HNB Assurance PLC achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the coveted "Best of Sri Lanka" award at the 37th Annual International ARC Awards, recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious competition for annual reports, held in New York. This significant achievement underlines the company's commitment to excellence in corporate reporting. The Annual International ARC Awards, honors organizations worldwide for their exceptional annual report publications setting the benchmark of annual reports. HNB Assurance's recognition of the all-encompassing 'Best of Sri Lanka' award, spanning across every sector, resonated with the very essence of its Annual Report's theme, 'Above All, We Rise' underscoring the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and our ability to surpass every challenge. Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, expressed his delight at this accomplishment, stating, "I’m extremely proud of this recognition, to be named as the ‘Best of Sri Lanka’ across all sectors is definitely no easy task, especially when you are up against companies of all scales in the county. This award reflects our dedication to transparency and our commitment to providing clear and comprehensive report to our stakeholders, in a creative manner. This achievement certainly highlights the hard work and diligence of our entire team. My sincere appreciation to both our internal teams as well our agency partner Emagewise Pvt Ltd." CEO of HNB General Insurance, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, sharing similar sentiments opined, “Our journey at HNB Assurance Group has always been marked by our commitment to provide the best for our stakeholders, be it our customers, shareholders, employees or the communities we serve. This award for the 2022 annual report reaffirms our belief and motivates us as a group to continue on this journey where we strive towards excellence. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the teams involved for their exceptional efforts in elevating the HNBA group to be recognized as the ‘Best of Sri Lanka’. Ms. Punsirini Perera, CFO of HNB Assurance, emphasized the importance of transparent financial reporting, saying, "Trust is the cornerstone of the insurance industry. You can only be successful as a company when you earn the trust of your stakeholders. Being transparent helps you earn this trust and we have always believed in delivering financial reports that not only meet regulatory requirements but also engage and inform our shareholders, whereby earning their trust. I am very grateful to our team and to Emagewise for their tireless efforts which helped us earn this prestigious recognition."
Jul
In a move towards reimagining the future of accessible, digital-first healthcare, HNB Assurance PLC and Flash Health entered a partnership to enhance the wellness experience for policyholders. This collaboration brings together the trust and legacy of one of Sri Lanka’s leading insurance providers with the innovation and agility of a health-tech disruptor, creating a future where wellness is not just promised, but truly delivered.Under this partnership, HNB Assurance policyholders will gain seamless access to Flash Health’s full ecosystem of digital healthcare services, including medicine delivery, lab testing, doctor consultations, and more, all through a convenient and user-friendly mobile app. This ensures that wellness is no longer reactive, but proactive, accessible, and empowering.HNB Assurance’s Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer, Lasitha Wimalaratne, stated, “This collaboration is a natural extension of our commitment to deliver value beyond traditional insurance. By integrating Flash Health’s capabilities, we enable our customers to manage their health proactively, making insurance a safety net and a platform for ongoing wellness.”“At Flash Health, we believe that good health shouldn’t begin at the hospital, it should start at home,” said Arshad Ameer, Founder of Flash Health. “This partnership marks a bold step in our mission to make healthcare accessible, timely, and personalised for every Sri Lankan. Together with HNB Assurance, we are creating an experience that puts people first, where policyholders don’t just receive cover, they receive care.”With policyholders across the country, this partnership is expected to touch thousands of lives, offering timely access to healthcare, reducing waiting times, and improving the quality of life, especially for the elderly, chronically ill, and time-constrained working professionals.
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In a year that marked new milestones and continued momentum, HNB Assurance brought together its team from around the island, for the 2025 Staff Conference, an evening dedicated to celebrating its people and the values that fuel the company’s remarkable rise. With over 850 team members in attendance, the event was graced by Chairman Mr. Stuart Chapman as the Chief Guest, alongside members of the Board of Directors, making it a truly memorable gathering.Held under the theme of “United, Bold, Victorious” the event wasn’t just a look back at accomplishments, it was a celebration of the individuals behind them. From honoring years of loyal service to applauding those pushing boundaries across teams and disciplines, the night was a powerful reminder of why HNB Assurance continues to thrive.The highlight of the evening was a series of recognitions that reflected the company’s holistic approach to success. The Long Service Awards honored those who have dedicated over 15 years to HNB Assurance’s journey. The Chairman’s Award recognized employees who have truly redefined excellence. The In.she Woman Empowerment Award celebrated women breaking barriers, while the CEO’s Special Recognition Award honored teams and individuals achieving extraordinary success outside their formal roles – including in sports and collaborative business innovations.Addressing the gathering, Executive Director / CEO Lasitha Wimalaratne reflected on the year and the collective effort that continues to drive HNB Assurance forward “We are not just building a business. We are building a culture of purpose, integrity and shared ambition. Over the past few years, we have grown at twice the pace of the industry, not because of chance, but because of our people, their commitment and belief in what we are building together. I couldn’t be prouder to lead this team.”Mr. Navin Rupasinghe, Deputy General Manager / Head of Human Resources, sharing his thoughts, stated, “This conference is a celebration of growth, but more importantly, of gratitude. It is about recognizing the culture we have created, one where people feel valued, empowered and inspired. Every award handed out tonight carries a story of hard work. As we continue to raise the bar, it is clear that our greatest asset will always be our people. This year also marks a significant milestone with the official launch of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework, reinforcing our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, which is another step toward building an environment where every individual can thrive.”
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A key leadership announcement was made as Lasitha Wimalaratne has been appointed as an Executive Director/CEO of HNB Assurance PLC, while Sithumina Jayasundara has been appointed as an Executive Director/CEO of HNB General Insurance Limited.Both Lasitha Wimalaratne and Sithumina Jayasundara presently serve as the Chief Executive Officers of HNB Assurance PLC and HNB General Insurance Limited, respectively.Speaking on their appointment, Stuart Chapman, Chairman of HNB Assurance PLC and HNB General Insurance Ltd, stated “I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to both Lasitha and Sithumina on their appointment to the respective Boards. Their leadership and contributions to both companies have been instrumental in driving growth and stability across the businesses, and I am confident that their appointment will further strengthen our strategic direction and enhance shareholder value.”Lasitha Wimalaratne has overall over 27 years of career experience with 24 years in the field of Life Insurance inclusive of 7 years of multinational experience at Aviva and AIA groups and 3 years of retail Sales and Marketing exposure in London.Prior to joining HNB Assurance PLC he functioned as the General Manager - Life Operations and Specified Officer at Softlogic Life Insurance PLC. Lasitha Joined HNB Assurance PLC in 2019 and served in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer and Principal Officer prior to being appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC. Lasitha holds a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Wales, UK and a B. A. (Hons) Degree in Business Studies from the University of Sunderland, UK. He is a Chartered Insurer and a Fellow Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII). Lasitha is also a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK (ACIM). Lasitha functions as the President of the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) and served as the President of the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute (SLII) for the period of 2019-2021. Further, he was the Founder Secretary General of the Chartered Insurance Professionals (ACIP) and served as a Council Member until March 2021. Lasitha also was a Board Director of Biodiversity Sri LankaSithumina Jayasundara, has over 27 years of experience in the Sri Lankan insurance landscape. His journey began with leadership roles in Non-Life insurance business at prestigious companies like Asian Alliance, MBSL, Janashakthi, and Eagle Insurance. He further broadened his expertise through international training programmes and conferences, specialising in Re-insurance. In 2014, Sithumina joined HNB General Insurance Limited, quickly rising through the ranks. He was appointed to the Group Executive Committee in 2015 and subsequently took on the responsibilities of Chief Technical Officer, Specified Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Principal Officer. Beyond his corporate achievements, Sithumina actively contributes to the industry’s development. He was the Past President of the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute (SLII) and is a founding Council Member of The Association of Chartered Insurance Professionals (ACIP) in Sri Lanka. He also serves on the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL). Sithumina’s academic qualifications are equally impressive. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK, and is the Sri Lanka award winner of the Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII - UK) and is a Chartered Insurer. Additionally, he holds the Senior Associateship of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance. He also currently serves as a member of the Expert Advisory Committee for the InsurInnovator Connect Global Series Events – Asia 2025.
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