HNB: A true partner in progress

The Best Corporate Citizens Review is a fortnightly series of reviewing some of the best corporate citizens in Sri Lanka by Daily FT in partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The companies featured via this column are the 2010 winners of select awards of the Ceylon Chamber’s annual Best Corporate Citizen competition. Part I featured Hayleys. HNB is featured in part II below:

HATTON National Bank bears the hallmark of a true partner in progress. Its robust economic attributes aside, the first runner up of the ‘Best Corporate Citizen Award 2010’ has lent a helping hand to many worthwhile initiatives in the realm of Corporate Social Responsibility/ sustainability, two of which will be highlighted within the course of this article.

HNB was prompted by several factors to step in towards assisting those suffering from cancer and their families. Although treatment is available for most forms of cancer, ignorance and lack of support systems usually prevent early detection and the possibilities of life after the medication/surgery.

Also, the after effects of some of the treatment methods such as loss of hair, mastectomy, etc., prevent many from continuing treatment. Further, loss of employment due to absenteeism for treatment/surgery also lead to people putting off treatment in the short term until it is too late. In addition, having to care for a family member who is sick leads to loss of income and in many cases, disintegration of family units.

By creating awareness and acting as a support system, HNB works towards preventing the disintegration of family units. The bank also coordinates donations of wigs, bras, etc., and educates people on living and engaging in gainful employment after defeating cancer.

A long term objective of the bank is to expand and develop the Counselling Centre’s activities to include coaching on micro entrepreneurial activities, with the bank providing loans to assist prospective entrepreneurs.  This will give confidence to the people to attend clinic regularly.  

Awareness programmes, regular counselling sessions, training of counsellors, participation of bank staff as trained counsellors and the coordination assistance schemes are among the targets achieved during the course of this project.  The project, commenced in 2007, encompass the following aspects:

Counselling Centre at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama

The bank partnered to establish the much-needed Counselling Centre at the Maharagama Hospital in 2007 and at present funds the running and maintenance costs of the centre.  The centre is fully equipped with modern facilities. It fulfils the need for trauma counselling, vital for cancer patients and their immediate family members.

Financial assistance to cancer patients

A scheme has been implemented to assist cancer patients and their families cushion against the financial repercussions of the disease, especially in cases where in the primary income earner is affected.

Loss of employment due to absenteeism for treatment/surgery also lead to people putting off treatment in the short term until it is too late. Having to care for a family member who is sick leads to loss of income and in many cases disintegration of family units. Being assured of a steady source of income for a given period provides confidence to the patients and relief to their families. The monies have enabled some of the beneficiaries to fund self employment. The bank intends to enhance this programme to support these ventures.

National Cancer Institute, Maharagama

Assistance was provided by the bank by undertaking to renovate and maintain the entire Male Surgical Ward. The repair work includes replacing floor tiles, replacement of screen posts and railings for each bed, side cupboards, electrical wiring and installation of energy saving tube lights with casing, repair and replace entrance door and windows, painting of the premises and furniture, comfortable chairs for the television room, pantry cupboards, cupboards for the nursing staff, etc.

‘Nena Pubuduwa’

The bank also commenced a project – ‘Nena Pubuduwa’ – to establish school libraries/computer centres. Having observed the primitive facilities available in schools in remote areas, the bank realised that creating self-sufficient communities would remain only a dream due to the lack of incentive and encouragement for education.

Knowing from experience that education, not merely literacy, is vital for developing successful entrepreneurs and professionals, the bank aims to stimulate a love for reading and knowledge gathering in children.

The project involves establishing libraries in underprivileged schools islandwide. Initially started with the goal of setting up 100 school libraries, the project was expanded to include computer centres as well.

Currently the bank has 168 libraries and 11 computer centres. The project includes renovation of building, providing furniture and the donation of books and computer and continued support throughout in terms of upgrade and maintenance.

The scheme was initiated with a view to ensure sustainable development of the rural community and the following long-term benefits are expected:

* Improved literacy levels.

* Stimulating a love of reading and learning in children.

* Creation of an IT enabling environment for students who would otherwise not have the opportunity.

* Improved knowledge of English.

* Creating opportunities for higher education and employment.

* Higher and more stable income of the community as a whole in the long run.

* Inculcation of the savings habit and entrepreneurial skills.

Having begun the project in 2005, the bank was pleased to note the following results:

* Improved pass rates in exams.

* The creation of an IT enabling environment for students who would otherwise not * ave the opportunity.

* Improved knowledge of English.

* Opportunities for higher education and employment.

The project continues.