HNB honoured as ‘Bank of the Year Sri Lanka 2025’

Thursday, 11 December 2025 06:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte holds the Bracken Award, along with The Banker Asia Editor Kimberley Long (left) and awards ceremony host BBC journalist Ros Atkins

London-based The Financial Times publication ‘The Banker’ magazine has honoured Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) with the prestigious Bracken Award as the ‘Bank of the Year Sri Lanka 2025.’

This recognition was based on the bank’s strength and its position as one of the country’s most resilient and future-focused financial institutions.

The annual awards by The Banker evaluate global banks on financial strength, innovation, governance, and long-term strategic performance. The recognition follows a year in which HNB delivered steady progress in balance sheet health, customer solutions, and operational efficiency despite a challenging operating environment.

HNB MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte said: “This award recognises the progress we are making as a bank that supports national recovery and long-term growth. Our focus is on strengthening balance sheet stability, improving service reliability, and expanding digital and advisory solutions that help customers move forward with confidence. Every achievement is the result of disciplined execution by our teams and the trust placed in us by our customers and partners.”

The award caps a year of significant milestones for HNB, including stronger capital and liquidity positions, improvements in asset quality, growth in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and transaction banking, and wider adoption of the bank’s digital platforms.

Furthermore, a key highlight was the successful acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in HNB Investment Bank, reinforcing HNB’s commitment to expanding its investment banking capabilities.

The bank continued to support key sectors of the economy through structured lending, advisory support, and partnerships aimed at improving competitiveness and financial inclusion.

HNB also strengthened its operational resilience through process redesign, data-driven decision-making, and improvements in customer experience across branches and digital touchpoints. These efforts have contributed to more stable performance indicators and a more agile foundation for future growth.

As Sri Lanka’s financial sector shifts towards modernised services and more transparent governance, HNB has positioned itself as a bank committed to long-term stability, digital progress, and customer-focused innovation. The recognition from The Banker places the institution among top-performing banks in the region and reflects its continued role in supporting the country’s economic trajectory.

With over 255 customer centres, HNB stands as one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most technologically innovative private sector banks.