HNBA News

The “Golden Awards 2024” hosted by HNB Assurance and HNB General Insurance, celebrated and recognized the outstanding achievements of top performers, including network management and branch managers from Hatton National Bank, for their significant contributions to the growth of HNBA and HNBGI. The year 2023 was an outstanding period for both HNBA and HNBGI, with impressive financial performances which proved their partnership with HNB to be one of the best in the industry. 

Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Acting Chief Executive Officer of HNB, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, opined, “Having participated in this event for several years, it is incredibly heartening to witness the sustained growth and progress achieved by both HNBA and HNBGI. As we look to the future, I see immense potential and opportunity. I am confident that by continuing to innovate and prioritizing customer-centric solutions, we as a group, can not only maintain our strong position but also dominate the market. Let me also remind you that the bank is fully committed to supporting both HNBA and HNBGI, so let us get out there and redefine the landscape of banking and insurance.”

The newly appointed Chairman of HNBA and HNBGI, Mr. Stuart Chapman, stated, “I’m delighted to address this wonderful gathering where we honor and recognize one of our most important stakeholders, HNB. The trust and collaboration between our institutions is what sets this partnership apart from others. As custodians of this relationship, I am confident that our combined efforts will ensure we deliver top-tier insurance solutions to our customers, meeting their needs with the highest standards of service and trust. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the award winners and thank the members of the management of HNB for their continued support. Further, as our companies, HNB, HNBA and HNBGI, embrace leadership transformations, I’d like to thank Mr. Jonathan Alles former MD of HNB and our very own former Chairperson Mrs. Rose Cooray for their contributions as well.”

The Global Banking and Finance Review, UK, for the fourth consecutive year, honored HNBA as the Best Life Bancassurance Provider, while HNBGI was awarded the Best General Bancassurance Provider for the second consecutive year reflecting the success both HNBA and HNGI has maintained with HNB over the years.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Stuart Chapman as the new Chairman, succeeding Mrs. Rose Cooray. With an exemplary career spanning four decades in multinational and local companies across diverse industries and particularly Insurance, Mr. Chapman brings a wealth of expertise to the organization.

Mr. Chapman holds an MBA from the University of Colombo, a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM-UK), a Diploma in Life Insurance Sales and Marketing from the Life Underwriters Training Council (USA) and a Diploma in Business Management from the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM). His professional affiliations include being a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and the Institute of Management (UK) as well as a Member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (Australia).

In addition to 16 years in insurance, Mr. Chapman has also held leadership positions in industries such as Healthcare, FMCG, Consumer Durables, Banking and Telecommunications. He has previously served as the Managing Director of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals, Director Life at Ceylinco Insurance, Managing Director LOLC, Director/CEO of Janashakthi Insurance, Marketing Director Reckitt Benckiser, and Senior Brand Manager Unilever, among other significant roles.

Expressing his thoughts of his new role, Mr. Chapman stated, "I am honored to assume the position of Chairman at HNBA and HNBGI. Our companies have established a great foundation and a remarkable growth trajectory over the past couple of years. My goal is to support and enhance this growth while gearing the company to take full advantage of upcoming regulations and technological advancements that will shape the companies’ momentum in the years to come. With the incredible talent we possess and the unstinted support from HNB, I am confident that we have what it takes to deliver exceptional business results. Understanding Customers better, providing innovative and differentiated Customer solutions and enhancing shareholder value will be at the core of everything we do’. 

Mr. Chapman currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Limited and United Motors Lanka PLC. He has also been a vital part of industry associations, having held roles such as the Honorary President and Founder Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka, President of the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Co-Chairman of the Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics Steering Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

HNB Assurance PLC and HNB General Insurance Ltd were recognized as “Company with Great Managers” at the CLA Leadership Excellence and CLA Great Managers Awards 2024, for the second consecutive year. This prestigious recognition was conferred in recognition of HNBA and HNBGI being benchmarked with best practices and a culture demonstrating great leadership and managerial quotient while providing an eco system to nurture great managers.

Furthermore, six Managers from HNB Assurance and three Managers from HNB General Insurance were honored as Great Managers during the ceremony. The recipients were Kamini Gunawardene - Head of Marketing, Kulunu Herath - Senior Manager Finance, Mahesh Rodrigo -Senior Manager Alternate Channel,  Ranjeewa DE Z Gunawardena - Senior Manager Sales Support, S Paranthaman - Regional Manager, Adnan Izath, Manager Actuarial from HNBA and  Subashini Duraiswamy – Senior Manager Reinsurance, Anushika Wickramasinghe - Senior Manager Motor Insurance and Prasad Rodrigo – Manager Broker Business Development from HNBGI.

Over the years HNBA has been committed to nurturing strong leadership qualities through training and development, aiming to empower managers to become inspiring and influential leaders. Sharing his thoughts on the achievements, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNBA stated, “Firstly, I'd like to extend my congratulations to the six recipients of the Great Manager Award. This recognition truly reflects their passion and expertise in delivering business objectives while ensuring their teams thrive and excel. I strongly believe our employees and the culture at HNBA are our biggest strengths. That's why we're dedicated to investing in our team, using local and international resources to give them the best chance to grow. This investment has and will continue to help each person develop and also strengthen our ability to innovate and succeed in the dynamic world of life insurance. I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Colombo Leadership Academy for recognizing HNBA as a “Company with Great Managers.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance, added, “It is an immense honor to be recognized as a “Company with Great Managers” for the second consecutive year. I certainly believe that this recognition is not just an acknowledgment of individual achievements but also a reflection of the collaborative and supportive environment we strive to maintain within our company. Our managers work tirelessly to create a positive atmosphere for their teams, ensuring that each member can contribute meaningfully and grow within the company. As a result, this approach helps us not only meet but exceed the expectations of all our stakeholders while being a competitive General Insurance services provider in the industry.”