Business
HNB records strong and stable performance
Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) solidified its position as one of the most sustainable and strongest banks recording a well-rounded performance in 2021. Group Profit After Tax (PAT) increased to Rs 20 Bn, representing a growth of 47% YoY while Bank PAT improved to Rs 17.3 Bn as economic activity picked up during the year.
The monetary policy loosening adopted to spur economic growth post the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 continued to be in place up to August 2021. Although the interest rates increased subsequent to the 50bps increase in policy rates in August, the average AWPLR for 2021 was approximately 160bps below the rate for 2020. This resulted in a decline of 5.1% in interest income to Rs 98.6 Bn, despite a strong loan growth in the second half of the year. Similarly interest expense reduced by 17.2% to Rs 49 Bn, resulting in a Net Interest Income (NII) growth of 10.8% YoY to Rs 49.6 Bn.
Commenting on the performance during the year, Chairperson of HNB PLC Aruni Goonetilleke stated that “2021 was a test of endurance and agility as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to disrupt lives and economic activity. During the tumultuous year, our colleagues around the country, led by our Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles and the Management Team have focused on protecting the interests of shareholders, while ensuring the wellbeing of colleagues, supporting our customers and showing solidarity with our communities”.
“I am pleased to note the overall robust performance of the HNB Group during 2021, delivered through sustainable growth and profitability, improved asset quality as well as strong capital and liquidity. The Group was also successful in driving digital adoption through future ready products and services. I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation for the entire Hatna family for their commitment and dedication during testing times, our valued customers for their continuous patronage, our investors and all other stakeholders for their trust and confidence”.
Net Fee and Commission income of the Bank grew by 27.5% YoY to Rs 9.6 Bn driven by higher card and trade business volumes as economic activity rebounded. Other non-interest income grew by 61% to Rs 6.5 Bn, largely due to the position revaluations on account of the deprecation of the LKR by 8% during 2021.
Improvements made with regard to credit underwriting standards, approval processes and recovery action has resulted in further improvements in asset quality reflected by the NPA ratio which improved to 3.38% from 4.31% in 2020 to record one of the best NPA ratios in the industry. The Net Stage III loans ratio also improved by 85 bps to 2.55% as at end of 2021.
The impairment charge for the year increased to Rs 18.8 Bn as significant management overlays were recognized on account of elevated risk industries and a provision of Rs 6.9 Bn was made on account of foreign currency denominated government securities as the sovereign was downgraded to CC by Fitch Ratings.
Total operating expenses increased by only 2.3% YoY mainly due to a 6.1% reduction in personnel costs. The Bank continued its policy of not laying off or cutting salaries due to the pandemic and concluded a very successful collective agreement for the non-executive staff. However, the extension of retirement age to 60 years resulted in a reversal of Rs 2.3 Bn on provision for pension and retirement benefits which led to the drop in personnel expenses. Other operating expenses which account for 52% of total operating expenses increased by 11.4% YoY. However, this was still 3.9% below the pre-pandemic level.
The growth in Total Operating Income at a higher rate of 16.7%, resulted in the cost to income ratio improving considerably to 34.4% compared to 39.3% in 2020.
Commenting on the performance MD/CEO of HNB PLC Jonathan Alles stated that “Humanity has faced the crisis of a generation and HNB has demonstrated remarkable resilience against this backdrop. Our journey over the past 133 years has been through many peaks and troughs . We have continuously strengthened our risk management, compliance and governance, which has helped us overcome challenges. This is testament to our strong and stable performance”.
“HNB has continued to extend support to revive livelihoods. We are pleased to note that many customers have been successful in getting back on their feet as moratoria extended has reduced from 40% of our loan book to 9% as at end of December 2021. Currently the moratoria outstanding is only in the tourism sector, with concessions extended to other sectors ending in 2021. The relaxation of travel restrictions by many countries and high vaccination rate in Sri Lanka augurs well for the tourism sector”.
“Our focus on being future ready and the investments we have made over the past enabled us to support our customers to carry out their transactions seamlessly, through our digital platforms and payment solutions. With evolving customer needs and lifestyles as well as high digital adoption rates owing to the pandemic, we will continue our digital transformation journey to provide an enjoyable banking experience to our customers.”
“Team HNB is at the heart of our business and enhancing the employee value proposition has been a core focus. As we move on, we will continue our efforts on strategic workforce planning, build a strong talent pipeline to operate in a future fit organization, develop future leaders through structured programmes and promote work life balance”. (HNB)
UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka is introducing a transformative patron structure for its Working Groups, set to take effect in 2025. This initiative strengthens the Network’s commitment to advancing corporate sustainability by amplifying the leadership of select companies within their respective issue areas. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on March 20, 2025, at the 80 Club, in the presence of the Network’s Board Members.
Network Sri Lanka’s Working Groups have long provided a platform for businesses to exchange knowledge and drive industry-wide progress on sustainability. With this new structure, leading companies will take on an enhanced role in guiding participants within their Working Groups, offering mentorship, strategic insights, and best practices to drive collective action.
As Patrons, these companies will host events, provide guidance, and shape the direction of their respective Working Groups, ensuring that discussions translate into tangible, scalable solutions aligned with national and global sustainability priorities.
Meet the Patrons and Their Areas of Leadership
MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd – Gender & Diversity
MAS Holdings will lead the Gender & Diversity Working Group, championing inclusive business practices, gender equality, and women’s leadership in corporate Sri Lanka.
A. Baur & Co (Pvt) Ltd – Business & Human Rights
A. Baur & Co will lead efforts within the Business & Human Rights Working Group, championing ethical business practices, human rights protections, and responsible corporate conduct.
Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC – Climate Emergency Task Force
Talawakelle Tea Estates will drive action within the Climate Emergency Task Force, supporting businesses in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.
Kelani Valley Plantations PLC – Water & Ocean Stewardship
Kelani Valley Plantations will support the Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Group, focusing on sustainable water management and conservation practices.
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC – Water & Ocean Stewardship & Sustainable Supply Chain & SME
Dilmah will take on a dual Patron role, sharing its expertise in sustainable supply chains and water stewardship, particularly in global supply chain sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation efforts.
Teejay Lanka PLC – Sustainable Supply Chain & SME
Teejay Lanka will support the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group, bringing its expertise in ethical sourcing, circularity, and sustainable manufacturing.
“As a steward of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.’s 127-year legacy, built on ethical governance and the unwavering dedication of our people. Ensuring a living wage is not just a moral imperative, it’s also a smart business strategy. When the employees have the financial security they need, they’re more productive, engaged, and loyal. We recognize that this transformative change cannot be achieved in isolation. By working together with other stakeholders, we can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Through our commitment to advocating for a living wage, we aim to inspire broader private sector participation, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and strengthen the ecosystem for equitable economic growth in Sri Lanka.” – Rolf Blaser, Managing Director / CEO, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.
Network Sri Lanka is the Country Network of the UN Global Compact, mobilizing businesses to integrate sustainability into their core strategies. Through its Working Groups, the Network facilitates peer learning, collaboration, and collective action to drive meaningful change across industries.
Assetline Finance Limited (AFL), the flagship company of the Financial Services Cluster of David Pieris Holdings, has received an upgraded entity credit rating from Lanka Rating Agency (LRA) to A with a Positive Outlook, up from its previous rating of A- with a Stable Outlook. This upgrade, along with the improved outlook, reflects AFL’s strong financial fundamentals, sustainable growth trajectory, and the increasing confidence of the market in its long-term stability and performance.
This new rating reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to prudent financial stewardship, a strong focus on sound risk management practices, and a strategic approach to value creation. During the year, the Company demonstrated steady growth in its asset base, surpassing LKR 50 billion and reinforcing its strong position within the industry. This growth was driven by strategic investments and a disciplined approach to capital management, which has consistently reinforced the Company’s liquidity and financial position. It clearly demonstrates AFL’s operational efficiency and its ability to generate long-term shareholder value.
Commenting on the upgraded rating, Ashan Nissanka, Director & CEO of AFL, stated: “Our favourable rating further positions us to unlock greater opportunities, drive progress, and strengthen stakeholder trust. It is not just a reflection of where we stand today but symbolises our path ahead towards a stronger future.”
Furthermore, the Company maintained a strong and well-managed capital structure, with a capital adequacy ratio significantly above the minimum regulatory requirement. It also successfully secured international funding from the Japan-based ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund (JAWEF), managed by BlueOrchard Finance Ltd., a globally recognized impact investment manager. Securing this funding affirms the Company’s financial resilience and its ongoing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Through its Liyadiriya initiative, the Company continues to improve financial accessibility for rural women, contributing to inclusive economic development.
The Company also expanded its geographical footprint by opening four new branches, increasing its total branch network to 59 and establishing a nationwide presence. This expansion was aimed at broadening the customer base, particularly in underserved areas, to promote financial inclusivity. It aligns with the Company’s strategic intent to support women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Company’s lending focus remains aligned with national priorities, particularly in the renewable energy and SME sectors, which are seen as key drivers of long-term development.
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager – Marketing, Customer Care, and Card Centre, Sampath Bank (2nd from L), exchanged the MOU with Suren Chandraratna, Senior Vice Chairman, COYLE (2nd from R), in the presence of Anjali Goonetilake, Senior Manager – Marketing, Sampath Bank (1st from L), and Jayamal Gunaratne, Project Chairman, COYLE (1st from R).
The partnership further positions Sampath Bank at the forefront of SME development in Sri Lanka, distinguishing it as a long-term enabler of entrepreneurial success and a key driver of sustainable economic progress.
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