Fcode Labs marked its seventh anniversary by hosting its annual Awards Night 2025 at Waters Edge, celebrating team achievements and reinforcing its organizational values.

The event featured keynote addresses from Co-Founders & CEOs Buddhishan Manamperi and Tharindu Malawaraarachchi, who reflected on the company’s annual progress and future strategy. Chief Operating Officer Pamaljith Harshapriya outlined operational priorities for the next phase of growth.

Awards were presented across three key categories. Prabhanu Gunaweera and Dushan Pramod received Customer Excellence awards for partner collaboration. Performance Excellence awards were granted to Munsira Mansoor, Thusara Wanigathunga, Thushan De Silva, Adithya Narasinghe, Avantha Dissanayake, Amanda Janmaweera, Sithika Guruge, and Sandali Gunawardena. The Value-Based Behaviour awards were given to Thilina Hewagama, Udara Sembukuttiarachchi, and Kavindu Dhananjaya for exemplifying company values.

HNB Assurance PLC has secured a top regional honour, winning Gold at the Mob-Ex Awards 2025. The Sri Lankan insurer emerged victorious in the competitive ‘Best Campaign – Lifestyle and Entertainment’ category for its innovative “Virtual Avurudu Village” initiative.

The campaign creatively reimagined traditional Avurudu celebrations for the digital age, building an immersive online community that resonated strongly, particularly with gamers. HNBA stood tall as the only Sri Lankan company to claim Gold this year, triumphing over major global brands.

Executive Director and CEO Lasitha Wimalarathne called the win a proud testament to the team’s creativity and passion. Chief Marketing Officer Dinesh Yogaratnam highlighted its significance in blending technology with tradition to create a vibrant virtual experience.

Organized by Marketing-Interactive, the Mob-Ex Awards celebrate excellence in mobile marketing and digital innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has received a significant upgrade to a ‘Buy’ rating from First Capital Research, following a robust financial performance and a strategic move to acquire HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking arm.

The bank’s third-quarter earnings for 2025 surged to LKR 6.1 billion, substantially outperforming forecasts. This was driven by a remarkable 42.4% year-on-year expansion in its loan book and a 14% growth in net interest income, even amidst a softer interest rate environment. The report notes a “decisive earnings inflection,” leading to upward revisions in net profit forecasts to LKR 21.2 billion for 2025, LKR 25.2 billion for 2026, and LKR 30.7 billion for 2027.

A key catalyst for future growth is the planned LKR 18.0 billion acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking business, expected to conclude by 2026. This deal is set to add approximately 200,000 customers and strengthen NTB’s position in premium banking, particularly through enhanced fee income.

First Capital has raised its target price for NTB to LKR 450.00 for 2026 and LKR 570.00 for 2027, implying substantial upside potential of 44% and 83%, respectively, from current levels. The valuation is supported by strong fundamentals, including improved asset quality with Stage 3 loans falling to 1.03%, and robust capital buffers well above regulatory requirements.

For investors, the combination of sustained organic lending growth, a transformative acquisition, and attractive target valuations presents a compelling case, as the bank reframes its long-term growth trajectory.

The Central Bank said last week that its efforts to develop a more resilient financial sector would continue under the Master Plan for the consolidation of banks and finance companies. The Central Bank has made significant progress during 2025 in strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial sector resolution framework with a strong focus on enhancing institutional readiness.