HNB reaches the masses with 240 customer centres and 400 ATMs

Fostering sustainable relationships with all stakeholders is key to Hatton National Bank. During the year 2011 the bank has taken steps to improve on reaching out to the masses through the expansion in the customer centre network as well as the ATM network.

HNB has one of the largest ATM networks in the country confirms HNB Assistant General Manager P. Sridharan. The network of HNB ATMs reached the 400th mark during the year with the installation of the 400th HNB ATM in Polgasowita.

In addition to the HNB ATM network HNB Customers have access to their accounts through all Sampath Bank ATMs in the country.

Sridharan further explained that the entire ATM network averages over 150,000 transactions per day and HNB’s focus to provide convenience to the general public has resulted in such expansion with strategic tie ups with banks on ATM sharing.

In reaching 400 ATMs the bank took steps to install a number of stand alone ATMs both in and around Colombo and in outstations. HNB ATMs provide customers with a number of transaction options beyond cash withdrawal. They include fund transfers, utility bill payment facilities, credit card payments, ordering of cheque book requisitions, current account statement requests and many more.

He further reiterated that the bank remains firm in its belief to be an integral facet in the lives of the Sri Lankan people by providing greater customer convenience coupled with innovative technology.

The bank during 2011 reached a milestone of 240 Customer Centres and continues to maintain the largest and widest net work of customer centres among private commercial banks operating in the country. In this venture of extensive branch expansion strategy, HNB was the first bank to venture in to Green Banking, by opening its first ever green bank branch building in Nittambuwa. This came as a testimony to HNB’s promise to society in keeping in line with its Green Pledge.

The 35 new customer centres opened during the year covered key regions in the country including North, East, North Central, Central, South, Uva/Sabaragamuwa and North Western regions. Deputy General Manager – Net Work Management Crysanthi Thambiah stated that during the year new customer centres were opened in Peliyagoda, Kolonnawa, Ingiriya, Bandaragama, Devinuwara, Dickwella, Hakmana, Hikkaduwa, Urubokka, Anamaduwa, Udappuwa, Galaha, Kundasale, Dehiattakandiya, Ginigathena, Kalawana, Siyabalanduwa, Aralaganwila, Medirigiya, Padavi Parakramapura, Kallady, Karaitivu, Kinniya, Kalawana Maruthamunai, Mullipotana, Muttur, Serunuwara, Uhana, Uppuveli, Achchuveli, Kodikamam, Killinochchi, Mullativu and Kaithady.

Thambiah further stated that HNB’s approach to branch expansion during 2011 looked at GDP growth in the regions, population density, financial inclusion and partnering greater economic progress. And the types of branches opened included micro finance driven branch units, door step service providing branch units and fully fledged branch units.

HNB’s commitment to reach out to the masses as one of the largest private commercial banks operating in the country was further evident with the number of customer centre relocations and upgrades carried out during the year to bring more convenience and banking opportunity to people in Sri Lanka.