Reaffirming the strength and stability of HNB Assurance PLC Group, Fitch Ratings upgraded the ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ (IFS) of both HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) from ‘A(lka)’ to ‘A+(lka)’ citing stable outlooks.
The Rating Actions Commentary issued by Fitch on the 3rd of June 2021 states “The upgrade reflects the insurers' improved capital position, as measured by strong regulatory risk-based capital (RBC) ratios. The ratings also take into account the insurers' 'Favourable' business profiles and a sustained improvement in their non-life underwriting performance, while maintaining satisfactory earnings in its life insurance operation”.
Sharing her views, Chairperson of HNB Assurance PLC Group, Mrs. Rose Cooray stated, “This indeed is another significant achievement for HNB Assurance as well as HNB General Insurance and demonstrates very clearly to the market the singular focus of both companies on maintaining and building their strength and stability. HNBA’s Life Fund has exceeded LKR 17.8 BN, HNBGI’s Contract Liabilities stood at LKR 3.5 BN while the Total Assets of the Group surpassed LKR 32.9 BN by the end of the first quarter of 2021.” Mrs. Cooray further went on to state, “For our Group, it’s not business at any cost, rather, our drive is towards consolidated growth being driven through the focus on key business fundamentals and a prudent outlook to risk underwriting.” She further noted, “this rating upgrade augurs well for the soundness of strategies that have been crafted for both companies as well as for the capability and business acumen of the Management Teams. This will no doubt fortify our position in the market as a solid player and further infuse confidence in the mindset of key stakeholders to transact with both the Companies. I wish to thank each and every member of both teams for their dedication and commitment especially during these trying times that has enabled us to receive this upgrade in ratings by Fitch”.
Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI, Mr. Prasantha Fernando shared his thoughts stating, “We are delighted to announce the news of this upgrade to all our stakeholders. The ratings of HNBA and HNBGI have been upgraded by Fitch Ratings upon reviewing the business profiles, the improved capital position, and the sustainable underwriting performance of both entities. Further, an upgrade of this nature demonstrates our consolidated financial strength, low business risk and solid operational performance. Whist thanking Fitch Ratings for this recognition and all our stakeholders for being with us throughout our journey, it is with great reassurance I state that the management of both entities remain confident of driving our performance up further and are well positioned for growth.” Mr. Fernando added “I am happy to note that the Group recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 3.2 BN for the first quarter of 2021. The Life Insurance business posted a remarkable 51% growth in GWP achieving LKR 1.6 BN and the General Insurance business recorded a GWP of LKR 1.6 BN marking a 27% growth. It is noteworthy to mention that the market rank of HNBGI has improved by one notch to the 7th position during the quarter with the growth in GWP.” Mr. Fernando further stated “the contribution of our Parent Company HNB too has helped us in this achievement and I am truly grateful to the Bank’s Corporate Management and the members of its branch network for all the support that they have given us.” Speaking on the contribution of the team, Mr. Fernando stated “each and every member of the HNBA and HNBGI teams have played a part in contributing towards this achievement, I am truly grateful and thankful to every single one of them for rallying around the Group and giving their best at all times. This upgrade has us all energized, excited and invigorated, and will, I am sure, further bolster the drive and passion of every team member to do better during these difficult times”.
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.
Nov
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) has announced a strong financial performance for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, posting a 38% year-on-year growth in Life Insurance Gross Written Premium (GWP), which is the highest growth among life insurers in Sri Lanka. This exceptional performance underscores the company’s unshakeable tenacity for pushing the envelope of performance, disciplined execution, and unwavering commitment to providing protection and savings solutions that meet the evolving needs of Sri Lankan families. The Life Insurance business generated a Gross Written Premium of Rs. 13.74 billion for the period, compared to Rs. 9.97 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, reflecting a sharp increase of 38%. Total assets of the Company grew to Rs. 63.2 billion, up 18% from Rs. 53.4 billion a year earlier, while the Life Fund expanded by 24% to Rs. 47.4 billion from Rs. 38.3 billion in December 2024, signaling both strong topline growth and prudent fund management. Profit before tax excluding Life Surplus Transfer stood at Rs. 876 million, reflecting an increase of 13%, while profit after tax rose to Rs. 617 million, up 12% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Net claims and benefits incurred to policyholders during the period amounted to Rs. 3.25 billion, compared to Rs. 2.12 billion last year which is an impressive increase of 54%, reaffirming HNB Assurance’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling its obligations and supporting customers when it matters most. The Company’s investment portfolio also grew to Rs. 57.3 billion, compared to Rs. 48.5 billion a year earlier, delivering healthy investment income on account of strong yields from fixed-income securities and a diversified asset mix. Commenting on the company’s performance, Mr. Stuart Chapman, Chairman of HNB Assurance PLC and HNB General Insurance Limited, stated, “We are proud to see HNB Assurance deliver yet another quarter of exceptional growth, driven primarily by the strength of our Life business. This level of performance reflects the trust that customers have placed in our brand and the disciplined financial management that continues to underpin our long-term stability. At a Group level, we remain focused on sustainable growth and resilience, ensuring that we continue to generate consistent value for all stakeholders with GWP reaching Rs. 21.9 billion, up 32% from the corresponding period last year. ” Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, added, “Our 38% growth in Life GWP represents one of the strongest performances in the industry and reflects the depth of our strategy in expanding customer reach and enhancing value. Our agency and bancassurance channels continue to deliver impressive traction, complemented by new product offerings that address real customer needs. We have also seen a notable increase in policy persistency, demonstrating customer confidence and satisfaction.” He further commented, “Our focus remains on balancing growth with financial prudence. The increase in our Life Fund, together with our strong solvency position and steady profit growth, reinforces our ability to deliver long-term security to policyholders. Claims payments have risen in line with our growing portfolio, which is a healthy indicator of our expanding customer base and our timely settlement culture. We are committed to maintaining this momentum through continued innovation, operational excellence, and a customer-first approach.”
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Nov
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) proudly celebrated its outstanding achievers who were recognized at the prestigious National Sales Awards 2025, organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). The event recognized the best sales professionals across industries, and the team from HNBA once again demonstrated their excellence and passion for performance.This year, five exceptional individuals brought pride to the organization by securing top honors in multiple categories. Dinushika Rathnayake was awarded Gold in the Front Liner category, while Priyanka Kamalani also claimed Gold in the Sales Supervisors category. Ravichandran Senthujan and Kethaki Anuradha both earned Bronze in the Territory Manager and Other Sales Support categories respectively, and Tharindu Munasinghe received a Merit Award in Sales Support (Manager & Above).Speaking on this remarkable achievement, Mr. Lasitha Wimalarathne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our people are the heart of our success. These awards are a true reflection of the dedication and spirit of excellence our sales teams embody every day. Competing on a national stage and emerging victorious is no small feat, it showcases not only individual brilliance but the collective strength of HNB Assurance as a performance-driven organization. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and I must also make mention of the incredible sales training team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our sales force is equipped with the tools, skills and knowledge to perform to the best of their ability.”The National Sales Awards remains one of the most respected platforms in Sri Lanka that recognizes sales excellence, rewarding individuals who deliver exceptional results and elevate industry standards.
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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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