HNB Assurance PLC is pleased to extend its partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in supporting the Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO Sri Lanka) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) by committing to an additional 15 hectares of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) removal within the Lunugamvehera National Park over the next three years.
This programme, focuses on the removal of Lantana Camara (S. Gandapana) and Eupatorium odoratum (S. Podi Singho Maran), which have been rapidly spreading and disrupting the native ecosystem across 900 hectares, creating a sustainable livelihood and a sense of ownership for the community around this national park. Further, this initiative is expected to mitigate the human-elephant conflict by restoring vital grazing areas for elephants, which rely on Lunugamvehera as a critical migratory route between Yala and Udawalawa forest reserves.
Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance PLC, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating "our partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka has shown remarkable results in the past through this project and we are committed to deepening our engagement to amplify the impact we can further create. As a company, ‘protection’ is in the core of everything we do, thus, this project serves as an extension to this commitment - fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the wildlife, enabling the surrounding communities to live and let live.”
Mrs Shiranee Yasaratne, Senior Advisor at Biodiversity Sri Lanka, sharing her thoughts on the extended partnership, opined, "The commitment of HNB Assurance to this cause is truly commendable. Their continued support allows FEO Sri Lanka to make significant strides in combating invasive alien species and restoring the natural balance within Lunugamvehera National Park. This project not only benefits the environment but also enriches the lives of local communities through employment and education and BSL is a proud facilitator of this support”
The initial year of the project, will see the most labor-intensive phase with the primary removal of IAPS. The following two years will involve maintenance cycles to eliminate new seeds and plants.
Mr. Dinesh Yogaratnam, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer / General Manager, added, “When we first signed up for this project in 2023, we quickly realized the profound impact it could have on both the environment and the local communities. Seeing the positive changes first hand reinforced our commitment to this cause. We are excited to extend our partnership and continue contributing to the restoration of native flora and the overall health of our ecosystem. We believe that by working closely with BSL and other partners, we can certainly achieve this and create a sustainable future."
“We are always very grateful for the support we receive from our sponsors and partners in conserving this beautiful country. Our special thanks to HNB Assurance and Bio Diversity Sri Lanka in coming forward once again to support this important initiative”, said Mr Keith Wijesuriya, Chair of FEO Sri Lanka.
Jul
HNB Life PLC entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering enhanced value and protection solutions to medical professionals across Sri Lanka.Through this collaboration, GMOA members will gain access to tailored life insurance solutions from HNB Life, complemented by a range of exclusive benefits and value-added features designed to support their long-term financial security and protection needs.Speaking at the MOU signing, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Life PLC, Lasitha Wimalaratne, stated, "At HNB Life, we are committed to creating meaningful solutions that address the evolving needs of different customer segments. This MOU signing with GMOA represents an important step in extending specialized protection and wealth creation opportunities to Sri Lanka's medical community. We are pleased to collaborate with GMOA and offer enhanced benefits, enabling members to secure their future and that of their loved ones with greater confidence."Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Sanjeewa Tennekone, President of GMOA, stated, "The wellbeing and financial security of our members remain a priority for the GMOA. We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with HNB Life, which offers our membership access to a tailored solution with added benefits. We believe this initiative will provide meaningful value and support our members in planning for their long-term financial goals."Commenting on the significance of the collaboration, Harindra Ramasinghe, Executive Vice President / Chief Business Officer Advisor Distribution of HNB Life PLC, stated, "Medical professionals dedicate their lives to caring for others, and it is equally important that they have access to financial solutions that safeguard their own future. Through this collaboration, we are able to provide GMOA members with a comprehensive proposition that combines investment, protection, long-term value, and exclusive benefits designed to complement their professional and personal aspirations."Mr. Prabath Sugathadasa, Secretary of the GMOA, stated, "This collaboration with HNB Life reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing of our members. Beyond professional development, financial security is an important aspect of long-term stability for medical professionals. We are pleased to collaborate with HNB Life to provide our members with access to tailored life insurance solutions and exclusive benefits that will support them in planning for the future with confidence."
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Jul
As part of its ongoing transformation journey following the transition to HNB Life, the company has introduced a refreshed professional identity for its sales force along with a new digital learning platform. These initiatives reflect HNB Life’s commitment to building a digitally enabled and highly skilled team focused on delivering greater value to customers.HNB Life has elevated the traditional “Advisor” role to “Life Planner”, marking a significant step in strengthening professionalism and enhancing the way its sales force engages with customers. This new identity reflects a more modern and purpose-driven approach, where Life Planners go beyond providing financial advice to become trusted partners who understand life goals, offer meaningful guidance, and help customers plan their financial future with confidence.This transformation is driven by the belief that customers today expect more than advice. They seek professionals who can support them through different life stages with clarity and trust.Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Harindra Ramasinghe, EVP / Chief Business Officer, Advisor Distribution Channel of HNB Life, stated: “This transformation marks an important step in how we prepare our people for the future. With the introduction of the Life Planner identity and NexE, we are not just enhancing training, we are reshaping how our advisors grow, think, and deliver value. Our focus is to build a highly capable, digitally empowered team that can guide customers with confidence through every stage of life. This is a key milestone in strengthening both our people and our purpose as HNB Life.”To support this elevated role and enable continuous development, HNB Life has introduced NexE, the new identity of its Learning Management System (LMS). NexE is derived from the phrase “Next Era of Education” and represents a next-generation digital learning platform designed exclusively for HNB Life Life Planners.Senior Vice President / Head of Training & Development at HNB Life, Mr. Shiran Fernando, added, “NexE is more than a learning platform, it is a Personal Growth Engine designed to support continuous development at every stage of a Life Planner’s journey. It enables learning that is flexible, structured, and outcome-driven, ensuring our teams are equipped with the right knowledge and skills at the right time. By combining digital learning with clear career pathways, we are creating an environment where growth is continuous and performance is future-ready. This learning journey will also directly support the transition into the Life Planner role, helping our salesforce strengthen the capabilities needed to succeed in this elevated identity”
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Jun
As HNB Life enters a new chapter following its transition from HNB Assurance to HNB Life, the company continues to build on a proud 25-year legacy of protecting and empowering Sri Lankans. Marking this milestone through meaningful community engagement, HNB Life celebrated the Vesak season with a series of initiatives centered on gratitude, togetherness, and shared blessings.The celebrations commenced with a special effort to recognize and promote local entrepreneurs who contribute to the vibrant Vesak season each year. By shining a spotlight on small business owners operating Vesak-related stalls and ventures, HNB Life sought to support their livelihoods while encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit that strengthens communities across the country.The company further extended its involvement through a series of activities at Lankaramaya in Anuradhapura, including the painting of the sacred stupa and participation in several Vesak-related community events, bringing together employees, partners, and well-wishers.As HNB Life begins this new era, the Vesak season served as a meaningful reminder of the relationships and trust that have shaped the company's journey over the past 25 years. The transition from HNB Assurance to HNB Life represents more than a change in name, it reflects the company's continued evolution and renewed commitment to helping individuals and families protect what matters most while achieving long-term financial wellbeing.The Vesak initiatives were carried out with the intention of sharing positivity and seeking blessings for customers, employees, business partners, and communities across Sri Lanka. They also serve as a precursor to a series of Poson-related activities planned for the coming weeks, further reinforcing the company's commitment to engaging with communities and celebrating the values that bring people together.
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