Business
HNB focused on remittances as an engine for development
‘The Bank is ideally positioned to take the lead in streamlining inflows to Sri Lanka’
Underpinning the power of remittances to drive development and in support of Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) efforts to optimise inward remittances to Sri Lanka, leading private sector bank HNB PLC, recognized and rewarded their top achieving customers, at a special ceremony at their premises.
The event featured CBSL Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal as Chief Guest, and CBSL Assistant Governor, Dharmasiri Kumarathunga, who together with HNB MD/CEO, Jonathan Alles and senior officers, handed cash prizes of LKR 100,000 to the awardees.
Speaking on the occasion, CBSL Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal said “We express our gratitude to every Sri Lankan working overseas who is able to send a portion of their hard-earned earnings back home. Remittances are not only a benefit for those who send and receive money, but also an immensely valuable benefit for our nation. In acknowledging these factors, we understood that it is important to offer as many privileges as we can for those who use official channels for their remittances.
These will include immediate measures from the CBSL such as offering Rs. 2 on every US dollar remitted, as well as additional tax benefits. Similarly, if they were to use these funds to start a business, additional concessions will also be provided. Every Sri Lankan who works overseas should be treated as a VIP. We are grateful for their service, and we hope that they will make maximum use of this opportunity. I also wish to thank HNB for immediately stepping forward to support our vital efforts to raise remittances, which are essential to Sri Lanka’s future development.”
Among other initiatives aimed at increasing remittance inflows, from US$ 7 billion to $ 9 billion, CBSL in collaboration with the banking sector, plans to introduce SL-Remit, a mobile app to enable migrant workers to send their earnings via a safe and secure, official channel.
At a national level, worker remittances have been on the decline in recent months with September inflows halving to US$ 353 million as compared with US$ 703 million a year ago. Remittances in the first nine months reduced by 9% YoY to US $ 4.5 billion from the corresponding period of last year.
“Migrant workers who opt to send their foreign currency through formal banking channels, will be treated to new privileges, at a national level as well as at bank level. Given HNB’s rich 40 year heritage in the remittance industry, we are ideally positioned to take the lead in streamlining inflows to Sri Lanka, while ensuring that the interests and well-being of migrant workers during their tenor as a migrant, and upon their return to the motherland,” HNB MD/CEO Jonathan Alles stated.
With over four decades of remittance experience, HNB has deployed officers in select locations as a regular point of contact to provide solutions and advice customers on their banking expectations.
HNB Remittance services offer customers convenience and security to transfer funds through the bank’s worldwide network of partners in every populated continent. HNB’s global network consists of more than 130 tie-ups with renowned exchange houses and banks across the world, where deposits could be made in 13 designated foreign currencies, along with LKR.
Notably, HNB recorded a significant 15% YoY increase in digital remittances in the first half of 2020 alone, following the introduction of cardless withdrawals for Lankan expatriates and the launch of the HNB RippleNet blockchain facility for enterprises, which helped ease the difficulties faced by customers. By the end of its last financial year, HNB had facilitated inward remittances in excess of LKR 203 billion inward remittances.
In a significant move for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, NKAR, a stalwart in the industry for over 45 years, has announced a partnership with Holiday Max, Australia’s largest tour operator. Based in Perth, Holiday Max has ventured into Sri Lanka for the first time, marking a promising expansion for both entities.
This collaboration aligns with NKAR’s strategic vision to enhance the country’s appeal to international travelers. Nilmin Nanayakkara, Chairman and Managing Director of NKAR says, “Our policy has always been to promote Sri Lanka to new markets by attracting new operators, rather than competing through price undercutting or making unrealistic promises.” This statement encapsulates NKAR’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth by focusing on quality over cost.
By prioritsing service excellence and maintaining high health and safety standards, NKAR aims to elevate the overall travel experience for visitors. This approach not only positions Sri Lanka as a premium destination but also attracts reputable operators like Holiday Max, who are drawn to the island’s unique experiences and NKAR’s dedication to quality service.
The partnership represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings to Australian travelers, potentially opening new avenues for tourism growth. As NKAR continues to innovate and adapt, this collaboration is set to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing as a sought-after travel destination, steering the industry away from aggressive price competition towards sustainable growth through authentic experiences.
By focusing on attracting new operators and markets, NKAR is paving the way for a revitalised tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, one that values quality, safety, and the unique charm of the island. NKAR is recognised as one of the top five destination management companies in Sri Lanka. The company recently won 3 major awards at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
LOLC Finance secured five Gold Awards and one Merit Award at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2025, including the prestigious Overall Excellence in Digital Payments Gold Award for the sixth consecutive year.
The company dominated both bank and NBFI categories, winning Best Digital Strategy Gold Award, proving its superiority over traditional banks in digital finance.
Awards won were as follows.
Gold Awards:
Best Digital Payment Strategy (Banks & NBFI)
Best Mobile Application for Retail Payments via JustPay (Banks & NBFI)
Excellence in Customer Convenience (NBFI)
Financial Inclusivity (NBFI)
Overall Excellence in Digital Payments (NBFI)
Merit Award: Most Popular Digital Payment Product (iPay)
CEO Krishan Thilakaratne emphasized digitalization as core to LOLC Finance’s operations, enabling seamless, 24/7 financial access through platforms like LOLC Real Time and iPay.
Chairman Conrad Dias highlighted the audited, performance-based recognition and iPay’s mission to solve real-world financial challenges with cutting-edge tech.
iPay & JustPay innovations were Recognized for leading digital payment adoption with 1M+ downloads, 1.8M monthly transactions, and 65% JustPay market share, featuring biometric security and AI fraud detection.
Financial Inclusivity was recognized for Bridging gaps via multi-lingual services, cashless processes, and rural outreach programs.
Customer Convenience was recognized for real-time solutions (SLIPS, CEFTS) eliminating branch visits for payments and transfers.
Tree House International, located in Dehiwala, has been recognised as the Most Evidence-Based Special Needs School of the Year at BWIO Awards. The only international school in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to children with special needs, 75% of its students relocate from abroad for its high-quality, result-driven education.
Last semester, 100% of students transitioned to mainstream or vocational training.
The school is led by Dr. Anton James, a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with over 20 years of global experience.
His evidence-based approach earned the highest honour from the British Psychological Society, and he was elected a Chartered Scientist. Co-directed by Chrystal Honsaker, an expert with 15 years of international special needs experience, the school also offers an accredited British curriculum alternative to GCSEs.
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