During the first half of 2023, HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI), accomplished a noteworthy feat by collectively amassing a Gross Written Premium (GWP) totaling LKR 9.1 billion. This accomplishment underscores a convincing and consistent growth rate of 22% when compared to the same period last year. This growth percentage, which is more than double the industry growth demonstrates the exceptional insurance service levels and innovative product offerings of the HNBA group, even during a challenging year. Mrs. Rose Cooray, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI sharing her views on the Group’s H1 performance, stated, “I’m extremely delighted to note that both HNBA and HNBGI have surpassed the market GWP growth and yet again managed to exceed all expectations. To be consistent and deliver exceptional results quarter after quarter makes HNBA Group very desirable to all our customers as well as our investors. The Group delivered a remarkable 22% growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP), achieving LKR 9.1 billion, a notable increase from the LKR 7.4 billion recorded in the same period last year. We also surpassed a significant milestone of LKR 45 billion in Total Assets, simultaneously reaching a LKR 38 billion for Investments in Financial Instruments.” Mrs. Cooray, further added, “I must make mention of the inspiring leadership provided by the two CEOs and their respective corporate management teams, who have consistently demonstrated the ability to swiftly adopt and navigate through any challenge that has come our way. Proactive measures and possessing strategic foresight, has not only guaranteed the seamless continuity of our operations but also positioned us to leverage on emerging opportunities, which I’m certain will help us build on the momentum created and end this year on a very high note.” Amidst the backdrop of a complicated economic landscape, the group’s focus on new business acquisition and the pursuit of simple yet strategic objectives, coupled with an empowered sales force, has paid off during the first half of the year. Reflecting on the company performance, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNBA, stated, "I’m extremely proud to note that HNBA recorded the one of the highest new business premium growth among the top 8 life insurance companies, achieving a total new business premium growth which is twice the industry's rate. Our GWP of 5.1Bn, recorded during the first half, is a 21% increase from the same period last year. Further, the Life Insurance Fund experienced impressive growth, surpassing the 4 billion mark to reach a substantial LKR 28.2 billion over the two quarters. I’m extremely thankful to my incredible sales force for this impressive feat, they have worked extremely hard to educate and earn the trust of our customers while delivering exceptional value which has been a standout feature of our performance this year.” Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNBGI, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We at HNBGI recorded a growth of 24% when compared to the same period last year. With a GWP in excess of LKR 4 billion achieved over the first half of the year, I’m extremely happy to note that this has helped us maintain our position as one of the companies with the highest growth rates within the top 10 General Insurance companies in the country.” Despite the challenges posed by the regulatory changes along with the raising costs, Mr. Jayasundara was positive that the company can overcome these hurdles. “Our resilience and proactive approach have always been our biggest strength and I firmly believe that our team is capable of overcoming any challenge that comes our way. Also, we have a few exciting product launches and other initiatives lined up for the final half of the year and I’m personally excited to see how they unfold.”
Oct
HNB Assurance PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Poornima Ranawaka as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board with effect from 01 October 2025.Poornima Ranawaka is a distinguished Attorney-at-Law with nearly 19 years of legal practice and more than 22 years of experience across the banking, Insurance, finance, and education sectors. She holds extensive expertise in litigation, risk management, regulatory compliance, human resources, and recoveries. Over the years, she has held several senior leadership positions, including Deputy General Manager – Compliance and Legal at Axis Bank Sri Lanka, Head of Compliance at Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited, and Consumer Litigation Manager at Nations Trust Bank PLC.She has been a trailblazer in her field, serving as Vice President and General Secretary of the Association of Compliance Officers of Banks, an Executive Member of the Risk Professionals Association, and a member of Sri Lanka's FATCA advisory committee. She also represented the country during the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluation in 2013. She is currently the General Secretary of the Alumni Association of Sri Lanka Law College.She holds prestigious academic and professional qualifications, including First Class Honours from Sri Lanka Law College and an LL.M. in International Trade Law from the University of Wales. She has also completed a postgraduate diploma in International Compliance from the University of Manchester. Additionally, she is an Associate Member of the International Compliance Association (UK). Her contributions to the field have earned her honorary professorships in Law Teaching from IEMS, India (ACTD, USA).Mrs. Ranawaka has fulfilled the requirements for her PhD in Management at Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia, and is currently awaiting her convocation. She is deeply committed to education, served as a Commercial Law lecturer and the Chief Examiner at Sri Lanka Law College. In addition, she served as the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Committee at Sri Lanka Law College from 2022 to 2024, playing a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the institution's academic framework. Her outstanding contributions to legal education were internationally recognized when she was awarded the prestigious International Achievers Award 2024 in India for her "Most Iconic Role in Law Teaching.
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Oct
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.
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Oct
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 organizationThe 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.
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