Reaffirming the strength and stability of HNB Assurance PLC Group, Fitch Ratings upgraded the ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ (IFS) of both HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) from ‘A(lka)’ to ‘A+(lka)’ citing stable outlooks. 

The Rating Actions Commentary issued by Fitch on the 3^rd of June 2021 states “The upgrade reflects the insurers’ improved capital position, as measured by strong regulatory risk-based capital (RBC) ratios. The ratings also take into account the insurers’ ‘Favourable’ business profiles and a sustained improvement in their non-life underwriting performance, while maintaining satisfactory earnings in its life insurance operation.”

Sharing her views, Chairperson of HNB Assurance PLC Group, Mrs. Rose Cooray stated, “This indeed is another significant achievement for HNB Assurance as well as HNB General Insurance and demonstrates very clearly to the market the singular focus of both companies on maintaining and building their strength and stability. HNBA’s Life Fund has exceeded LKR 17.8 BN, HNBGI’s Contract Liabilities stood at LKR 3.5 BN while the Total Assets of the Group surpassed LKR 32.9 BN by the end of the first quarter of 2021.”  Mrs. Cooray further went on to state, “For our Group, it’s not business at any cost, rather, our drive is towards consolidated growth being driven through the focus on key business fundamentals and a prudent outlook to risk underwriting.” She further noted, “this rating upgrade augurs well for the soundness of strategies that have been crafted for both companies as well as for the capability and business acumen of the Management Teams. This will no doubt fortify our position in the market as a solid player and further infuse confidence in the mindset of key stakeholders to transact with both the Companies. I wish to thank each and every member of both teams for their dedication and commitment especially during these trying times that has enabled us to receive this upgrade in ratings by Fitch”.

Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI, Mr. Prasantha Fernando shared his thoughts stating, “We are delighted to announce the news of this upgrade to all our stakeholders. The ratings of HNBA and HNBGI have been upgraded by Fitch Ratings upon reviewing the business profiles, the improved capital position, and the sustainable underwriting performance of both entities. Further, an upgrade of this nature demonstrates our consolidated financial strength, low business risk and solid operational performance. Whist thanking Fitch Ratings for this recognition and all our stakeholders for being with us throughout our journey, it is with great reassurance I state that the management of both entities remain confident of driving our performance up further and are well positioned for growth.” Mr. Fernando added “I am happy to note that the Group recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 3.2 BN for the first quarter of 2021. The Life Insurance business posted a remarkable 51% growth in GWP achieving LKR 1.6 BN and the General Insurance business recorded a GWP of LKR 1.6 BN marking a 27% growth. It is noteworthy to mention that the market rank of HNBGI has improved by one notch to the 7^th position during the quarter with the growth in GWP.” Mr. Fernando further stated “the contribution of our Parent Company HNB too has helped us in this achievement and I am truly grateful to the Bank’s Corporate Management and the members of its branch network for all the support that they have given us.” Speaking on the contribution of the team, Mr. Fernando stated “each and every member of the HNBA and HNBGI teams have played a part in contributing towards this achievement, I am truly grateful and thankful to every single one of them for rallying around the Group and giving their best at all times. This upgrade has us all energized, excited and invigorated, and will, I am sure, further bolster the drive and passion of every team member to do better during these difficult times”.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 63 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of A+ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ of ‘’A+’’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA is rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence including the Great Place To Work® Certification, and won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) recently announced the appointment of Mrs. Chiranthi Cooray as a Non-Independant / Non-Executive Director. The appointment was approved by the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.

Mrs. Chiranthi Cooray currently serves as the Deputy General Manager / Chief Transformation Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC. She leads key transformations in digital, tech, product, service and people strategies to drive growth and support achievement of mid to long-term goals of the Bank, whilst facilitating change management and delivering business value. Chiranthi serves on the Boards of CSR Sri Lanka (Guarantee) Ltd and the Advisory Board of AISEC Sri Lanka. She also serves as a Trustee of the HNB Sustainability Foundation. She is a Past President of the Association of Human Resource Professionals, Sri Lanka.

Chiranthi holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales (Cardiff Metropolitan). She is a Senior Certified Professional SHRM, USA, and a Certified HR Professional from IPMA, USA. She has completed the CIMA (UK) exams and is awaiting admission to membership. Chiranthi was awarded the HR Leadership Award for Global HR Excellence organized by the World HR Congress in February, 2015. She has also been awarded the Gold Category at the Women for Governance Professional & Career Women Awards 2014/2015 by the Women in Management for her exceptional contribution and achievements in the field of Human Resources. Under her leadership the Hatton National Bank PLC has achieved many local and international awards in the last 10 years in the HR and Sustainability spheres. In 2017, Chiranthi served as the Chairwoman of the National Task Force to recommend a strategic road map to increase female labour force participation in Sri Lanka for the National HR Development Council of Sri Lanka.

HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was incorporated in January, 2015 and specializes in Motor and Non-Motor Insurance Solutions, and is presently one of the fastest growing General Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka, with a network of 56 branches. The Company is ranked within the Top 100 Brands and has been awarded a ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ of ‘’A’’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and has obtained the Great Place to Work® Certification and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNBA, the Parent Company specializing in Life Insurance solutions is ranked within the Top 100 Brands and Top 100 Companies in Sri Lanka and has won multiple accolades for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence and many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the South Asian Federation of Accountants.

Paying tribute to the gracious spirit of womanhood, HNB Assurance PLC and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited announced the launch of Liya Harasara for the 9^th consecutive year. Liya Harsara is an exclusive offering with a number of special benefits offered to all women in commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Sharing his views, Mr. Prasantha Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI stated, “It is no secret that women are the backbone of any household and therefore take on a pivotal role in uplifting the quality of life of the family first, and also contributing immensely to societal and economic upliftment. A woman plays multiple roles in today’s society from being a caring daughter, to a loving mother, to a fearless leader and thereby strengthening and supporting those around her. Liya Harasara is our way of thanking all ladies and paying tribute to the unbreakable spirit of womanhood, so that you are very well protected and empowered to go beyond all boundaries to achieve the impossible”.

Lasitha Wimalaratne, Chief Operating Officer of HNBA stated, “We are indeed pleased to launch Liya Harasara for the 9^th consecutive year.  Over the years Liya Harasara has become one of the well sought after benefits in our portfolio. This year’s edition of Liya Harasara offers a range of special insurance benefits and in addition, HNBA and HNBGI have partnered with Durdans Hospital, Vision Care, Swarnamahal Jewelers, DoubleTreee by Hilton Weerawila and Singer Plus to offer exclusive discount schemes to Policyholders”.

Chief Operating Officer of HNBGI, Sithumina Jayasundara stated, “Women are the center of our homes, society and economy and we have come together as a Group to honor and praise the unbreakable spirit of womanhood. We firmly believe that these special benefits would add value to the livelihoods of women and would boost their confidence to take on the challenges of tomorrow”.

The 9^th edition of ‘Liya Harasara’ will offer an additional Free Life Cover of up to Rs. 1 Million for one year from HNB Assurance for Regular Premium Life Insurance policies. Moreover, a Daily Benefit for child birth and pregnancy related hospitalisation subject to maximum of 3 days per year would be offered to the Policyholder and a gift voucher worth of Rs. 5,000/- for one child birth between 8^th March to 31^st December 2021, if Hospitalisation Benefit is taken and Policy being in force. In addition, ‘Liya Harasara’ offers a free Personal Accident Cover up to Rs. 500,000 for every Motor Insurance Policy obtained by females from HNBGI. ‘Liya Harasara’ policy holders will also benefit from a range of special discounts from Durdans Hospitals, Vision Care, Swarnamahal, DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila and Singer Plus.

Global markets were subject to unforeseen turbulences in 2020, forcing many firms, especially in the financial sector, to revisit their strategic lock-ins and set feet over and out of their comfort zones to serve audiences. As this setting would not be back to what is desired to being ‘Normal’, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI), a fast-growing and an innovatory powerhouse that provides general insurance solutions across the Country, discussed the spectrum of its key deliverances for 2021 and how strategies are being crafted to anchor exemplary performance in this challenging year.

Sharing his views, Chief Executive Officer of HNBGI and its parent Company, HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA), Mr. Prasantha Fernando stated, “In 2020 all eyes were on the drastic and yet unbelievable shifts in demand, supply and consumer needs that took the spotlight, setting in place novel solutions and pathways for us to collaborate and serve. As a renowned corporate, HNBGI adapted and successfully mastered many mechanisms to deliver well above standards, largely contributing to the 10 billion rupee turnover of the Group in 2020, which is a tremendous milestone to have achieved in the two companies’ history. We are now more than ever geared to take on 2021 by the meticulous execution of digital facilitators, introduction of new and improved products that are more apt towards today’s needs, and continuous expansion to be there for our invaluable customers. Also, a number of initiatives are set in place to train and provide progressive development for the knowledgeable team of professionals here at HNBGI, who with no doubt will push towards excellence in the year ahead”.

Speaking on strategy for 2021, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, Chief Operating Officer of HNBGI stated “Obtaining an insurance plan, be it, for your vehicle, property or business can be a daunting task, and with the ever-growing need to digitalise matters for the future, HNBGI is actively committed in amplifying its transformation over the digital sphere predominantly aimed at making such procedures simpler and more convenient. On account of this, tasks such as quotation generation, the processing of claims and payments thereof, as well as training and development via digital platforms will be few of the areas of focus. We believe this will supplement our efforts in providing a seamless customer service and experience, also by way of improved turnaround, satisfaction, and retention rates”.

Mr. Jayasundara continued, “Over time, HNBGI has cultivated key partnerships with a number of value adding services, establishing strong ties among the agency channel, Bancassurance channel, Corporate Sales Unit, Takaful Unit, Broker and Leasing Channels. Such components will work in sync to further sustain these relationships and bring in new collaborations to drive revenue, delivering promised returns to our stakeholders. As we widen our comprehensive portfolio of general insurance solutions by introducing revolutionary products such as MotorGuard Pay As You Claim, we will be taking more measures to modify and introduce a modern bouquet of products in the motor insurance and non-motor sphere with a host of benefits that best fits the fast paced needs of our audience”. 

HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was incorporated in January, 2015 and specializes in Motor and Non-Motor Insurance Solutions, and is presently one of the fastest growing General Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka, with a network of 56 branches. The Company is ranked within the Top 100 Brands and has been awarded a ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ of ‘’A’’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and has obtained the Great Place to Work® Certification and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNBA, the Parent Company specializing in Life Insurance solutions is ranked within the Top 100 Brands and Top 100 Companies in Sri Lanka and has won multiple accolades for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence and many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the South Asian Federation of Accountants.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 500 MN during 1H 2020, depicting a steady growth amidst the outbreak of a global pandemic.

Speaking on the financial performance of the Group, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI, Mrs. Rose Cooray stated, “it is indeed a great pleasure to announce that HNB Assurance Group has achieved a significant PAT growth compared to the corresponding period of the previous year following an economic downturn caused by the outbreak of a global pandemic. Through the tireless efforts, our teams successfully navigated the challenging environment to deliver a noteworthy performance. The Life Insurance business recorded a PAT of LKR 176 MN showcasing a growth of 25%. The profit does not include any surplus transfer from the Life Fund. The General Insurance business recorded a PAT of LKR 323 MN depicting an impressive growth of 120%. These results reiterate the resilience of our sustainable core business model and the Group’s undivided focus in capturing market segments with growth potential. The unprecedented challenges arising from the COVID-19 outbreak together with other adverse global and market conditions have created a challenging backdrop which businesses around the globe are currently experiencing; but with the strategies of the Management together with the dedication of the staff members of HNBA and HNBGI and the Advisor Force, I’m sure we could overcome this uncertain turbulence”.

Sharing his views on the performance of the Group, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI, Mr. Prasantha Fernando stated, “HNBA Group delivered outstanding financial results amidst a number of macro-economic challenges presented during a global crisis. In a market backdrop where most businesses succumbed its profits to the outbreak of COVID-19, HNBA Group has delivered a notable performance. The Group recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 4.5 BN. The investment income of the Group surpassed LKR 1.2 BN and the total assets of the Group surpassed LKR 29 BN. The Group has taken swift and effective measures and has adapted various agile initiatives following the COVID-19 outbreak, including enhancing its digital selling portals and claims settlement platforms. It is noteworthy to mention that the Life and General Insurance Funds surpassed values of LKR 15.7 BN and LKR 2.9 BN respectively reaffirming the Group’s firm footing”. Mr. Fernando further added, “the Management is thankful for the commitment and dedication of all employees during these trying times. The Management remains confident that together with the diversified business strategies the Group will be able to sustain its continuous growth and deliver value to all stakeholders”.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 63 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of A (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a ‘National Insurer Financial Strength Rating’ of ‘’A’’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA is rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence including the Great Place to Work® Certification, and won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) recently concluded its Chairman’s and Long Service Awards Ceremony 2020 at the Taj Samudra, Colombo. Held in celebration of staff excellence, the event was attended by a limited number of guests as set out by the Company in adherence to all health and safety guidelines. This special occasion was joined by the members of the Senior Management of HNBA and HNBGI and other distinguished guests, to present and witness the crowning of 12 Chairman’s Award Winners and 08 Long Service Award Winners.

Expressing views on the event, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI Mr. Prasantha Fernando stated, “Operating amidst concerning times in terms of both, health and the economy, the Group has chartered its way through to confidently address many of its business pillars including stakeholder value creation and employee wellbeing as part of the Company’s drive towards industry excellence. Celebrating achievements, winning spirit and talents in this setting is a challenge, and yet we have come together to admire and reward the laudable efforts of our very fellow staff members as their immense dedication is core to the Group’s success. This is also evident by the Group’s recent Great Place to Work® certification. Furthermore, we firmly believe that tapping the capacity and contribution of our professional staff members to guide and equip them with skills and knowledge for their individual career development is primary in our advancement, and would also assist our market stand remain deep-rooted. I extend my heartiest wishes to the Winners and wish them all the very best in their future endeavors”.

Sharing his thoughts, Chief Human Resource Officer of HNBA and HNBGI Mr. Dinuka Pattikiriarachchi stated, “Recognizing and appreciating the value of an exceptional employee should not be determined upon the overall performance standards of a company, nor the favorability of the economic outlook posed by a particular year. It is a blunt fact that the COVID-19 Pandemic had brought about a challenging state over business, staging an inflexible uphill battle to reach pre-pandemic growth rates. Nevertheless, we as an organization stand firm in our commitment to nurture a great place to work in which employee recognition is an essential part in our way of life”.

Speaking further, Mr. Pattikiriarachchi stated, “This occasion is one such event in our employee calendar in which we stood not to divest from the said grounds. It is indeed in times such as this, that employers are required to ‘walk the talk’ for their most important asset, the inner public, the go-getters.  I am gladdened, and am sure that this ceremony was a reward for the past, and an investment for the future.”

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 63 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of A (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for “National Insurer Financial Strength Rating”. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurer Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNBA is rated within the Top 100 Brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence and also won many awards for its Annual Reports at the Award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and SAFA (South Asian Federation Accountants).