Reaching another significant milestone in its journey, HNB Assurance PLC Group celebrated its 20th Year Anniversary recently. Incorporated in 2001 and listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2003 the Company has grown over the years and is present to serve people across the country. Having commenced business as a composite insurer, keeping in line with the segregation rules, HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) floated HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) in 2015, as its fully owned subsidiary, which took on the general insurance business while HNBA retained the life business. The Group has always focused on consolidated growth, delivering a tangible value proposition to all its stakeholders. Both HNBA & HNBGI had their ratings upgraded to A+ by Fitch, auguring well for the Group’s financial strength and soundness.
Sharing her views on this significant milestone, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI, Mrs. Rose Cooray stated, “The 20th Year Anniversary of a relationship, friendship or a business is a cause for celebration for many reasons. Having journeyed together with our customers, employees, and shareholders for two decades, the Group has reached many a milestone, achieving stellar heights and creating a tangible and real difference in the lives of people. Being in the business of protection, we have served and taken care of thousands of policyholders and their loved ones, providing a shield of protection and armor of confidence to face the uncertainties and challenges in life. Both Life and General Insurance businesses have transformed significantly during the past 20 years, growing to be a Group with a turnover of over LKR 10 Billion. Whilst expressing my sincere gratitude to all our customers, investors, and other stakeholders for being with us during the past two decades, I assure you that the Group is geared to move forward with much greater financial stability, innovation, efficiency and the highest quality in service delivery, with the aim of setting new benchmarks in the industry, whist taking care of you and your loved ones”.
Mr. Prasantha Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI expressed his words stating, “Over the past 20 years, both HNBA and HNBGI have grown from strength to strength, consolidating its footprint in the industry, seizing every growth opportunity, and introducing innovative products to meet the needs of protection, savings, education, health and retirement on the life side, as well as complete bouquet of products on the GI side. The success mantra of the Group has always been the focus given to the needs of our policyholders and their loved ones, for the last two decades, we’ve honored our promise to each and every policyholder. I am proud of our HNBA & HNBGI teams for what they have achieved as at date. Ours is resilient outfit focusing on consolidated growth and value creation. During the past 20 years, the Group has given back and taken care of the community through various CSR initiatives, including the Group’s award-winning Water Stewardship Initiative, under which drinking water facilities were provided to over 60 rural schools in different parts of the country. In addition to this, the Group has undertaken several other initiatives to take care of our community including the recent donations of urgently needed medical supplies and equipment to several hospitals to help combat the current pandemic”. Mr. Fernando continued, “Whilst saying thank you to every policyholder, to every staff member and to every shareholder for their well placed trust in us, I wish to reiterate that under the guidance of a dynamic team of leaders, the Group will continue to grow and further expand its footprint in the market, providing innovate life and general insurance solutions to help you live life to the fullest”.
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.
Jun
HNB Assurance Group (HNB Assurance and HNB General Insurance) delivered an outstanding performance in the first quarter of 2025, continuing its growth momentum and building on the success achieved in the previous year. The Group reported LKR 8 billion in GWP (Gross Written Premium): a 30% increase when compared to the same period last year and paid LKR 1.7 billion in Net Insurance Benefits and Claims during the first three months of 2025.“Our focus has always been simple, grow our reach and give more value to our customers,” stated Mr. Stuart Chapman, Chairman of HNB Assurance and HNB General Insurance. “We have seen this approach really work for us, helping us stay competitive and continue the incredible growth we have maintained over the past several years. Whilst the Group’s GWP grew by an impressive 30%, the bottom line too grew by 28% to surpass the LKR 300 million mark during the period under review. Total Assets increased by LKR 5.7 billion, bringing the total assets of the group to LKR 68.1 billion. In addition, the group’s Financial Investments rose by LKR 3 billion during the period under review. This steady and consistent progress across the board indicates we are on the right track and on a good trajectory for the years to come. Commenting on the company’s Q1 performance, HNB Assurance CEO Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne acknowledged the team's hard work and strategic focus that contributed to these positive results. “Our Life Insurance business has continued its upward momentum, posting a Gross Written Premium of LKR 4.5 billion, a 36% increase compared to the same period last year. We are also proud to have grown our New Business Premiums by 37% and to have seen a 34% increase in long-term Endowment policies, when compared to last year.” He further highlighted the growth of the Life Insurance Fund, which surpassed LKR 41 billion in Q1, increasing by over LKR 3 billion within the quarter. Looking ahead, Mr. Wimalaratne emphasized the company’s readiness for upcoming regulatory and technological advancements. “As we gear up for the implementation of SLFRS 17 and continue to roll out our digital initiatives, we are positioning ourselves to deliver even better service to our customers while unlocking new growth opportunities.”Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, Chief Executive Officer of HNB General Insurance, shared his thoughts on the HNBGI’s performance. “The first quarter plays a pivotal role in shaping our momentum for the year, and I’m pleased to share that we have had a strong start, where we achieved the highest growth amongst the top 10 General Insurance companies, reaching a market share of 9.1%. Our Gross Written Premium reached LKR 3.6 billion, reflecting a 23% increase against an industry growth of 2% when compared to the same period last year. While the industry showed a degrowth in the non-motor segment, we delivered a remarkable 43% upthrust, reaching LKR 2.3 billion. On the financial front, we are pleased to report that our total assets have grown to LKR 11.9 billion, a clear reflection of our sustained financial stability and prudent management. During the same period, we paid over LKR 950 million in claims, standing by our customers when they need us the most. Despite the challenging external environment, we also recorded a 12% increase in profits, an encouraging sign that our strategies are delivering results. Looking ahead, now that vehicle imports are allowed, we see new opportunities for growth in the motor segment as well and with the progress we have made so far in other segments, we are confident that there's a lot to look forward to in the future.”
Read MoreMay
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) has once again reaffirmed its industry leadership in Bancassurance by securing the title of "Best Life Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka" for the fifth consecutive year, awarded by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK. Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance, expressed his thoughts on this milestone, stating, “Being named the Best Life Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka for the fifth year in a row is not just an honor, it is a reflection of the enduring partnerships we have built especially with our parent company Hatton National Bank along with the passion of our teams. This accolade speaks volumes of our consistent efforts to elevate standards in bancassurance. Our teams continue to innovate, collaborate and break boundaries to deliver meaningful solutions to our customers. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the management of Hatton National Bank and our other partners for their continued guidance and support.”Highlighting the pivotal role of the Partnership Channel, Mr. Wimalaratne further added,“As we accelerate towards our goal of capturing a 10% market share, the Partnership Channel remains central to our growth strategy. Congratulations to the teams involved, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and am excited about the journey ahead.”Mr. Supun Dias, Senior Vice President - Network Management at Hatton National Bank, congratulated the team at HNBA, stating, “To witness HNBA win this prestigious title for five consecutive years is truly inspiring. It is a testament to the strength and synergy of our long-standing partnership. As a Group, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering superior value to our clients. Congratulations to HNBA and everyone involved in achieving this exceptional feat.”Also sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer – Partnerships at HNB Assurance, remarked, “This milestone is the direct result of the dedication our teams and tireless efforts they have made to deliver value to our policyholders. The Partnerships team at HNBA, together with our banking partners, especially Hatton National Bank, have been instrumental in shaping this success story. I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to the HNB Branch Management, HNB Bank Network Management along our valued customers for their trust placed on us. This fifth win reinforces our drive to deliver excellence and as we move forward we will continue to strive to reach even greater heights.
Read MoreMay
Strengthening its footprint across Sri Lanka, HNB Assurance PLC officially opened its newest branch in Jaffna, located at No. 521, Point Pedro Road, Nallur. With this addition, the company now operates 11 branches in the North emphasizing the company’s ongoing efforts to bring its life insurance solutions closer to communities in the Northern Province, making protection and financial planning more accessible than ever before. The new Jaffna branch will serve as a hub for customers in the region, delivering personalized insurance services with the hallmark trust, care and professionalism the company is known for.Speaking at the branch opening, Mr. Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “We are indeed excited to further strengthen our footprint in the Northern Province with the opening of this new branch in Jaffna. With multiple touchpoints already established in the region, our growing presence allows us to better serve the evolving needs of our customers and create even closer relationships with the communities we operate in. We remain dedicated to being a trusted partner in their journey towards a more secure and resilient future.”Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. Harindra Ramasinghe, Chief Business Officer – Advisor Distribution Channel of HNB Assurance PLC, commented, “With the opening of our newest branch in Jaffna, we now operate over 70 physical branches across the island and with this new branch opening we have reaffirmed our belief in the strategic importance of the Northern Province to our growth journey. We have always recognized Jaffna as a key region with immense potential and we are proud to strengthen our connection with its people. My sincere thanks to the Distribution Management team and all the other support teams for their efforts in helping us open this branch.”The newly inaugurated Jaffna branch is now open to serve customers from Monday to Friday, offering expert guidance and tailored life insurance solutions to meet diverse needs.
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