Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director/CEO, HNB, handing over the sponsorship to Roger Talayaratna, President, The Management Club, in the presence of Indra K Rajapaksa, Project Chair, The Management Club.
HNB has partnered with The Management Club (TMC) as the Principal Sponsor and Official Banking Partner of the Northern Investment Summit 2026 (NIS26). The event, scheduled for January in Jaffna, aims to boost investment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
Damith Pallewatte, MD and CEO, HNB, highlighted the bank’s proud presence in Jaffna for over 53 years and its legacy spanning more than 135 years in Sri Lanka. He emphasized that HNB upholds its leadership in empowering enterprise and nurturing sustainability. Pallewatte further noted that savings entrusted to HNB in the Northern Province have reached approximately 130 billion rupees, while the bank’s lending portfolio now stands at around 60 billion rupees. He added that repayment performance in the region remains strong, reflecting the discipline and resilience of local entrepreneurs. “The Northern Province is emerging as one of the most promising frontiers of growth in Sri Lanka. Encouraging regional development and prosperity is central to securing the country’s long-term recovery. In recent years, the North has evolved into a hub for enterprise, renewable energy, and value-added agriculture, supported by strong public-private partnerships,” Pallewatte said.
He added that HNB views financial inclusion as the bridge between national policy and real economic opportunity. “By expanding access to capital and empowering entrepreneurs, we aim to ensure that the North’s growth story contributes to a more balanced and resilient national economy,” he stated.
Through its role at NIS26, HNB will work with government bodies, investors, and development partners to advance entrepreneurship, investment readiness, and sustainable regional development. The summit will gather top policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders for policy dialogues and project showcases, and also launch the Northern Investment Opportunities Report, outlining key projects to attract local and foreign investment. The partnership underscores HNB’s commitment to expanding financial access and supporting equitable growth across Sri Lanka. By offering inclusive and transformative financial solutions, HNB aims to drive sustainable national development and uplift communities nationwide.
