HNB celebrates 135 year legacy with commemorative stamp launch

HNB Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles (third from left) and Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara witness the stamping of the 135th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp. 

HNB DGM – Retail Banking Group Sanjay Wijemanne, DGM – Wholesale Banking Group Damith Pallewatte, Deputy Postmaster General (Operations) Rajitha K. Ranasinghe, Deputy Postmaster General (Western Province) Sisira Kumara Walalawita, Department of Posts Director – Philatelic Lanka De Silva and Superintendent of Post – Colombo Champika Perera look on

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Consolidating its legacy as a cornerstone of the nation’s banking system, HNB PLC, yesterday celebrated its 135th year of supporting customers and businesses to achieve their financial goals with the release of a commemorative stamp. 

HNB’s Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles said: “Since our inception, HNB has recognised that our true strength lies not only in our financial prowess but also in the people we serve – from budding savers to thriving SMEs. 

Initiatives like ‘Gami Pubuduwa’ exemplify our commitment to embedding ourselves within communities, fostering relationships based on continuous progress and shared prosperity. Throughout, HNB has served as a beacon of hope, guiding micro-businesses to international success, and showcasing the resolute spirit of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship. Together, we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead, as we draw inspiration from our past achievements and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.”

HNB has served as a partner in progress to generations of Sri Lankans, standing out as a symbol of resilience and innovation. The bank, and the brand have continued to evolve and adapt to an increasingly volatile, fast-paced economic landscape. As the nation’s largest private Commercial bank, HNB has emerged as a pillar of stability and a driver of change.

Over the past decade, the bank underwent an ambitious transformation, leveraging technology and digitalisation to drive sweeping upgrades to its infrastructure with a view to enable greater speed, agility, and accuracy across its back-end systems. This in turn resulted in radical improvements in service delivery and customer experience. Particularly in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, HNB’s unmatched strengths in digital banking also helped drive the nation’s digital adoption to new heights.

Amidst these trials, HNB focused on providing uninterrupted service, ensuring stability for its customers leveraging streamlined administrative systems, redesigned product portfolios, to establish a thriving digital payment ecosystem accessible to all Sri Lankans.

The journey of brand HNB is a testament to its ability to adapt, innovate, and grow in the face of adversity. The bank’s commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, coupled with its focus on sustainability and technological innovation, has cemented its position as a trusted and forward-thinking financial institution in Sri Lanka. As HNB continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to serving as a partner in progress for its customers and the nation, building a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Moreover, the bank’s new brand identity reinforces its efforts to deliver convenient, seamless solutions designed to delight customers while reliably fulfilling their every banking need. This transformation was not just about a new visual identity but reflected a deeper commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. The rebranding process was carefully crafted to acknowledge and celebrate the bank’s remarkable 135-year legacy, but always with an eye to the future. 

As a heritage brand for the nation, the vibrant new look and energetic feel rolling out across HNB’s network symbolises a new chapter for the bank and the nation - one in which HNB aims to play a catalytic role in Sri Lanka’s challenging road to a lasting recovery. 

As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector retail bank, HNB has remained unwavering in its dedication to the nation’s growth. Globally and locally recognised for its excellence, the bank was awarded the esteemed title of “Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen” for 2022 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Other major accolades include being adjudged the “Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka” for the 13th occasion by the Asian Banker, being declared the “Best SME Bank” by Asiamoney Magazine, as well as securing a Top 5 position on Business Today’s Top 40 rankings for 2023. 

HNB was ranked among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Most Admired companies in 2022 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka. HNB was also recognised for its service excellence in trade services at the Euromoney Awards, taking home the prestigious titles of Best Market Leader in Trade Finance Services and Best Services Provider in Trade Finance Services, both globally and domestically. 

Pix by Upul Abayasekara