HNBA News

HNB Assurance PLC, recognized as Sri Lanka’s Best Life Bancassurance Provider for five consecutive years by Global Banking and Finance Review, has entered a strategic partnership with the State Mortgage & Investment Bank (SMIB), marking the beginning of a bancassurance collaboration.

This partnership aims to offer tailored insurance solutions to SMIB’s valued customer base, enhancing accessibility and protection through financial synergy. Having already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer Decreasing Term Assurance (DTA) solutions, the collaboration now moves into full implementation, strengthening HNBA’s reach through SMIB’s island-wide branch network. This partnership is expected to play a vital role in delivering comprehensive financial protection to customers, with customized life insurance solutions to meet evolving needs.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Mr. Lasitha Wimalarathne, Executive Director / CEO of HNB Assurance, stated, “This partnership is a timely step forward in our journey to expand bancassurance reach across Sri Lanka. SMIB’s strong customer base and trusted reputation make them an ideal partner. As a company recognized as the Best Life Bancassurance Provider for five consecutive years, we look forward to offering their customers seamless, meaningful protection solutions that align with their life goals. I would also like to congratulate all the teams who worked tirelessly in ensuring that this partnership was brought to life.”

Mr. Thushara Asuramanna General Manager / CEO of SMIB, added, “Our aim has always been to deliver value-driven services to our customers. Partnering with HNB Assurance, an industry leader in providing bancassurance solutions, enables us to enhance our offering with customized protection solutions. We believe this collaboration will add significant value to our customers’ financial journeys.”

Also sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer / GM – Partnerships, HNB Assurance, opined, “Bancassurance remains a critical channel in driving insurance penetration. This partnership with SMIB is a strategic move to widen our presence and offer personalized protection to more Sri Lankans. With SMIB’s deep community ties and our innovation-led approach, we are confident of delivering impactful results. My sincere thanks to the management of SMIB for their continuous support extended.”

HNB Assurance PLC was recognized with two significant accolades at the National Business Excellence Awards 2025, hosted by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance was crowned Winner in the Insurance Sector, while also being awarded Runner-Up in Excellence in Local Market Reach, a prestigious national-level award, affirming the company’s strong performance, both in terms of delivering business excellence within the insurance industry and deepening its presence across diverse local markets through impactful customer engagement and service delivery.

The National Business Excellence Awards is a premier awards program that evaluates and celebrates business entities in Sri Lanka that have demonstrated excellence across key dimensions including leadership, market performance, corporate governance, capacity building and social responsibility. The dual recognition marks a major milestone in HNB Assurance’s journey of consistent performance and commitment to delivering value to its stakeholders.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated “Being recognized at such a respected platform is both an honour and a humbling reminder of the responsibility we carry. Winning the award for the Insurance Sector reflects our strength as a business, the strategic clarity of our vision, and the tireless dedication of our people. Meanwhile, being acknowledged for Excellence in Local Market Reach at a National Level, is a testament to efforts made by our sales force and the impact we have created across Sri Lanka from urban centres to underserved rural communities. Our purpose has always been to protect lives and empower futures and these recognitions inspire us to aim even higher. Finally, my sincere thanks to the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka for providing this esteemed platform and for recognizing our efforts, honours such as these inspire us to continue making a meaningful difference.”

Over the years, HNB Assurance has embraced a people-first approach, transforming the insurance experience through innovation, digital integration and a deep understanding of evolving customer needs. The company’s agile business model and nationwide presence have enabled it to build enduring relationships with individuals, families and businesses. In recent years, HNBA has also made strategic investments in customer experience, claims process enhancement and inclusive product development. Beyond business success, HNB Assurance continues to play an active role in corporate sustainability, with its initiatives spanning health, education and environmental protection, ensuring its growth contributes meaningfully to the wider social fabric of Sri Lanka.

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.