HNB Life PLC reported a strong start to the year for the three months ended 31 March 2026, continuing its growth trajectory following its recent rebranding and reinforcing its position as a leading life insurer in Sri Lanka.

The Company recorded Life Gross Written Premium of Rs. 7.01 Bn for the period, reflecting a strong growth of 54 percent compared to Rs. 4.55 Bn in the corresponding period of 2025. Net Written Premium also rose by 54 percent to Rs. 6.69 Bn, demonstrating sustained momentum in both new business generation and policy persistency.

Total Net Income grew by 39 percent to Rs. 8.69 Bn, supported by a healthy underwriting performance and steady investment income. Interest and dividend income contributed Rs. 2.05 Bn during the period, reflecting the strength and scale of the Company’s investment portfolio.

The Company’s financial position remained robust, with total assets increasing to Rs. 71.38 Bn as of 31 March 2026, compared to Rs. 68.44 Bn at the end of 2025. Financial investments grew to Rs. 64.39 Bn, while the Life Insurance Fund expanded to Rs. 52.55 Bn, highlighting the continued accumulation of long-term policyholder funds and business growth. Total Equity stood at Rs. 11.45 Bn, providing a strong capital base to support future expansion.

Profit After Tax for the Company stood at Rs. 0.21 Bn for the period and is reported without any surplus transfer from the Life Insurance Fund, which is usually done after the year end valuation. Profitability was impacted by low-Interest rate environment as well as by fair value movements in the equity portfolio during the period. These movements are consistent with market conditions and reflect the inherent volatility associated with equity investments.

Commenting on the performance, Chairman Stuart Chapman stated, “The rebranding of the Company represents a defining milestone in our journey, one that reaffirms not only our identity but also our long-term strategic intent as part of the Hatton National Bank Group. As a subsidiary of HNB, we continue to operate with the same vigor, discipline and sense of purpose that have underpinned our progress over the years, while drawing strength from the stability and heritage of the Group. It is particularly encouraging to witness the Company sustaining its growth momentum in the early part of 2026, despite a dynamic and evolving economic landscape. We remain confident in our ability to build on this foundation and pursue sustainable growth alongside HNB General Insurance Ltd., as we continue to create enduring value for all our stakeholders.”

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Lasitha Wimalaratne stated, “Our performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the consistency and discipline with which we have executed our strategy over the past four years. Throughout this period, we have methodically strengthened our distribution capabilities, enhanced advisor productivity, invested in digital enablement and refined our customer centric value proposition. This has enabled us to deliver sustained premium growth while maintaining a strong focus on quality and long-term value creation. At the same time, we have continued to expand our balance sheet, with steady growth in total assets, financial investments and the Life Insurance Fund reflecting the underlying resilience and scalability of our business. While short term profitability has been influenced by low-Interest rate environment and market related movements in the equity portfolio, the core fundamentals of the business remain robust, positioning us well to sustain our growth trajectory and deliver meaningful value to our policyholders and shareholders over the long term.”

Kandy-based 18-year-old martial artist Dunila Deneth Amunugama is emerging as a rising talent in Sri Lanka’s combat sports arena, driven by nearly a decade of disciplined training and growing competitive exposure.

Amunugama began his martial arts journey around nine years ago and has since trained across multiple disciplines, including Kyokushin Karate, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing. He says Kyokushin Karate remains his foundation and preferred discipline, crediting it for instilling discipline and mental strength.

He trained under Sensei Nalin Sri Bandara during his formative years and attained his Black Belt 1st Dan on September 15, 2025, marking a key milestone in his progression.

Amunugama has competed at national-level Kyokushin Karate tournaments and organisational meets, while also participating in referee seminars conducted under Sri Lanka Karate-Do, further broadening his technical understanding of the sport.

In addition to his sporting pursuits, he is a biomedical engineering student at ESU Campus, Kandy, and an alumnus of Green Hill International School. He is also engaged in voluntary service with the Sri Lanka Red Cross, balancing academics, sport and community work.

Beyond competition, Amunugama has stepped into coaching, training young students and sharing his experience with the next generation of martial artists.

His international exposure includes participation in martial arts programmes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which he says helped him gain broader insight into global training standards.

Looking ahead, he aims to compete in KFL events and MMA championship bouts, with ambitions of reaching higher competitive levels and representing Sri Lanka on the international stage.

Dunila Deneth Amunugama

“Martial arts is not just about fighting, it is about discipline, respect and continuous growth,” Amunugama said.

Pix and text by SK Samaranayake

A new Sri Lanka-based cargo airline, WEAIR, is set to enter the country’s aviation sector later this month, aiming to boost regional air freight capacity and strengthen Colombo’s position as a South Asian logistics hub.

The airline has entered into a strategic operational partnership with a Ukraine-based cargo carrier holding a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which will initially support flight operations under a Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) arrangement until WEAIR secures its own Sri Lankan AOC.

WEAIR Chief Marketing Officer Indrajit Joseph said the arrangement would ensure regulatory compliance and uninterrupted launch operations, following an earlier plan to commence services by end-May.

Backed by Luxembourg-based IOTC, the carrier is positioning itself as a next-generation cargo operator, with Group CEO Thinesh Ganeshakumaran at the helm. The airline is scheduled to commence operations on 28 May 2026.

Industry officials said the entry of a dedicated cargo carrier marks a significant shift for Sri Lanka’s logistics sector, which has traditionally relied on passenger belly-hold capacity and foreign operators.

WEAIR said it plans to improve reliability and capacity for time-sensitive shipments including apparel, perishables, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce goods, while linking Colombo with key destinations across South Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Initial operations will be carried out using a Boeing 737-800 freighter, with a phased fleet expansion programme planned.

The company has also indicated long-term ambitions including a potential Colombo Stock Exchange listing by 2029 and future expansion into passenger aviation services.