HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) have both been reaffirmed by Fitch Ratings with an ‘A-(lka)’ rating indicating an outlook which is stable, signaling confidence in the companies’ financial health and future growth potential.
Fitch highlighted that HNBA and HNBGI have strengthened their investment portfolios and maintained healthy liquidity as the Sri Lankan economy recovered. A major part of their investments is in government securities, term deposits and corporate bonds, making them well-poised to venture forward.
Sharing his thoughts, HNBA’s CEO, Lasitha Wimalaratne, commented, “Even though we’ve faced many challenges recently, we remained focused on building a steady and sustainable business while putting our customer’s interests at the heart of everything we do. By effectively managing the factors within our control, we successfully strengthened our position, which includes growing our advisor network, enhancing our bancassurance partnerships and being innovative with our product offering. These efforts have enabled us to grow faster than the industry average, showcasing the strength and adaptability of our approach. This reaffirmed rating is not just a measure of our financial stability, it is also a strong endorsement of the trust our policyholders have in us. As we move forward, we do so with renewed confidence, ensuring our customers can rely on us for stability and support.”
According to Fitch, HNBGI continued to expand its non-motor segments and implemented enhanced claim management systems to better manage its position. This has led to lowered claims ratios and an improvement in HNBGI’s underwriting profitability in the first half of 2024.
“Expanding beyond motor insurance has helped us remain resilient in an unpredictable and challenging market” stated, Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNBGI. “By diversifying our portfolio, we are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our customers, which has led us to achieve a balance between our motor and non-motor segments. This balance has been key to our growth strategy, helping us reach new customer segments and reduce reliance on a single line of business. Further, our investments in technology and innovative systems that streamline claims management, enhance customer service and improve overall efficiency have allowed us to develop and deliver tailored solutions to our customers more quickly."
The Group’s CFO, Punsirini Perera, stated, “This rating highlights our disciplined approach to managing finances and strengthening our capital, which gives a reassurance to our policyholders that we are well-prepared for the future. Both HNBA and HNBGI maintain strong Risk-Based Capital levels that exceed regulatory requirements and our close association with our parent company, Hatton National Bank, one of Sri Lanka’s leading banks, has helped us amplify our reach and influence in the market, positioning us uniquely to offer greater security and peace of mind to our customers.”
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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