HNB PLC has been crowned “Bank of the Year Sri Lanka 2025” by The Banker Magazine (UK), earning one of the global banking industry’s most respected accolades.
The award, presented by the London-based Financial Times publication, recognises HNB’s financial strength, resilience, and long-term strategic performance during a year of economic uncertainty.
The Banker’s annual awards assess institutions worldwide on capital strength, innovation, governance, and sustainable growth. HNB’s win follows a period in which the bank made notable gains in balance sheet health, digital adoption, and operational efficiency.
HNB MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte welcomed the honour, saying it reflected the Bank’s commitment to national recovery and customer confidence.
“This award recognises the progress we are making as a bank supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term growth. Our priority remains strengthening balance sheet stability, improving service reliability, and expanding digital and advisory solutions for our customers,” he said. “These achievements are driven by disciplined execution and the trust placed in us by our customers and partners.”
The recognition comes at the end of a milestone year for HNB, marked by stronger capital and liquidity positions, improvements in asset quality, and growth in SME and transaction banking. The Bank also completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in HNB Investment Bank significantly strengthening its investment banking footprint.
Across operations, HNB has invested in process redesign, data-driven decision-making, and customer-experience improvements across both its branch network and digital channels. These measures have created a more agile platform for future expansion.
As Sri Lanka’s banking sector moves toward greater transparency, modernisation, and digital transformation, HNB’s performance positions it among the region’s top-ranked institutions. The Banker’s accolade underscores its role as a key contributor to the country’s economic recovery and long-term financial stability.