HNBA News

HNB Assurance PLC was recognized as one of the most outstanding mom-inclusive workplaces, solidifying its efforts towards promoting inclusivity and equality in the insurance industry. This recognition was announced at the inaugural Mom Leaders Conference, organized by Parenthood Global.

In addition to the company’s recognition, five exceptional mom leaders from HNB Assurance were acknowledged at the conference, for their remarkable contributions both within the organization and in their personal lives as dedicated mothers. 

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, stated, "This acknowledgment reflects on our focus on creating a workplace where every employee, especially mothers, can thrive. At HNB Assurance, we believe that providing the right support and flexibility not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to our overall success as a company."

Mr. Navin Rupasinghe, Head of HR at HNB Assurance, added, "We are honored to be recognized as a mom-inclusive workplace. Our policies are designed with the understanding that work-life balance is essential for our team members. By offering a range of supportive measures and initiatives, we aim to empower our employees to achieve their full potential, both at work and at home."

HNB Assurance's success is the result of a range of forward-thinking initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. The company has introduced several progressive policies that reflect its commitment to the growth and development of all employees. These include the in.she program, caregiver leave, extended maternity leave, paternity leave, career guidance workshops, and the reimbursement of professional memberships and exam fees. Through these measures, HNB Assurance ensures that every employee, regardless of gender, has the support and resources needed to succeed both professionally and personally.

HNB Assurance PLC is pleased to extend its partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in supporting the Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO Sri Lanka) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) by committing to an additional 15 hectares of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) removal within the Lunugamvehera National Park over the next three years.

This programme, focuses on the removal of Lantana Camara (S. Gandapana) and Eupatorium odoratum (S. Podi Singho Maran), which have been rapidly spreading and disrupting the native ecosystem across 900 hectares, creating a sustainable livelihood and a sense of ownership for the community around this national park. Further, this initiative is expected to mitigate the human-elephant conflict by restoring vital grazing areas for elephants, which rely on Lunugamvehera as a critical migratory route between Yala and Udawalawa forest reserves.

Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance PLC, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating "our partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka has shown remarkable results in the past through this project and we are committed to deepening our engagement to amplify the impact we can further create. As a company, ‘protection’ is in the core of everything we do, thus, this project serves as an extension to this commitment - fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the wildlife, enabling the surrounding communities to live and let live.”

Mrs Shiranee Yasaratne, Senior Advisor at Biodiversity Sri Lanka, sharing her thoughts on the extended partnership, opined, "The commitment of HNB Assurance to this cause is truly commendable. Their continued support allows FEO Sri Lanka to make significant strides in combating invasive alien species and restoring the natural balance within Lunugamvehera National Park. This project not only benefits the environment but also enriches the lives of local communities through employment and education and BSL is a proud facilitator of this support”

The initial year of the project, will see the most labor-intensive phase with the primary removal of IAPS. The following two years will involve maintenance cycles to eliminate new seeds and plants. 

Mr. Dinesh Yogaratnam, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer / General Manager, added, “When we first signed up for this project in 2023, we quickly realized the profound impact it could have on both the environment and the local communities. Seeing the positive changes first hand reinforced our commitment to this cause. We are excited to extend our partnership and continue contributing to the restoration of native flora and the overall health of our ecosystem. We believe that by working closely with BSL and other partners, we can certainly achieve this and create a sustainable future."

“We are always very grateful for the support we receive from our sponsors and partners in conserving this beautiful country. Our special thanks to HNB Assurance and Bio Diversity Sri Lanka in coming forward once again to support this important initiative”, said Mr Keith Wijesuriya, Chair of FEO Sri Lanka.

HNB Assurance PLC unveiled the results of its recent survey, conducted in partnership with Great Place to Work. The findings revealed an impressive Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 38%, drastically outpacing the international average of 27%, within the insurance industry. The eNPS is a critical metric that measures employee satisfaction and loyalty, providing valuable insights into the overall health of the organization. It reflects how likely employees are to recommend their workplace to others, serving as a key indicator of engagement and morale. 

Over the past few years, HNB Assurance has experienced an impressive growth trajectory, achieving and maintaining double the rate of the industry's growth. With the company keen on sustaining this steady advance, it is crucial to continually understand and nurture its internal health. This is where the eNPS proves invaluable, offering valuable insights into employee sentiment and identifying areas for improvement.

Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, expressing his thoughts stated, "This exceptional eNPS score is not just a number, it reflects the deep engagement and satisfaction of our employees – which I’m extremely proud of. It also speaks volumes about the positive work environment we have cultivated, where every team member feels valued and empowered. As we set out to attain our ambitious target of reaching 10% market share by 2026, our people remain the heart of this journey, propelling us toward our goals with their relentless passion and drive. I must also add that this achievement is not a one-time event but the result of a progressive journey. Over the years, we have invested and meticulously curated initiatives, benchmarking both global and local best practices, to continually enhance our internal environment and achieve this significant milestone."

The company’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards, including being named one of the 70 Best Workplaces in Asia in 2022. Additionally, HNB Assurance received the Women-Friendly Workplace Awards 2023, hosted by Satyn Magazine, AICPA and CIMA. The organization was also honored as a Company with Great Managers in both 2023 and 2024.

Mr. Navin Rupasinghe, Head of HR at HNB Assurance, elaborated on the initiatives contributing to this success, "We place immense value on the voices of our employees, recognizing that their insights are crucial to our growth. In terms of development, we offer extensive training and career development opportunities to ensure that our employees are continuously growing and advancing in their careers. Our holistic wellness initiatives, including the In.She program, caregiver leave, paternity leave and education reimbursements, are all integral parts of our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. These initiatives are designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and help us foster a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. As we move forward, we want to attract the best talent and continue to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our employees, while ensuring that HNB Assurance remains a great place to work for everyone."