Postmaster General, Ruwan Sathkumara handing over the 135th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp to Jonathan Alles, Managing Director/CEO, HNB in the presence of (from left), Sanjay Wijemanne, DGM – Retail Banking Group, HNB; Damith Pallewatte, DGM – Wholesale Banking Group, HNB; Rajitha K. Ranasinghe, Deputy Postmaster General (Operations); Sisira Kumara Walalawita, Deputy Postmaster General (Western Province); Lanka De Silva, Director – Philatelic, Department of Posts and Champika Perera, Superintendent of Post – Colombo.
HNB PLC celebrated its 135th year of supporting customers and businesses to achieve their financial goals by releasing a commemorative stamp.
Jonathan Alles, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, HNB, said, “Since our inception, HNB has recognized 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. 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, draw inspiration from our past achievements and embrace tomorrow’s opportunities.”
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 digitalization to drive sweeping upgrades to its infrastructure to enable incredible 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 and redesigning product portfolios to establish a thriving digital payment ecosystem accessible to all Sri Lankans.
The journey of the 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 and 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.
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 about a new visual identity and reflected a more profound 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.
HNB secured a Top five position on Business Today’s Top 40 rankings for 2023.