Paris 2024 Olympian and Sri Lanka’s National Swimming Captain Kyle Abeysinghe becomes HNB Sports Ambassador

From left: HNB’s Assistant Vice President – Head of HC Strategy and Talent Development Roshantha Jayatunge, Head of Marketing Upul Adhikadi, champion swimmer Kyle Abeysinghe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Damith Pallewaththa, Senior Vice President – Head of Retail Banking Kanchana Karunagama, and Vice President – Head of Deposits Viranga Gamage

HNB Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Damith Pallewaththa and champion swimmer Kyle Abeysinghe share a handshake, symbolising partnership and mutual commitment to excellence 

HNB PLC has announced the appointment of Kyle Abeysinghe, Sri Lanka’s National Swimming Captain and Paris 2024 Olympian, as its newest Sports Ambassador. The partnership marks a shared commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s sporting excellence and nurturing the next generation of athletes.

Kyle Abeysinghe said: “For any athlete, having the right support makes all the difference, and the journey to the Olympics is not an easy one, and having HNB by my side gives me the strength to push further every day. As I train with my sights set on the 2028 Olympics, I want to show young Sri Lankans that the journey is just as important as the goal, whether it’s in sport, education, or life. What makes this partnership special is that HNB is not just backing me as an athlete, but standing with every young person who dares to dream. Together, we want to encourage a new generation to believe in themselves, work hard, and keep moving forward no matter the challenge.

Kyle’s journey, from breaking national records to making a determined comeback after a four-year hiatus, reflects his resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Having represented Sri Lanka internationally since the age of 14, he brings over a decade of experience at the highest levels of competition, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and South Asian Games. His career stands as a testament to perseverance and the power of consistent effort.

HNB Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications Upul Adikari said: “Sport teaches us resilience, discipline, and the courage to believe in ourselves, values we hold close at HNB as well. By partnering with Kyle, we are supporting his journey to the 2028 Olympics while at the same time celebrating Sri Lanka’s sporting spirit. Our hope is to inspire young Sri Lankans to face challenges with confidence, strive for excellence, and recognise the incredible potential they carry within them.”

HNB recognises Kyle as a role model for Sri Lankan youth, combining sporting excellence with education, leadership, and social impact. His pursuit of becoming the first Sri Lankan swimmer to qualify for the Olympics via the ‘A’ standard reflects a commitment to setting new benchmarks for the nation. His ability to inspire teenagers about both athletic ambition and financial responsibility adds depth to his role as Brand Ambassador, making him a powerful figure for change.

HNB has a longstanding legacy of supporting Sri Lankan athletes, including National Netball Captain Dulangi Wannithilake, National Basketball Captain Anjali Ekanayake, and National Youth Hockey Captain Manula Hewawasam, who are all part of the HNB team. The partnership with Kyle builds on this foundation, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem and creating holistic opportunities for youth, with a continued focus on netball and swimming – two sports deeply connected to the nation’s identity and future.