Damith Pallewatte, Acting CEO, HNB; Damith Pallewatte (fourth from left) exchanging the MoU with Sunethra Bandaranaike, Chairperson, Sunera Foundation in the presence of (from left): Shanel Perera, Executive – Sustainable Business, HNB; Priyanka Wijayaratne, AGM – Strategy, HNB; K. Indravasan, CHRO, HNB; Chandrika Subasinghe, Executive Director, Sunera Foundation; and Dhananjani Silva, Communications Executive, Sunera Foundation.
HNB has partnered with the Sunera Foundation, a charity dedicated to nurturing the talents of differently-abled young individuals through performing arts.
The MOU was signed by Damith Pallewatte, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Sunethra Bandaranaike, Chairperson, Sunera Foundation in the presence of senior officials, and representatives from both organizations.
Kailaivasan Indravasan, Chief Human Resource Officer, HNB said, “Our partnership with the Sunera Foundation marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards building an inclusive and empowered Sri Lanka. These workshops are not merely financial investments; they represent our commitment to unlocking the potential of differently-abled youth and driving positive societal change. By championing diversity and fostering empathy, we’re setting a new standard for corporate responsibility in the banking sector. This initiative aligns with our broader vision of sustainable development, where economic growth and social progress go hand in hand. We’re proud to be at the forefront of creating a more inclusive financial landscape that benefits all segments of our society.”
The partnership aims to sponsor three pivotal workshops, Sunera Galle, Sunera Katugastota, and Sunera Maharagama and seeks to create pathways for differently abled youth, celebrate their abilities, and advocate for their rights. “The collaboration between the Sunera Foundation and HNB is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of mutual partnerships. HNB’s support goes beyond financial assistance; it’s a catalyst for changing perceptions and breaking down barriers. Through these workshops, we’re not just developing skills; we’re nurturing confidence, creativity, and self-expression among differently-abled individuals. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering a society that celebrates diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. Together, we’re pioneering a model of inclusion that we hope will inspire similar initiatives across various sectors, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous Sri Lanka,” said Sunethra Bandaranaike, Chairperson Sunera Foundation.