HNB Finance PLC Archives

December 20, 2021

Further extending its dominant position in the financial industry, leading integrated financial services institution HNB FINANCE PLC entered into a contractual agreement with Prime Lands and Prime Finance on 20^th December, 2021, acquiring a controlling stake of 87.27% from Prime Lands (Pvt) Ltd, a pioneering force in Sri Lanka’s real estate landscape. This marks a first under CBSL’s recent consolidation plan for the sector, where two key players in the country’s financial industry partner to give rise to a powerful synergy providing impetus to a diverse product and service offering.

“This merger brings together an exciting combination that will create value for our stakeholders, our employees, our customers and communities. This partnership will strengthen HNB FINANCE’s relationship with Prime Group and expedite its foray into real estate financing. We are enthused by the prospects for synergies not only in terms of product and reach but also the opportunity to bring a talented and dynamic team into our fold which will no doubt accelerate our plans for national expansion” commented HNB FINANCE PLC Chairman Dilshan Rodrigo.

HNB FINANCE’s existing and future customers can expect to benefit from an enhanced portfolio, efficient and easily accessible services through a combined branch network, a strengthened balance sheet and better distribution of risk with the addition of Prime Finance’s 93% asset-backed loan portfolio.

“We are pleased to invite the experienced and passionate Prime Finance team into our midst and are excited by the enhanced potential to create value for customers in new ways, by leveraging the synergy arising from this union. Building on our significant market share, momentum, and the business strength of our powerful parent company HNB PLC, this new found partnership with Prime Finance reinforces our position as an industry leader and creates a robust foundation for efficiency, growth and improved financial performance. Prime Finance’s expertise and indelible reputation within the sector combined with our strengths, positions us well to further our vision of adding value to the lives of all Sri Lankans,” HNB FINANCE PLC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Chaminda Prabhath said.

Proving its mettle as a player to be reckoned with, the company has won many local and international accolades. HNB FINANCE was twice ranked among Asia’s Best Workplaces, and clinched numerous awards owing to its superlative marketing approach. The company was also recognised for the many CSR initiatives implemented to support the nation. Today, HNB FINANCE has gained significant market share and has established itself as a trusted and respected finance company. Hatton National Bank Plc’s financial and business strength and stability places HNB FINANCE PLC at an advantageous position to pursue greater heights.

September 17, 2021

September 16, 2021: HNB FINANCE PLC (HNBF) recently announced the appointment of Mr. Dilshan Rodrigo as the company’s Chairman and as a Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director, effective from 10^th of September 2021. Mr. Rodrigo is taking over as Chairman of HNBF from former Chairman and HNB MD/CEO Mr. Jonathan Alles, who served as the Chairman since 2014.

Mr. Rodrigo is a proven leader having held many senior positions in multiple industries ranging from banking, insurance, investment banking and apparel. Currently serving as Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer at Hatton National Bank PLC and holding Board positions in HNB Assurance, Guardian Acuity Management, Lanka Financial Services Bureau Ltd and Credit Information Bureau.

He possesses a proven track record of delivering results during challenging leadership roles driving sustainable business and transformational change. He has played a catalyst role in the Bank’s transformation and cultural change by being the driving force in centralization, automation, outsourcing and process improvement initiatives.

He currently serves on the councils of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) and Asian Bankers Association (Taiwan) – the latter as Chairman Policy Advocacy Committee. He has served on local councils of CIMA, ACCA and Risk Professional Forum the latter two as President for two terms. He has taught on various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes (CIMA, ACCA, PIM MBA) for over a decade and currently serves as a guest lecturer on SLID Director Certification Programme, whilst serving on its council. Mr. Rodrigo is a Fellow of CIMA and ACCA UK accounting bodies and holds an MBA from Cranfield University, UK.

September 14, 2021

September 13, 2021: HNB FINANCE PLC (HNBF) recently announced the appointment of Mr. Lalith Withana to the company’s Board of Directors as an independent, non-executive director, effective from 10^th of September 2021.

Mr. Lalith Withana has held management positions in the corporate sector for over 25 years, during which he held senior management positions in Banking, Manufacturing and Trading. He has worked with many organizations such as Brandix Group, Ernst and Young, Amsterdam Rotterdam (Amro) Bank, IBM World Trade, Corporation and Carson Cumberbatch, Ceylon Tea Services Limited and Yamaha Corporation in (USA).

Mr. Withana served as the Group Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for SriLankan Airlines and later as the Chief Executive Officer in its subsidiary SriLankan Catering till very recently. He is currently serving as the Founder and Managing Director of Agility Consulting Services (Pvt.) Ltd and as a Board Director of Laugfs Gas PLC, Laugfs Maritime Services (Pvt.) Ltd and Softlogic Life Insurance PLC. He is also currently serving on the Board of Acuity Partners (Pvt.) Ltd, and as Vice President of the Project Management Institute, Colombo Chapter, and is also serving on the executive committee of the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee.

He had previously served as an Independent Director on the Boards of Bank of Ceylon, Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC, Ceylease Limited and Seylan Bank. Mr. Withana had also been a Commissioner of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

Mr. Withana holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Hons. Degree from the University of Manchester Metropolitan, UK. He is a fellow member of the both Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA), UK, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA). He is also a Project Management Professional at the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA.

December 18, 2020

HNB FINANCE PLC recently announced the appointment of Mr Kovinda Gimnada Perera to the company’s Board of Directors, as a non-independent, non-executive director, effective from 10th December 2020. Mr Perera joins the HNBF Board of Directors filling the vacant non-independent, non-executive director position of former Deputy Chairman & non-independent, non-executive director Mr Premalal Brahmanage who recently retired in term of Finance Companies (Corporate Governance) Direction of Central Bank of Sri Lanka after serving 9 years on the board.

Mr Perera a graduate from the prestigious Imperial College of London, is a highly qualified strategist, who has demonstrated experience in the fields of real estate, financial projection and bespoke investment advisory.

He is currently the Head of Strategy and Business development at Prime Group, Sri Lanka’s foremost real estate conglomerate. He is also actively involved in the group’s foreign market arena where he plays a pivotal role in consultation.

October 26, 2020

Leading integrated financial services provider HNB FINANCE PLC, recently hosted their Annual General Meeting with a unique spin as a hybrid virtual event, on 29th September. Held for the 10th time, the AGM took place at the HNB FINANCE Auditorium and Conference room in addition to the event being streamed live for shareholders. This is HNBF’s first AGM after having recently converted to a Public Limited Company.

As an institution that possesses a firm track record of fearless innovation, the hybrid virtual AGM is testament to HNBF’s vision to provide innovative, technology-driven financial solutions to enhance customer experiences and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships with all stakeholders; in a global climate placing increasing emphasis on digital transformation. HNBF’s concerted efforts to leverage digital technology to elevate the speed, capacity and cost-effectiveness of their service delivery was clearly evident during the pandemic-induced, country-wide lockdown when customers were able to access the company’s product portfolio efficiently, from the safety of their homes.

With a limited number of shareholders in attendance at the event at the HNB FINANCE auditorium, imperative and stringent safety protocols were put in place, in compliance with all directives of health authorities to protect attendees against the transmission of COVID-19. Mandatory social distancing and intensive hygiene and sanitisation measures were therefore actioned at the venue. Also joining the event remotely were a number of shareholders, who were able to view and participate in proceedings, including voting on matters highlighted in the agenda.

All attendees were able to vote on decisions taken either in person or virtually. Resolutions for the meeting and voting were conducted via the secure chat function of Microsoft Teams. The votes were then collated and projected on screen.

The Q&A session which followed accepted processes from participants physically present at the event, while questions from online participants were forwarded to Chairman Mr Jonathan Alles, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Chaminda Prabhath and Board Member Mr Rajive Dissanayake; who were seated at the head table. The rest of HNBF’s board members; Mr Anushka Wijesinha, Dr Udan Fernando, Mr Mahinda Perera and Mr Hasitha Wijesundara were also present at the event.

HNB FINANCE PLC was established in the year 2000 and is licensed as a registered Finance Company by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Maintaining an extensive island-wide presence across 49 branches and 21 service Centers with the power of Hatton National Bank’s 715 ATMs, HNB FINANCE offers a range of exceptional financial services which include Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Loans as well as savings, gold loans, housing loans, personal loans, fixed deposits facilities and leasing products.

HNB FINANCE PLC acquires Prime Finance PLC

HNB FINANCE PLC announces appointment of new Chairman

HNB FINANCE PLC announces appointment of new Board Member

HNB FINANCE PLC announces appointment of new Board Member

HNB FINANCE PLC successfully hosts innovative hybrid virtual AGM