Insurance luminary Nihal Senaratne honoured by CII for Lifetime Contribution

In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s insurance industry, Senaratne Insurance Brokers Ltd., Chairman Nihal Senaratne has been honoured by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of London, UK, for his outstanding contribution to the profession. 

The accolade was presented during a visit to his office in Colombo by senior CII officials; Executive Director (Market and Opportunities) Holly Porter and Regional Director (Middle East, Central and South Asia) Gaenor Jones. 

The recognition celebrates Senaratne’s remarkable legacy spanning over seven decades, marked by visionary leadership, industry innovation, and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence. This accolade, accompanied by a formal certificate of commendation, is believed to be the first of its kind ever issued by the CII – London, marking a truly historic moment for both Senaratne and the Sri Lankan insurance community. 

In his remarks, Senaratne said: “To be recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of London is a humbling honour. My journey in insurance has always been about service to clients, colleagues, and the industry I hold dear. This commendation is not mine alone; it belongs to every Sri Lankan professional who has worked tirelessly to elevate our standards and reputation on the global stage.”

 Founded in 1979, Senaratne Insurance Brokers has long been a pillar of independent financial insurance broking in Sri Lanka. Under Senaratne’s stewardship, the firm has grown into a client-centric powerhouse, known for its technical expertise, ethical standards, and long-term partnerships. The company’s emphasis on Chartered qualifications and continuous professional development has made it a model of best practice, as highlighted in a recent CII case study.

 Former CII President Jane Portas praised Senaratne’s “visionary leadership and enduring impact,” noting that “his dedication to raising professional standards has not only transformed his own firm but has elevated the entire Sri Lankan insurance landscape.”

 The recognition comes on the heels of Senaratne’s 72nd anniversary in the industry; a milestone celebrated earlier this year by colleagues, clients, and peers across the region. 

Known for his humility and sharp intellect, Senaratne reflected on the honour with characteristic grace: “To be recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of London is a humbling honour. My journey in insurance has always been about service to clients, colleagues, and the industry I hold dear. This commendation is not mine alone. It belongs to every colleague, client, and partner who believed in the power of trust, professionalism, and service and to every Sri Lankan professional who has worked tirelessly to elevate our standards and reputation on the global stage.”

 The accolade also underscores the growing global recognition of Sri Lanka’s insurance talent. As the industry navigates digital transformation and evolving risk landscapes, leaders like Senaratne continue to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to excellence and integrity.

 In a career spanning an unprecedented 72 years, Senaratne has become a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s insurance landscape, leaving an indelible mark on both national and international platforms. Born on 3rd January 1934, Senaratne is the son of two distinguished Sri Lankans; Loranee Senaratne, the country’s first female ambassador, and Dr. Owen L. F. Senaratne, a renowned eye surgeon. A proud alumnus of Royal College Colombo, his journey in insurance began in February 1953 as a Trainee Manager at Bosanquet and Skrine Ltd.

 Following the acquisition of Bosanquet and Skrine by Whittall Boustead Ltd., Senaratne continued his dual career in insurance and plantation management, rising to become a Director of the Whittals Group at just 34 years of age. Concurrently, he chaired several rupee plantation companies, demonstrating his versatility across sectors.

 In 1972, Senaratne ventured into independent practice, establishing an insurance consultancy that was formally incorporated on 14th September 1979. With the privatisation of insurance in 1988, the firm evolved into Senaratne Insurance Brokers Ltd., where he continues to serve as Founder Chairman.

 His contributions extend far beyond corporate leadership. He was instrumental in founding the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute and later served as its President, strengthening its affiliation with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of the UK. He also held the presidency of the Sri Lanka Insurance Brokers Association and chaired the Insurance Advisory Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for nearly two decades.

 Internationally, Senaratne broke new ground in 1986 as the only Sri Lankan ever invited by the Association of British Insurers to address Britain’s insurance industry. He was appointed to the International Roster of Insurance Experts by UNCTAD in 1978 and became the first private sector representative on the Government’s Insurance Advisory Committee under the Insurance (Amendment) Act No. 42 of 1986.

His affiliations include Charter Membership in the International Insurance Society (Alabama, USA), and leadership roles such as Chairman of the Insurance Committee of the Ceylon Planters’ Association and Founder Vice President of the Association of Chartered Insurance Professionals in Sri Lanka.

  Beyond insurance, Senaratne also served as Chairman of the Colombo Tea Traders Association, a body that has guided Sri Lanka’s premier export commodity for over 156 years. Senaratne’s legacy is one of pioneering leadership, institutional development, and unwavering commitment to professional excellence. His contributions continue to inspire generations of insurance professionals across Sri Lanka and beyond.