKR 323 MN depicting an impressive growth of 120%. These results reiterate the resilience of our sustainable core business model and the Group’s undivided focus in capturing market segments with growth potential. The unprecedented challenges arising from the COVID-19 outbreak together with other adverse global and market conditions have created a challenging backdrop which businesses around the globe are currently experiencing; but with the strategies of the Management together with the dedication of the staff members of HNBA and HNBGI and the Advisor Force, I’m sure we could overcome this uncertain turbulence”. Sharing his views on the performance of the Group, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI, Mr. Prasantha Fernando stated, “HNBA Group delivered outstanding financial results amidst a number of macro-economic challenges presented during a global crisis. In a market backdrop where most businesses succumbed its profits to the outbreak of COVID-19, HNBA Group has delivered a notable performance. The Group recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 4.5 BN. The investment income of the Group surpassed LKR 1.2 BN and the total assets of the Group surpassed LKR 29 BN. The Group has taken swift and effective measures and has adapted various agile initiatives following the COVID-19 outbreak, including enhancing its digital selling portals and claims settlement platforms. It is noteworthy to mention that the Life and General Insurance Funds surpassed values of LKR 15.7 BN and LKR 2.9 BN respectively reaffirming the Group’s firm footing”. Mr. Fernando further added, “the Management is thankful for the commitment and dedication of all employees during these trying times. The Management remains confident that together with the diversified business strategies the Group will be able to sustain its continuous growth and deliver value to all stakeholders”. HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 63 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of A (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ of ‘’A’’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA is rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence including the Great Place to Work® Certification, and won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Insurance Institute announced the re-election of Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, Chief Operating Officer of HNB Assurance PLC as its 18th President. The appointment of Mr. Lasitha was pronounced at the Annual General Meeting held on the 26th of June, 2020 at the SLII Auditorium, Colombo 03. Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, Chief Operating Officer of HNB General Insurance Limited, the fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC, was also elected as the Vice President of the Institute. Lasitha, an alumnus of Mahinda College, Galle is decorated by a professional profile spanning over 22 years out of which he holds 19 years of experience in Life Insurance Operations inclusive of 07 years at AIA Insurance Sri Lanka, whilst also gaining 03 years of Marketing and Sales exposure in London. Prior to joining HNB Assurance PLC, Lasitha conducted duties as the General Manager - Life Operations and Specified Officer at Softlogic Life Insurance PLC. Having joined HNB Assurance PLC as its Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Lasitha was promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer and Principal Officer in July, 2020. Lasitha bears the status of a Chartered Insurer and is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, UK (FCII). Furthermore, he is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance (AZIIF-Fellow) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (ACIM), UK. Lasitha obtained his MBA from the University of Wales, UK and a B.A. (Hons) Degree in Business Studies from the University of Sunderland, UK. Lasitha has been serving SLII as a Council Member since 2011 and he was also the Founder Secretary General of the Association of Chartered Insurance Professionals (ACIP) and is a current Council Member of ACIP. He was the first to publish a book on insurance in a local context, titled “Jeewitha Rakshanaye Asisriya” which highlights the importance and benefits of Life Insurance. The SLII is the premier insurance educational body in Sri Lanka and is in existence for over 38 years. The SLII’s main objectives are to instill and maintain the professionalism in the industry whilst encouraging and assisting studies in insurance and to create a social forum for its members. The SLII conducts examinations on behalf of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) UK, Insurance Institute of India and the qualifying examination for the insurance advisers on behalf of the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka. The SLII also offers Diplomas and Certificate courses relating to insurance. The new council elected for the year 2020/2021: Lasitha Wimalaratne - President, Sithumina Jayasundara - Vice President, Mahendra Wilegoda - Secretary, Anushka Jayasinghe - Assistant Secretary, Sameera Dharmasena - Treasurer, Kaumalee Amaradiwakara - Council Member, Chandima Sumanathunga - Council Member, Rumesh Modarage - Council Member, Lachini Chithrasena - Council Member, Kusum Thenuwara - Council Member and Saman Kumara - Council Member.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) announced the relocation of its Branch in Embilipitiya recently. The ceremonious occasion was graced by the presence of its Chief Guest, CEO of HNBA and HNBGI, Prasantha Fernando, accompanied by the senior members of the management in HNBA and HNBGI as well as other distinguished guests. Speaking at the event, CEO of HNBA and HNBGI, Prasantha Fernando articulated, “The Company holds a long-standing relationship of togetherness with its customers in Embilipitiya, providing them all-inclusive protection and the value of fringe benefits one can experience through the service of insurance to protect their belongings and those who are dear to them . Dedicated to serving this cause, today’s momentous occasion demonstrates the Group’s continued commitment towards giving our best to customers, in fulfilling their insurance needs. Whilst the Company is focused on actively undertaking the many service enhancement initiatives, it has been our notion that cutting edge facilities would deliver greater service satisfaction, and in turn would make a ‘happy customer’. Thus, it is no doubt that this Branch will drive greater levels of service excellence, further contributing to the Company’s value creation framework”.   Sharing his views, Chief Operating Officer and Principal Officer of HNBA, Lasitha Wimalaratne stated, “This Branch would fortify an already strong customer servicing attribute of the Group, fostering streamlined service delivery between our invaluable customers and staff. Therefore, I am sure the commitment of our staff would nurture our singular aim towards industry best, and achieve the many milestones of excellence for a successful future of HNBA and HNBGI”.   Chief Operating Officer and Principal Officer of HNBGI, Sithumina Jayasundara expressed his views stating, “Strong and stable branch operations within our General Insurance business is a key pillar of business growth. This new facility is a strong testament for our firm stand within the market, also assisting our business goals in challenging times”. HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 63 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of A (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ of ‘’A’’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA is rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence and won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and SAFA (South Asian Federation of Accountants).