Business
HNB Singithi Giftober savings month begins with exciting new offers
Widest reward scheme introduced for deposits from Rs. 5,000 for minor savings
HNB PLC, which claims to be the country’s “most customer friendly bank,” ,announced the return of its most anticipated annual campaign, Singithi Giftober, in celebration of Children’s Day.
Anchored by a slew of gifts to promote the savings culture among minor account holders, the annual campaign will run for 45 days, from October 2 to November 17. As is the custom, HNB will welcome over 3,500 children across 35 customer centres for a fun-filled day of exciting games and engaging programmes, empowering future generations with valuable skills and savings habits, a nes release from the bank said.
“October is a special month for us at HNB as it celebrates our biggest treasure – our children. Each year, we have taken the step to bring happiness to the leaders of tomorrow, today. This year is no different.
“Savings is not just a rewarding skill; it’s a valuable habit we must inculcate in our children. That is why the Giftober campaign is of the utmost importance to us. Our goal is to instil the importance of savings early in life, a financial lesson that can have a lasting impact on their financial well-being and overall life skills,” HNB Head of Deposits Viranga Gamage said.
Encouraging minors to save or increase their deposits, HNB will offer a range of enticing gifts and vouchers of up to Rs. 60,000- for deposits ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1 million during the promotional period. This year’s exciting gifts include jumbo pen holders, stationery sets and the bank’s well-loved Jumbo till. HNB further partnered with over 15 leading retailers, allowing account holders to redeem their vouchers at any outlet across the country.
Additionally, HNB’s long-running savings till to till offer – which has been foundational to the savings habit of generations of Sri Lankans – will continue to run during the campaign period. Notably, all the Singithi Giftober Savings Month offers will rephrase as unclean existing savings rewards and incentives provided to Singithi depositors year-round.
Moreover, the bank’s commitment to financial literacy further extends to teenagers through the TEEN+ savings scheme, designed to nurture financial independence. The next-gen savings account, designed specifically for teenagers, offers a range of exciting features, including high-interest savings rates and a branded HNB TEEN+ Tap & Go debit card with free digital banking facilities. HNB TEEN+ also offers special seasonal discounts, SMS alerts for transactions and an e-statement facility.
Offering support to customers working towards their future goals and aspirations, HNB extends its Investment Plans to minor account holders, providing unmatched flexibility and attractive interest rates. Parents can use a monthly deposit investment plan or a lump sum investment plan assuring guaranteed proceeds at the age of 18.
Similarly, the Singithi Kirikatiyo Account, specially designed for newborn children, can be opened by parents within three months from the child’s date of birth. The bank will gift a free deposit of Rs. 1,000 when opening the account. Minor account holders will be entitled to one of the highest interest rates and gifts on their birthday, according to the account balance maintained.
Notably, HNB continues its flagship Diri Daru Grade 5 scholarship programme, offering cash rewards of up to 10,000 to all Grade Five students with Singithi accounts who meet the eligibility criteria. The scheme was also extended to academic excellence in GCE O/L, London O/L, GCE A/L and London A/L exams, where the top 150 best-performing HNB Teen account holders will receive cash prizes.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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