HNB commits to drive financial stability on World Thrift Day 2023

Viranga Gamage

Head of Deposits,HNB 

Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, HNB PLC, reaffirmed its enduring commitment to nurturing a culture of savings, a cornerstone of achieving financial security, in commemoration of World Thrift Day 2023. 

Most recently the bank announced the return of its most anticipated annual campaign “Singithi Giftober” in celebration of World Children’s Day. Anchored by a slew of gifts to promote the savings culture among minor account holders, the annual campaign will run for 45 days, from October 2 to November 17. As is the custom, HNB welcomed 4000+ children across 35 customer centres for a fun-filled day of exciting games and engaging programmes, empowering future generations with valuable skills and savings habits. 

“At its heart, World Thrift Day celebrates the idea, and importance of a savings culture. Our Singithi Giftober campaign focuses on this for the most vital part of this nation – our children. The past few years have really ingrained in us the importance of this campaign to bring happiness to the leaders 

of tomorrow.

“To us, savings is much more than just a facility, it is a vital practice that is equally important across all age groups. This year, the campaign is to coincide with the celebration of World Children’s Day, which helps teach important financial lessons during formative moments in life while also enjoying the festivities,” HNB Head of Deposits Viranga Gamage said. 

Encouraging minors to save or increase their deposits, HNB will offered a range of enticing gifts and vouchers of up to Rs. 60,000- for deposits ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1 million during the promotional period. This year’s exciting gifts include jumbo pen holders, stationery sets and the bank’s well-loved Jumbo till. HNB further partnered with over 15 leading retailers, allowing account holders to redeem their vouchers at any outlet across the country.  

Additionally, HNB’s long-running savings till to till offer – which has been foundational to the savings habit of generations of Sri Lankans – will continue to run during the campaign period. Notably, all the Singithi Giftober Savings Month offers will rephrase as unclean existing savings rewards and incentives provided to Singithi depositors year-round.

 Moreover, the bank’s commitment to financial literacy further extends to teenagers through the TEEN+ savings scheme, designed to nurture financial independence. The next-gen savings account, designed specifically for teenagers, offers a range of exciting features, including high-interest savings rates and a branded HNB TEEN+ Tap & Go debit card with free digital banking facilities. HNB TEEN+ also offers special seasonal discounts, SMS alerts for transactions and an e-statement facility.  

Offering support to customers working towards their future goals and aspirations, HNB extends its Investment Plans to minor account holders, providing unmatched flexibility and attractive interest rates. Parents can use a monthly deposit investment plan or a lump sum investment plan assuring guaranteed proceeds at the 

age of 18.

Similarly, the Singithi Kirikatiyo Account, specially designed for newborn children, can be opened by parents within three months from the child’s date of birth. The bank will gift a free deposit of Rs. 1,000 when opening the account. Minor account holders will be entitled to one of the highest interest rates and gifts on their birthday, according to the account balance maintained. 

Similarly, the bank supports young adults between 18 to 30 years through its HNB Youth savings account. Account holders are higher interest rates together with free internet, mobile and digital 

banking facilities. 

Moreover, HNB Youth account holders are supported with lower interest rates for educational, home, vehicle and entrepreneurial loans, with HNB Youth Salary Smart account offering 3 times the salary as an overdraft facility or 

personal loan. 

Extending their support through to working population in order to reaching their financial goals, HNB also announced HNB Salary Smart accounts, here the bank offers 50% of the net salary as an advance, with no guarantors and hassle-free documentation. 

With 255 customer centres and 800+ Smart Self-Service Machines (SSMs) nationwide, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative private banks. Consolidating its legacy in sustainability, good governance and corporate excellence, HNB was crowned the Best Corporate Citizen for 2022 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate 

Citizen Awards. 

Additionally, HNB was ranked among the World’s Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for the sixth consecutive year in 2022, in addition to being crowned the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 13th occasion at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2023 hosted by the Asian 

Banker Magazine.