Business
HNB yet again delivers sustainable business performance
Group PBT Rs 12 Bn; Bank Rs 10.9 Bn
Group PAT Rs 9.8 Bn; Bank Rs 9.1 Bn
Hatton National Bank (HNB PLC) continued to demonstrate resilience amidst volatile conditions, posting a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs 10.9 Bn and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs 9.1 Bn. The Group profits also improved in line, with PBT and PAT at Rs 12 Bn and Rs 9.8 Bn respectively.
The loan book recorded a growth of 8.6% over the past 12 months to June 2021. Despite same, the reduction of over 280 bps in AWPLR over the same period resulted in a 10.6% YoY drop in 1H interest income, to Rs 48.1 Bn. Strong CASA mobilization efforts led to a 27.1% YoY growth in the CASA base which improved to Rs 405.5 Bn as at end of June 2021. This growth together with the low deposit rates, contributed to a 20.4% YoY drop in interest expenses to Rs 25 Bn. Accordingly, Net Interest Income for the first half 2021 exhibited a 3.2% YoY growth to Rs 23.2 Bn.
Fee and Commission income continued its uptrend in 2021 increasing to Rs 4.4 Bn, a 27.7% YoY growth over the corresponding six months in 2020, a period in which considerable disruption to business activities were witnessed. Card and Trade businesses were key contributors towards this growth, while fees from digital banking also improved significantly driven by higher level of adoption.
Mr. Nilanth De Silva Chairman of HNB PLC commented that “The operating environment has continued to be uncertain with a multitude of challenges for the Nation and the Industry for almost two years. The re-emergence of higher numbers of COVID positive patients and the fast spread of the Delta variant, threaten macro fundamentals and industry dynamics. We greatly appreciate the efforts expended by the authorities in rapidly rolling out the vaccinations across the country which is the most sustainable solution in winning the war against COVID. In this backdrop I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to all our stakeholders for their continued patronage and especially our staff for their untiring efforts and unwavering commitment in serving our valuable clients”.
Bank recorded an exchange gain of Rs 3.4 Bn during 1H 2021 relative to Rs 1.5 Bn in the first six months of 2020 due to the depreciation of the Rupee and lower swap volumes.
The Gross NPA ratio of the Bank improved during the first six months of 2021 to 4.25% in comparison to a deterioration of nearly 50 bps witnessed during 1H 2020. The Bank made an impairment charge of Rs 6.3 Bn for the 1H 2021 compared to the impairment of Rs 9.1 Bn in the corresponding period of 2020. The higher impairment charge in the previous year was largely on account of the rising NPAs and the Sovereign downgrade in April 2020. The Bank reassessed the uncertainties in the operating environment, and continued to improve the Management Overlay in the impairment provisions for this period. HNB’s total impairment against the NPA base remained over 100% as at end of 1H 2021.
The Bank was successful in containing the increase in Operating Expenses to 5.2% YoY, despite the Operating Expenses for 1H 2020 being 6% below the corresponding period of 2019. This together with the healthy growth of 13.3% YoY in Total Operating Income resulted in an improvement of 289 bps in Cost to Income ratio which stood at 37.4% as at end of June 2021.
Commenting on the overall performance, Jonathan Alles, Managing Director /CEO of HNB PLC stated that “HNB has yet again demonstrated resilience, stability and strength in a highly volatile environment. We are proud to have crossed the Rs 1 Trillion landmark in deposits which clearly demonstrates the continued trust and confidence placed in us by our customers. We remain the best capitalized bank among domestic systemically important banks, which has been further bolstered by the Basel III compliant debenture issue which was over-subscribed on day one. Our asset quality continues to be ahead of the industry while our liquidity levels are well above the statutory levels.
This has been possible through our relentless focus on ensuring that we remain on a solid foundation built on strong governance, risk management and compliance, which has enabled us to intensify our transformation efforts on Digitalization, Process Efficiency and People Development in our pursuit to be future ready.”
“As a responsible D-SIB, supporting revival and sustainability of our customers, has also been a key priority for us. We have continued to grant moratoriums to customers under stress over the past two years and have provided necessary working capital financing through CBSL schemes and our own funds. We extended grants to 200 microfinance clients to support recovery of their business operations.”
Alles further commented that “Sri Lanka is at a crucial juncture and a national level action plan is the need of the hour to revive the economy. As a true ‘partner in progress’ for the Nation and its people, HNB has supported National development over a century by financing micro and SME clients, funding infrastructure development projects, facilitating international trade and remittances and having stood by our customers during most challenging times, HNB remains committed to play a pivotal role in rebuilding Sri Lanka.”
In line with the reduction in Corporate Tax Rate to 24% from 28%, the current tax liability and the deferred tax asset as at end 2020 were reassessed. Accordingly, the effective tax rate for the period improved compared to the corresponding period of 2020. PAT of Rs 9.1 Bn translated to a Return on Assets of 1.4% and a Return on Equity of 13.2%. Strong second quarter growth facilitated a 3% expansion in the loan book during the first half to Rs 839 Bn. Total deposits increased to Rs 1.032 Trillion as at end of 1H 2021 recording a growth of 6.7%. The Bank is also among the best capitalized and most liquid in the industry as demonstrated by a Tier I Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.31%, Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 18.42%, a Liquid Coverage Ratio of 273.7%, and a Loan to Deposit ratio 81.2%. The CASA ratio also stood at 39.3% as at end of 1H 2021. Total assets expanded by 3.5% in the six months ended June 2021 to Rs 1.337 Trillion, while Group assets grew to Rs 1.417 Trillion.
All Group companies complemented the Bank in enabling the Group to post a PAT of Rs 9.8 Bn and a profit attributable to shareholders of Rs 9.5 Bn.
Accordingly, the Group recorded a ROA and ROE of 1.4% and 12% respectively.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is actively engaging with Sri Lanka on a potential budget financing package, following recent discussions between ADB President Masato Kanda and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Describing the request as “crucial,” Kanda said the proposal is now under internal consideration, with a broader framework being developed to ensure funds are directed toward priority sectors such as energy security, food security, and overall budgetary support. While no figures or timelines were disclosed, he emphasised the need for a carefully structured and mutually agreed resource allocation strategy
Sri Lanka is among several countries that have approached the ADB for similar assistance, reflecting mounting fiscal pressures across the region.
Speaking at one of the key meetings of the 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB in Samarkand, Kanda outlined a broader institutional shift in response to escalating global economic uncertainties, particularly those stemming from tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
“Asia and the Pacific can’t afford to retreat into isolation,” he said, reiterating a paradigm shift in how the ADB responds with greater speed, flexibility, and coordination.
Reaffirming the bank’s commitment to the region, Kanda stated, “We will step forward as one, while the ADB will be your steadfast anchor,” signaling a more proactive and unified approach to crisis response and economic stabilisation.
As part of this renewed strategy, the ADB has launched a $70 billion initiative aimed at strengthening regional connectivity through integrated power grids and digital infrastructure. The program is expected to play a transformative role in boosting cross-border energy cooperation and technological integration. By 2035, the bank aims to facilitate the integration of approximately 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity across national borders, supporting both energy transition goals and regional resilience.
Kanda also detailed a multi-tiered response framework to address immediate and long-term economic disruptions. In the short term, the ADB is leveraging its Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program to provide rapid liquidity support. This is complemented by fast-disbursing budget assistance designed to shield vulnerable populations from economic shocks.
Over the medium term, the bank plans to deploy resilience-building tools to help the regional economies stabilise and adapt to ongoing geopolitical and financial stresses.
The evolving strategy reflects a recognition that traditional development financing models may be insufficient in the face of increasingly complex and interconnected global crises. For countries like Sri Lanka, the outcome of these discussions could prove pivotal in facing current economic challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable recovery.
As deliberations continue in Samarkand, the focus remains on translating high-level commitments into tangible support mechanisms tailored to the specific needs of ADB”s member countries.
By Sanath Nanayakkare in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
At the initiative of the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai successfully organized the first-ever “Sri Lanka Food Festival 2026” from 24th to 26th April at Green Meadows Resort, Chennai.
The Festival provided a unique platform to showcase the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Sri Lanka, offering guests an authentic experience of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
The event was organized in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau; Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo; Ministry of External Affairs of India; India Tourism, the Government of India, the Tourism Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Dwarka Productions Chennai, and Tarlton Tea.
The primary objective of the festival to further strengthen cultural ties between Sri Lanka and South India while promoting tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections through a shared appreciation of culinary heritage was successfully achieved.
The occasion was further honoured by the presence of Suresh Jain, District Governor of Rotary District 3234; Navin Gupta, President of the Rotary Club of Chennai Coastal; and the Chief Guest, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder, Chairman and Chancellor of Vels University.
The event was also attended by Mr. Blaze Kannan of Dwarka Productions; Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo; and Sri Lankan actor Kalana Gunasekara, whose presence added further distinction to the occasion.
The festival witnessed the participation of diplomatic Corps, South Indian actors and actresses, distinguished business leaders, members of travel and tourism associations, members of Rotary Clubs, Round Table members, and members of the media fraternity, making it a prestigious and diverse gathering.
Over 700 guests attended the festival across the three days, reflecting strong interest and engagement from the local community.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Chennai Coastal announced its initiative to donate an ambulance to Sri Lanka and to renovate 30 schools across the country, further strengthening goodwill and support in the healthcare and education sectors between the two regions.
Since its UK debut in January 2025, JAECOO has recorded 28,232 new vehicle registrations within its first year, validated by the SMMT, making it the fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand Britain has seen in over a decade. Its flagship model, the JAECOO J7 PHEV, ranked among the most popular retail cars in the UK within its first year and emerged as the best-selling new car in Britain in March 2026.
These results have been further reinforced by a series of prestigious industry accolades:
Carwow Brand of the Year 2026
Leasing.com Overall Car of the Year
Recognised by Google as the most searched Chinese automotive brand in the UK in its Year in Search 2025
Supporting this growth is JAECOO’s parent company, Chery Group, ranked 233rd in the Fortune Global 500 (2025) and China’s No. 1 passenger vehicle exporter for 23 consecutive years.
This global momentum is beginning to translate into local demand, with growing interest in the JAECOO J7 PHEV across Sri Lanka. Designed to combine premium styling with advanced technology and everyday practicality, the model is well suited to both urban driving and more challenging terrain. It offers a combined range of up to 1,200 km, fast-charging capability (30% to 80% in 20 minutes), and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in under 8.5 seconds. Safety and reliability are reinforced through advanced driver-assistance features, a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and a seven-year warranty offered by Hayleys Mobility.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
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