HNB launches ‘HelaSaviya’ to record a first in history of apparel & finance

HNB Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo handing over the first Hela branded credit card to Hela Clothing Chairman Dian Gomes. Also present are from left: Hela Clothing Managing Director Harsha Gunaratne, HNB Retail & SME Banking Deputy General Manager Thimal Perera and HNB Corporate Banking Deputy General Manager Ruwa Manatunga

Hatton National Bank, which has been at the forefront of innovative banking in Sri Lanka for several decades, launched yet another unique banking solution exclusively for the staff of Hela Clothing. Aimed at strengthening the company’s hardworking staff, the HelaSaviya program aims to offer them banking facilities to realise their aspirations towards a better life.

Traditionally, a garment factory worker would not be considered a credit-worthy customer by a bank. Over the years however, HNB has created a tradition of investing in human capital and supporting the vital cogs of Sri Lanka’s economy. It is a tradition built on the simple philosophy of taking banking beyond transactions.

Today Hatton National Bank has progressed from being the banking partner of the Hela Group of Companies to a financial partner of the entire Hela Family.

Outlining the aspects of the offering, HNB Retail & SME Banking Deputy General Manager Thimal Perera said: “The ‘HelaSaviya’ program brings to all employees of the Hela Group, greater access to the products and services of Hatton National Bank through its extensive branch and ATM network across the country, as well as a large array of offers from partner merchants.  On the identification of being a member of the Hela Family, HNB staff at any of our branches across Sri Lanka will accord to them the special facilities available to Hela Family members.”

This unique banking proposition, unlike any other offered by a bank, includes savings accounts, debit cards, a co-branded credit card, a one-of-a-kind leasing proposition and special rates on personal loans, housing loans and microfinance. 

Additionally, HNB has brought together industry leaders in their respective fields to bring a truly unique banking proposition for the employees of the Hela Group which will see Abans offering discounts on direct purchases or swipes when purchasing home appliances and electronic appliances; Next Campus offering attractive discounts for a wide range of higher education programs; Associated Motorways Ltd. offering special rates on cars, three-wheelers and motorcycles which will be financed by either HNB or its subsidiary HNB Grameen.

SLIC has also come forward to offer life insurance policies and medical insurance schemes that cover entire families of Hela employees. 

Hela Clothing is a British-owned apparel manufacturing group operating in Sri Lanka for over two decades. They have more than 10,000 employees and manufacture over 100 million units of apparel annually at 13 manufacturing, printing and embroidery plants across Sri Lanka and two factories in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Dian Gomes, an apparel industry veteran who took over as Chairman of Hela Clothing earlier this year, said: “The contribution of the apparel industry worker to Sri Lanka’s economy is unrecognised and unappreciated. They have been sacrificed at the altar of corporations in search of greater profits. Internationally, they are identified as underpaid workers who stitch clothing for developed countries. This should not be the case. We should change these perceptions and attitudes by our actions. We expect ‘HelaSaviya’ to be a comprehensive program that will not only strengthen Hela Family members but also give them dignity and recognition as key stakeholders of the nation’s economy.”

 “Through this program we are even encouraging them to become entrepreneurs themselves and we will give all the help they need including financing. What’s more, we will even give them the know-how so that they can make a strong start,” Perera added. “All this is done in partnership with the dynamic management of the Hela Group.”

“I always believe that people are the most vital aspect of the equation. ‘HelaSaviya’ is a program where we have teamed up with Hatton National Bank to recognise and reward our workforce by empowering them. ‘HelaSaviya’ is not just about providing loans, leases and credit cards. It is about giving them the freedom to live their lives in a way that befits them, not hampered by deprivation. It is the least they deserve for the service that they render. We want to give them the opportunity to dream, and have access to resources to make those dreams a reality,” Gomes stressed. 

“Hela Family members who have new business ideas will receive the guidance and know-how of a GamiPubuduwa Officer at the HNB branch and be eligible to receive assistance under the GamiPubuduwa Microfinance Scheme for their entrepreneurial activities,” Perera added. “Another unique feature is debt consolidation where they will be able to convert all their loans from other banks to one consolidated loan with an extended repayment period. This will enable them to concentrate on one loan repayment instead of many.” 

Gomes summed things up by saying, “’HelaSaviya’ is a means of strengthening the apparel industry’s contribution to the national economy.”