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Fifty ninth ADB Annual Meet opens in Samarkand amid global uncertainty

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Guests from member countries of the ADB arrive at the venue for the 59th Annual Meeting of the Bank in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, yesterday

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is set to commence this week, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and development leaders from across Asia and beyond at a time of mounting global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing journalists ahead of the opening sessions, Bernard Woods, Principal Director of the Department of Communications, said the meetings were beginning at a pivotal moment for the world, with fuel markets, food security and fertilizer supply chains coming under strain due to tensions in the Middle East.

He noted that amid rising political and economic fragmentation, regional connections and stronger collaboration have become more important than ever. Against that backdrop, the key sessions and high-level discussions in Samarkand will focus on building collective resilience and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

Among the major themes expected to dominate the agenda are cross-border digital connectivity, cyber security, energy integration, capital market development, transport corridors and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to improve resilience and productivity in member economies. Woods also said discussions would examine how resources can be distributed more effectively to meet the unique development priorities of each country.

The official programme features a series of strategic seminars and media events over four days. The opening session of the Board of Governors will include addresses by high profile authorities and subject experts.

Other key sessions include discussions on how capital markets can drive development across Asia and the Pacific, scaling up investments for critical minerals and manufacturing value chains, digital highways for inclusive growth, and pan-Asia transport and power connectivity initiatives.

ADB President Kanda is also scheduled to hold a press conference to announce major new initiatives, while several technical briefings will examine global value chains, private sector operations, digital transformation and regional energy cooperation.

With global shocks increasingly spilling across borders, the Samarkand meeting is expected to underline a central message: that regional cooperation, practical partnerships and timely investment remain essential for sustaining growth and stability across Asia and the Pacific.

By Sanath Nanayakkare in Samarkand, Uzbekistan



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Nations Trust Bank completes transfer of HSBC Sri Lanka’s Retail Banking Business to its portfolio

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Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has announced that the transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business in Sri Lanka to NTB has officially been completed, with the acquired portfolio transitioning to NTB effective 1st May 2026.

NTB has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations, ensuring continuity of service and relationship management. The transition also includes the onboarding of HSBC Sri Lanka staff as part of the integration process. The transition has been carried out with a focus on operational stability and minimal disruption, with ongoing support in place as customers familiarise themselves with their banking arrangements at NTB.

The migration brings approximately 200,000 retail customer accounts under NTB, encompassing savings and current accounts, fixed deposits, credit and debit cards, retail loans and a high‑net‑worth customer segment that now joins Nations Trust Bank Private Banking. Through this transfer, Nations Trust Bank’s countrywide network expands to 96 branches. The transition adds seven branches to the network, with locations in Bambalapitiya, Flower Road, Union Place, and Pelawatte operating as dedicated Private Banking Centres, while three other branches are located in Nugegoda, Jaffna, and Kandy.

To support customers during the transition period, NTB has ensured that multiple access points and support channels remain available. Customers may continue to bank through the nearest NTB branch, contact NTB’s 24-hour Help Desk via +94 11 441 4151, and access digital banking services through the Nations Direct mobile app. Dedicated transfer‑related information and FAQs are also available at https://migration.nationstrust.com

Additionally, arrangements were made to extend branch support across two weekends as part of the transition programme.

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Amana Takaful named Sri Lanka’s Most Awarded Insurance Company

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(L) Siva Karthigun, Chief Executive Officer – General and Gehan Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer – Life

Amana Takaful Insurance has been recognized as Sri Lanka’s Most Awarded Insurance Company for 2026 by LMD Magazine, marking its third consecutive year of achievement. This recognition reflects the company’s consistent focus on delivering value across both its Life and General businesses, supported by customer-centric solutions, operational discipline, and continued innovation.

Over the years, Amana Takaful has strengthened its market position by enhancing service delivery, investing in digital capabilities, and expanding access to insurance solutions for a wider segment of Sri Lankans.

Commenting on the recognition, Siva Karthigun, Chief Executive Officer – General, stated: “This recognition reflects the discipline and focus we maintain across our operations to deliver consistent outcomes for our customers. Our continued investments in process improvements, digital capabilities, and service excellence have enabled us to strengthen our responsiveness and reliability, ensuring we meet the evolving expectations of our customers across all touchpoints.”

Commenting further, Gehan Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer – Life, stated: “This recognition reflects the consistency of our efforts in delivering meaningful value to our customers, while continuously strengthening our capabilities across both Life and General businesses. As we move forward, our focus remains on enhancing accessibility, leveraging digital innovation, and ensuring our solutions remain relevant to the evolving needs of Sri Lankans, while maintaining the highest standards of service and reliability.”

Notably, a significant portion of these awards were received for digital excellence, underscoring the company’s continued progress in its digital transformation journey. Amana Takaful’s investments in technology-driven solutions, process automation, and enhanced digital customer experiences have played a key role in strengthening accessibility, efficiency, and service delivery across both Life and General businesses.

The recognition further reinforces Amana Takaful’s standing within the industry, highlighting its ability to sustain performance and adapt in a dynamic environment. For Every Sri Lankan, as one.

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Union Bank records strong start to 2026 with PBT of LKR 465 mn

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Building on its 2025 performance, during which the Bank doubled its bottom-line Union Bank has commenced 2026 with strong momentum, reinforcing its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing commercial banks in the country. The 1Q 2026 results reflect a sharp acceleration in core earnings, driven by solid gains in profitability and revenue.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose by 260% to LKR 465 million, while Profit After Tax (PAT) surged by 570% to LKR 334 million, compared to the corresponding period last year.

Gross Income increased by 24% to LKR 4.9 billion, supported by Net Interest Income (NII) of LKR 1,649 million, up 29% year-on-year. Net Fee and Commission Income also recorded strong growth of 36% to LKR 387 million, reflecting continued success in diversifying revenue streams across retail, SME, and corporate banking segments. Net other operating income included LKR 213 million from the sale of shares held in the subsidiary UB Finance PLC.

In line with prudent risk management and ongoing balance sheet expansion, the Bank reported a net impairment charge of LKR 31 million.

The Bank’s balance sheet continued to expand, with Total Assets growing by 9% to LKR 188.7 billion as at 31 March 2026. Gross Loans and Advances increased by 10% to LKR 129.7 billion, demonstrating the Bank’s continued support for economic activity. Customer Deposits grew by 5% to LKR 124.4 billion, reflecting deepening customer confidence and the effectiveness of the Bank’s sales-driven strategy.

Cost discipline remained firm, with operating expenses increasing by only 7% to LKR 1,576 million. As a result, results from operating activities rose by 133% to LKR 643 million, highlighting a marked improvement in operational efficiency.

Further strengthening its capital base, the Bank successfully concluded a LKR 3 billion debenture issue to enhance Tier II capital. The Total Capital Ratio stood at a healthy 14.7%, well above regulatory requirements, providing a strong foundation for future growth.

At the Group level, Total Assets increased by 10% to LKR 202.4 billion. The Union Bank Group comprises UB Finance PLC and National Asset Management Limited.

Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody stated: “Our 1Q 2026 performance validates the structural transformation initiated last year. Strengthened governance and a sharper focus on core segments are now translating into sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders.”

Director/Chief Executive Officer Dilshan Rodrigo added: “The 570% growth in PAT reflects the strength of our digital-first strategy and customer-centric approach. We remain focused on further strengthening our deposit base as the cornerstone of our stability and growth. This performance provides a solid platform for our ambitions in 2026.”

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