NEWS

A Drop of Water to Quench the Thirst of Students

The fastest growing Insurance Company in Sri Lanka, HNB Assurance, is not just a company aiming at profits. Moving beyond earning just profits, HNB Assurance has contributed to society in many ways and throughout the years it had donated drinking water projects to several rural schools, where the children were deprived of this very basic need. The most recent social service was to donate a drinking water project to Iddamalpana M. V. Atala in Kegalle district.

The above is a picture taken while Mr. Lalith Fernando, General Manager (Marketing & Distribution), HNB Assurance, helping the children with free flow of water, after the project was declared open.    

The Annual Staff Conference of HNB Assurance 

The Annual Staff Conference of HNB Assurance was held on 13th February 2010 at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo for the 6th consecutive year. The main purpose of this annual event is to brief the staff members on the performance of the Company during the past year and to make the employees aware of the corporate strategies of the Company for the current year. Another significant and a much awaited item in the Agenda of the Staff Conference is the recognition of staff members who have acted beyond the call of their duty by awarding them with the “Chairman’s Awards for Excellence”. Further the Staff Conference is a great opportunity for the staff members to meet the giant figures behind the success story of the Company; the Chairman and the Board of Directors and also to fellowship with each other.

Another CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Project from HNB Assurance

HNB Assurance PLC inaugurated its 10th Water Project by providing water to another needy school in a very remote school in Jaffna. This CSR Project was specially constructed for the use of the children of J/ Uyarapulam M M Vidyalayam, Anaikoddai, which was founded in the year 1876. They highly appreciated the company’s initiative, for alleviating there suffering without water for 12 years. 

Renovation of Ward No 27 of Jaffna Teaching Hospital

HNB Assurance always takes steps to help the community, these projects are spread island wide. Our latest CSR project was in Jaffna. Since there was an urgent need to renovate Ward No 27 of the teaching Hospital in Jaffna, we came forward for another important cause. On the 5th of March 2010 the renovated ward was ceremonially opened by our Managing Director Mr. Manjula De Silva and Our General Manager Marketing & Distribution Mr. Lalith Fernando. This ward deals with surgical admissions which include war injuries and road traffic accident patients. Hospital authorities appreciated our initiative in helping the needy cause without any hesitation. They also claimed that they are looking forward to our assistance in the future as well. 

HNB Assurance posts excellent results for 2009

HNB Assurance PLC has released its interim financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2009 depicting a strong growth in both turnover and profits. Its turnover measured by Gross Written Premium (GWP) crossed the 2 Billion rupee mark by recording a growth of 15% over the last year. Having crossed the 1 Billion rupee mark only in 2006, it has doubled its turnover within the space of just 3 years. The combined turnover of Rs. 2,116 Million comprised the GWP of Rs. 1,131 Million from General Insurance and the GWP of Rs. 985 Million from Life Insurance. The General GWP grew by 22% while the growth in Life GWP was 8%.

The Company also managed to cross the 200 Million rupee mark in respect of both Profit Before Tax (PBT) and Profit After Tax (PAT) with PBT reaching Rs.231 Million and PAT recording Rs.202 Million. The growth achieved in PBT and PAT was also commendable and stood at 36% and 23% respectively. The Company was also able to deliver a Return on Equity (ROE) of 24% in line with previous years.

Small Category Winner of ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2009

HNB Assurance PLC is the proud winner of yet another award at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2009. We have been adjudged the winner in the Small Scale Category of ACCA Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards 2009. This colourful awards ceremony was organized by The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on the 25th of February 2010.






Year End Sales Conference - 2009

HNB Assurance Year End Sales Conference, an annual event in our calendar, was held  once again – this time at Hotel Galadari  on the 18th of December 2009.


National Long Term Rating Upgraded to ‘A (lka)’

Fitch Ratings has upgraded the national long-term rating of HNB Assurance PLC to ‘A (lka)’. Earlier, this was at ‘A – (lka)’ Our Insurer Financial Strength Rating remains at the previous level of ‘A (lka)’. As a result, both our ratings are at ‘A (lka)’. This is a further recognition of the Company’s growing financial strength.

HNB Assurance Becomes a Caring Friend of Youth with 'My Life'

HNB Assurance, widely regarded as the fastest growing insurance company in Sri Lanka, announced the launch of the latest addition to their life insurance product portfolio – ‘My Life’ on 02nd July at a gala event held at Hotel Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. This was incidentally the first time that such a grand product launch was carried out in the history of HNB Assurance.

‘My Life’ is an insurance solution especially designed to cater to the modern needs of youth by helping them overcome planned or unplanned life challenges by becoming a caring friend at needy occasions. HNB Assurance proudly claims that ‘My Life’ fills a gap which no other has ever touched in the Sri Lankan insurance market. The Managing Director of HNB Assurance, Mr. Manjula de Silva, confidently states that HNB Assurance has come forward to bridge a very significant gap that existed in the life insurance market by tailoring a product to specifically target the youth of this country.

Usually an insurance policy allows the customer to obtain the sum assured only at its maturity or at pre determined intervals if periodic payments are offered. But ‘My Life’ will be offering the youth the opportunity of withdrawing 15% of the sum assured at a time to win each challenging milestone in their young lives - marriage, child birth, commencement of schooling of a child and purchase of a vehicle. HNB Assurance states that ‘the uniqueness of My Life’ lies in this feature where it allows the policy holder to withdraw up to 60% of the Sum Assured before the maturity, as early living benefits, as and when it is needed. The other very special feature in ‘My Life’ is that though he/she had enjoyed the early living benefits, the total sum assured will be offered for the benefit of his/her near and dear ones in the event of an unexpected demise. This will go on for 5 more years even after the policy has matured. At the same time, the surplus of the life fund of the company will also supposed to be shared with ‘My Life’ customers as bonuses. The General Manager – Marketing & Distribution, Mr. Lalith Fernando, believes that ‘My Life’ will definitely facilitate the youth, the strength of the nation, in making their dreams a reality. ‘My Life’ policies can be obtained from any of the 45 branches of HNB Assurance spread island wide and through its 2,000 strong team of insurance advisors.

The Brand Ambassadors of HNB Assurance - Bhathiya and Santhush, two stars who have been able to engrave their names in the hearts of young Sri Lankan fans, played a key role in the launch event while entertaining the gathering. The two Public Relations Officers of the company, Amila Nadeeshani and Krishan Maheson, also added color to the glamorous event. 

HNB Assurance held its annual “Sales Convention” for the 4th consecutive year on 30th April at Main Ballroom of Hilton, Colombo. The aim of this grand occasion was to reward outstanding performers in the HNB Assurance field force and the Distribution Management who paved the way for the company to achieve another successful year.

The Company had reported a 33% growth in profit after tax and 25% growth in turnover, by recording a remarkable profit after tax of Rs. 164.5 million and a GWP (Gross Written Premium) of Rs. 1.84 billion, in line with its growing reputation as the fastest growing insurance company in Sri Lanka. Being in its childhood yet, the company has been well accepted by the general public meeting the challenges of a highly competitive insurance industry. Thus, this gala night is said to be the most special occasion in the HNB Assurance calendar at which pillars of success of the company are recognized and rewarded. 45 branches spread island wide were represented at this gathering.

9 of them were rewarded by Super Gold medal, 18 by Gold, 28 by Silver and 70 by Bronze.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Rienzie T Wijetilleke - The Chairman Hatton National Bank PLC and HNB Assurance PLC, Mr. Manjula de Silva – The Managing Director of HNB Assurance PLC together with the Directors and the General Managers graced the occasion.

New Brand Ambassadors of HNB Assurance, Bhathiya and Santhush-the two popular stars who have touched the hearts of Sri Lankan youth and Krishan Maheson – the popular rap artist who is also a Public Relations Partner of the company cheered up the audience with the magic of their unique voices.


Asia Voice Independent Music Award Winner – Krishan Teams Up With Hnb Assurance

The sole Sri Lankan to win at the Asia Voice Independent Music Awards this year for his single ‘Amudhame’, and a popular name in Lankan hip-hop music circles, Krishan Maheson is the latest artist to join the fastest growing Insurance Company in Sri Lanka – HNB Assurance PLC – as its Public Relations Partner.

Having schooled at Royal College Colombo 7, Krishan started rapping at the young age of 15 with his elder brother Gajan (of Cross Culture fame) and their first musical outfit “Urban Soundz”. Later on he joined Iraj and the Ill Noize Crew, where he introduced for the first time Tamil rap music to a predominantly Sinhala mainstream audience with their heavily aired, break-through peace song “J Town Story”. These lyrics are still on the tongues of a cross section of Colombo youth .Later on in 2005 he realeased his first Solo Album “Asian Avenue” spawning huge hits such as “Kaadhal Kadidham” and “Ninaivugalae”, which were aired on Shakthi TV, Nethra TV and SS Music (India) earning the album recognition across the South Indian continent. After a break of 3 years he’s back, fondly known as the “King of Tamil Hip Hop” with his second album “Avathaaram”, which promises to introduce a fusion of popular music genres such as Reggaeton and Soca with traditional Tamil Koothu music.

KRISHAN will act as the Public Relations Partner and endorse HNB Assurance in the press, television, radio and other media, in particular in respect of life insurance. In addition to this he will also be assisting them in promotional events to be held in the North and East. This is a milestone for both parties and a great partnership that will help both parties contribute towards the reawakening of the North & East. He will also support other PR activity pertaining to the rest of their branches targeting the Tamil speaking population in particular.

When an emerging star in the insurance industry ties up with a musical prodigy the outcome can only be best described as magic.


Standing from L-R
Mr.H.M.Dinuka Priyankara – Senior Executive, Marketing Communications, HNB Assurance: Ms.Jerusha Thambiah – Legal advisor/Publicist, Connect Media: Mr. Krishan Maheson: Mr.Manjula De Silva – Managing Director, HNB Assurance: Mr. Lalith Fernando – General Manager, Marketing & Distribution, HNB Assurance, Ms.Kamini Gunawardene – Manager, Marketing Communications, HNB Assurance

A Unique Insurance Scheme For Corporates

Alfinco Insurance Brokers, a member of the Alliance Group of Companies, together with HNB Assurance PLC, launched an unique insurance solution tailor made to meet all needs of the busy corporate sector.

Three different packages are on offer, under the new insurance solution, namely Alfinco Corporate Director, Alfinco Corporate Manager and Alfinco Corporate Executive. These total solution packages would cover not only the customer but would also extend their services to  their families including household staff and guests whilst taking virtually every possible requirement and contingency into consideration.

“This policy was innovated by Alfinco Insurance Brokers with the support of HNB Assurance PLC. One of the distinct advantages of this policy is that it offers a customer a range of covers under a single policy with one premium payment and a single renewal date thus offering convenience, saving in premium and time for the busy corporate Executive, Manager and Director” said Deputy Chairman of the Alliance Group, Romani de Silva.

The Managing Director HNB Assurance PLC, Manjula de Silva, added that this was the first time in Sri Lanka that a wide array of insurance  perils  are being offered under a single policy.

“The range of products will offer a level of convenience hitherto not experienced in the local market and further added that the busy customer to whom time is a luxury, will greatly appreciate the convenience offered through these range of products”, said Manjula De Silva.

The comprehensive cover includes hospitalization, accidental, household damage, civil commotion, motor etc.

HNB Assurance PLC is the sole underwriter of this unique insurance cover.

Chairman Alfinco Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd, Romani De Silva along with Managing Director of HNB Assurance PLC, Manjula de Silva launching the new corporate schemes.

Bathiya & Santhush are a highly acclaimed musical duo who have excelled in their field both locally and internationally and have won the hearts and minds of the general public especially the youth.

As young Adult Entrepreneurs and Musicians Bathiya & Santhush have already secured their presence on the international music scene recording for Sony Music and Universal Music India, becoming the first Sri Lankans to sign up for an International Album. They own and operate “Saregama Audio and Video Productions” – the state of the art multimedia production house catering to local and international markets and “Show town Entertainment” – the event company which handles most of the mega television and showbiz productions in the country.

HNB Assurance PLC is regarded by many as the fastest growing insurance company in Sri Lanka. Despite just completing 7 years of operation, it has grown rapidly to secure the sixth rank in terms of combined turnover among 15 insurance companies operating in Sri Lanka.

With the support of their latest strategic partners – Bathiya & Santhush – HNB Assurance PLC will aim to increase the penetration of its Life insurance products especially among the youth.

64th United Nations Day
As in the past this year too, we were the main sponsor of the UN Day. This year the event was held on 24th Oct 2009 at Royal College Hall in Colombo – over 100 schools were among the participants. They have study circles in over 312 schools. Children from Colombo schools presented several cultural items. Mr. Neil Buhne UN Resident Coordinator was the Chief Guest with Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumarathunga, Former President of Sri Lanka also gracing the occasion.

Book Launch - Fire Prevention “Gini Abhiyogaya”
We always try to educate the society on how to be safe. Keeping this in mind HNB Assurance once again offered support for the publication of a book titled “Gini Abhiyogaya Jaya Ganimu” on 17th Oct 2008 at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The Author of the book is Mr. S Kariyawasam, a fire and safety consultant who has served the CPC for over 36 years. The book was launched at a seminar on Fire Prevention conducted for clients of HNB Assurance.

Book Launch - ‘Walas Pawula’
HNB Assurance offered support for the publication of the famous children’s book Three Bears titled “Walas Pawula” by well known author and dramatist, Mrs. Somalatha Subasinghe. The book launching ceremony was held on 15th Oct 2008 at 4.30p.m. at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Several leading personalities from the world of arts including Mr. Tissa Kariyawasam, Mr. Asoka Handagama, Dr Sunil Wijesiriwardena and Dr Tissa Abeysekara spoke at this event.

CSR Projects
Water is one of the most essential ingredients in our lives. Though some are fortunate to have access to a free flow of water, some others are deprived of this basic need. HNB Assurance has come forward to provide drinking water to needy remote schools, where water is not available during school hours. Up to now we have provided water to six schools, located in different parts of the country
Our latest additions are;
• Ratnapura Peralanda Vidyalaya (22nd Oct 2008)
• Puttalam Mailankulama Government school (10th Oct 2008)

Innovative solutions For Masses
Always the pioneer in introducing innovative solutions to contingencies of the masses, HNBAL has now tied – hands with Sri Lanka’s most respected Sarvodaya Movement’s SEEDS (Guarantee) Ltd to introduce the “Sathkara”, another social responsibility project from HNBAL

Ranked Among The “Hotspots 2007”
HNB Assurance has been ranked among the 'Hotspots 2007', a list of 50 best performing stocks in 2007. Our ranking is 25th and we are one of the two insurance companies to be selected to this prestigious list

Great Benefits to Micro Finance Sector
Micro Insurance policy with three great benefits for the Micro-finance sector has now been launched. It is targeted at low income clients and particularly the rural sector. This policy will provide Property cover, Mortgage Protection cover and Life cover.