HDFC Bank of Sri Lanka celebrates 42 years of financial excellence

HDFC Bank Sri Lanka, the licenced specialised bank, will be celebrating its 42nd anniversary on 21 August 2026. 

To mark over four decades of empowering Sri Lankans, the bank is hosting traditional religious observances alongside a series of key customer –centric milestones. These initiatives include the deployment of the first phase of real-time digital service delivery platform for faster customer service, the launch of “Green Champ”, a pioneering green children’s savings scheme, and an exclusive anniversary offering of free shopping Debit cards for the valued customers.

Established in 1984 as a building society, HDFC Bank transformed through successive Parliamentary Acts into a key financial pillar, with the Government of Sri Lanka holding a 51% controlling stake. Guided by a triple bottom line strategy focusing on People, Planet, and Profit, the bank has expanded its reach far beyond traditional shelter financing into a full-scale financial services ecosystem operating through 39 branches island-wide.

To honour its 42-year journey, HDFC Bank will host a traditional Pirith Chanting Ceremony and an Alms giving at its Head Office in Colombo. The event will invoke blessings upon staff, founders, shareholders, retired employees, and all other stakeholders who have partnered with the bank since its inception.

Commenting on the historic milestone, Chairman H.B. Keerthirathna stated that the bank is proudly celebrating this occasion as a testament to its structural evolution and four decades of trust. As the bank celebrates 42 years, its mission remains deeply rooted in financial inclusivity and bringing greater efficiency to state-backed banking, continuously seeking new ways to enhance internal operations to serve a growing customer base better.

General Manager and CEO Hemal C. Lokugeegana added that the bank’s legacy is built on helping Sri Lankans assemble stable futures, piece by piece. From providing shelter to funding livelihoods through corporate and SME sectors, the institution’s growth mirrors the resilience of the nation, and this anniversary reinforces a long-standing commitment to safeguarding stakeholder investments while deploying modern solutions to elevate service delivery.

Following a key diversification move in 2013, HDFC Bank successfully expanded its core portfolio by introducing leasing and gold loans, and thereafter, personal guarantee loans. This strategic shift transformed the bank from a singular housing finance provider into a versatile financial partner for everyday Sri Lankans. Today, the bank offers a comprehensive array of financial instruments tailored to all stages of life, featuring savings and deposits schemes including Prathilàbha, Salary Saver, Smart Goals, Set for Life, and Thilina for children, alongside Vishrama Rekawarana for senior citizens. These options are supported by tailored housing solutions like the Kedella and Sirisara loan schemes, the pioneering EPF-backed Shrama Udana home loan scheme, robust gold loan portfolios, flexible leasing packages, and specialised personal guarantee loans designed to meet diverse financial requirements.

Following its commitment to the planet under the triple bottom line framework, HDFC Bank has recently introduced eco-friendly green savings schemes and specialised lending products. These green solutions are designed to support sustainable housing, renewable energy installations, and eco-conscious lifestyle projects, allowing Sri Lankans to invest in a greener future while enjoying competitive financial returns.

The bank’s steady focus on expanding its finance portfolios ensures that it steadily realises its corporate vision of being the premier financial partner for shelter and sustainable living, while driving long-term value for all its stakeholders and the nation.