HNBA News

HNB Assurance PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Ananda Jayawardane as Non-Executive / Non-Independent Director with effect from 09th August 2024. 

Professor Ananda Jayawardane is currently a Senior Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, a Commission Member of the University Grants Commission, and a member of governing boards of several other public and private sector organisations. He recently completed his term as the Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC after serving nine years in its Board. He is also a past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, a past Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and a past Director General of the National Science Foundation.

He has extensive experience and expertise in corporate governance in public institutions & private corporates, banking, finance, strategy, leadership, institution building, policy making, science & technology and teaching in subject areas of planning, project management, technology management, technology transfer and negotiation. 

He is a Chartered Engineer, an International Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, a Fellow of the Institute of Project Managers, Sri Lanka, a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka, a Life Member of Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, a Graduate Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors and a Member of the Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka. He is also the past NDB Bank Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Moratuwa and a Past President of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. He has also served as a member of the governing Councils/Boards of National Science Foundation, Institute for Construction Training and Development, State Engineering Corporation, Post-graduate Institute of Management, Miloda Academy of Financial Studies, the Open University of Sri Lanka, Construction Industry Development Authority, Engineering Council of Sri Lanka and Green Building Council of Sri Lanka.

He has co-authored several textbooks and has published and presented over 85 research papers both locally and internationally and delivered memorial orations, convocation addresses and keynotes in many occasions.  He has received several awards for his research publications. He is also the recipient of the National Achiever’s Award  - 2013 under the category of Engineering by Lions Clubs International – District 306A1, the IESL President’s Award – 2012 and the Asia’s Education Excellence Award – 2016 for outstanding contribution to education, Sri Lanka Education Leadership Award – 2017 for education leadership, Sri Lanka Education Leadership Award – 2018 for outstanding contribution to education presented by World Education Congress and CMO Asia and “Eminence in Engineering” award – the highest, most prestigious life time award given by the IESL for eminence in practice of engineering – 2018.

HNB Assurance PLC was once again recognized for its ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women, helping them secure the prestigious "Sri Lanka's Most Outstanding Women Friendly Workplace" award at the Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2024 powered by AICPA & CIMA.

For the second consecutive year, HNB Assurance was honored with this esteemed accolade highlighting the organization’s efforts including the in.she initiative which drives the company’s employee wellbeing program, particularly targeting women, championing gender equity, work life balance and supporting their career advancement within the insurance industry. 

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, stated, “It is truly an honor to be recognized for our efforts in creating a workplace where women can grow and succeed. At HNB Assurance, we’ve always believed that diversity and inclusion are key to our strength as a company and this award shows that we’re on the right track. Our recent Great Place to Work certification is further proof of our commitment in this regard.”

In addition to the company’s recognition, Padma Dissanayake, Senior Manager Technical was recognized as the Most Outstanding Female of the Sri Lankan Workplace, marking another milestone for the organization in promoting women leaders.

“I also take this opportunity congratulate Padma Dissanayake on being named Most Outstanding Female Employee, which I’m certain will serve as an inspiration to all. I must also say a big thank you to the HR team along with the members of the in.she committee for steering these initiatives within the organization” added, Mr. Wimalaratne.

Mr. Navin Rupasinghe, Head of Human Resources at HNB Assurance, stated, “Winning this award again clearly shows that our efforts to create a women-friendly workplace are truly making an impact. We’ve placed great importance on ensuring that our workplace is one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive equally. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing ahead and it’s rewarding to know that the work we’re doing is being noticed and making a real difference. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Satyn Magazine for this recognition, as it validates our efforts and drives us to continue building a more inclusive future for all our employees.”

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) proudly joins the Insurance Month celebrations with a renewed pledge to safeguard the financial well-being and aspirations of all Sri Lankans. Despite being a relatively young company, HNB Assurance has shown remarkable growth over the years, especially the past three years, earning the trust and confidence of its policyholders.

From health to home, travel to trade, savings to investments, HNB Assurance as a group as well as a standalone Life Insurance company has developed products which not only covers potential risks but also adapt to the ever-changing landscape, ensuring that every policyholder receives the protection they require.

Sri Lanka has significant potential for increased insurance penetration when compared to its neighboring countries, as many citizens are yet to fully grasp the long-term benefits of insurance.

Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, sharing his thoughts on the importance of Insurance Month and the company's vision for the future, stated, “Insurance Month is an opportunity for us to come together as an industry and reaffirm our commitment of the valuable service we provide. I truly believe that Life Insurance companies, including HNB Assurance, have a pivotal role to play in bridging this gap.” 

Over the years, HNB Assurance has focused on increasing awareness and accessibility with the aim of making a meaningful impact on the lives of Sri Lankans and also contributed to the nation's progress even by supporting SMEs and other businesses.

“By embracing new distribution channels, entering into mutual beneficial partnerships and leveraging technology, we have significantly expanded our reach and improved service delivery,” Mr. Wimalaratne added. “Our commitment to innovation is driven by our desire to better serve our customers and to be at the forefront of the industry. We believe that by utilizing data and advanced analytics, we can offer personalized solutions that accurately identify and evaluates risks, providing our customers with the best possible protection. This customer-centric approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also strengthens the overall resilience and growth of our community. As we look ahead, I for one am excited about the future of the insurance industry in terms of making a positive impact on the lives of all Sri Lankans”

In terms of its financial performance during the first half of 2024, HNB Assurance has maintained a growth well ahead of the industry average, achieving a total Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 6.4 Bn, representing a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. The company’s life fund also grew significantly, rising from LKR 30.6 Bn to LKR 35.2 Bn. The company also paid out a total of LKR 1.5 Bn in maturities and claims. Furthermore, new business premium saw an increase of 39%, while long-term endowment grew by 24%. HNB Assurance's total assets have now reached LKR 47.6 Bn, showcasing its strong financial performance and commitment to securing the future of its policyholders.