Business
HNB Al Najaah underpins a decade of Islamic banking excellence

Hatton National Bank PLC’s Islamic Banking business, celebrates a decade of successful operations under the ‘Al Najaah’ brand.
A specialist in Islamic Banking with deep expertise in performing large ticket and complex transactions, HNB Al Najaah is now gearing up for a new phase of growth, leveraging on HNB’s advanced tech capabilities in order to streamline service delivery in the new normal.
“By its nature, Islamic Banking enables opportunities for steady growth. Particularly at a time of such severe volatility, this stability is immensely valuable. Taking into consideration the fact that globally, Islamic finance is estimated to have a value of US$ 2.2 trillion, we see potential for Islamic Banking to make vital contributions in accelerating Sri Lanka’s economic revival. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and congratulate the Al Najaah team on reaching this vital milestone, and I look forward to working closely with the team to help them gear up for our next phase of growth,” HNB Managing Director/CEO, Jonathan Alles said.
Established in 2012 as a small unit with five staff members under the capable leadership of HNB AGM- Head of Islamic Banking, and local pioneer in the field of Islamic banking and finance, Hisham Ally, the division has enjoyed strong growth over the past decade. Today, the HNB Al Najaah has grown to 40 staff with a dedicated office in Marine Drive, Colombo 03 and a further six Islamic Banking centers in Pettah, Kandy, Kalmunai, Beruwela, Akurana and Kattankudy.
“HNB has a proven track record in serving the needs of diverse business segments and communities. For 134 years we have proven our commitment by aligning ourselves to the needs of the Sri Lankan economy and its development. In this manner, we have been a partner in the progress of generations of Sri Lankans from all walks of life. Al Najaah is a testimony how we have embraced being part of this global banking proposition.
“Our Islamic banking proposition has supported many of the country’s SME’s with evolving products and services. We have also won many accolades over the past decade, in recognition of the outstanding contributions and remarkable growth achieved in Islamic Banking,” HNB DGM – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte said.
Business
Wing Commander (Retd.) D. Pradeep S. Kannangara elected president, Industrial Security Foundation

The Industrial Security Foundation (ISF) which acts as the sole organization in Sri Lanka to represent the Private Security industry having incorporated by an Act passed in the Parliament, Act No. 51 of 1999, elected Wing Commander (Retd.) Pradeep Kannangara as its President for the years 2022/2023 at its 30th annual General Meeting which was held at the PIM Auditorium in Borella. Wing Commander Pradeep Kannangara was appointed President while 14 other members were appointed to the Executive Committee, strengthening the ISF in order to drive and uplift the standards of the private security industry in Sri Lanka.
He has served on the ExCo consecutively since 2012 under four different presidents where he held the positions of Senior Vice President during the last three consecutive years. He has also been a committed member of the ISF and was awarded prestigious coveted FISF title due to his many valuable contributions to the organization and the Private Security Industry in Sri Lanka in 2012.
Wing Commander Kannangara’s journey into private security began after a successful career in the Sri Lanka Air Force for over 24 years where he served in many capacities finally being the Officer Commanding of the Special Air Borne Force. A recipient of the Ranasura Padakkama (RSP) Gallantry award for his bravery, sacrifices and service to the nation by the President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1990. He holds a Master’s in business management from the Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia too and serves as a Board Director in AB Securitas (Private) Limited in Sri Lanka and AB Securitas Bangladesh Limited.
Business
Kitchen & Bedroom reaffirms its partnership with Häfele Sri Lanka

Kitchen & Bedroom, a name synonymous in the interior designing and furniture sector in the country recently celebrated its long-standing partnership with Häfele Sri Lanka during the latter’s 12th year anniversary celebratory event, reaffirming its ambitious plans to further strengthen and explore the numerous opportunities available here.
Häfele Sri Lanka, part of Häfele India which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hafele Global network, is a technology partner for various projects and initiatives of Kitchen & Bedroom. Both the companies operate in the interior design space, sharing their cumulative knowledge and expertise to provide extensive and personalized solutions catering to domestic requirements.
‘We take great pride in our association with Häfele Sri Lanka having exchanged and collaborated on many projects both commercial and household. We share similar values such as providing high quality, sustainable, functional and customized solutions to our customers, and most importantly to guide them through every aspect and step of the project and how best we could bring out their desired design,’ said Dr. Sacquaff, Kitchen & Bedroom Group CEO.
Business
DSI strengthens its islandwide presence with three new showrooms

Amid the prevailing economic hardships faced by Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s premier footwear brand DSI recently expanded its islandwide presence in the country with the opening of three new showrooms in Kahawatta, Akuressa, and Chavakachcheri, with the aim of offering greater access to its diversified product range to a wider customer base.
Gracing the special occasion, the showrooms were declared open by D. Samson & Sons (Pvt.) Ltd. Managing Director Thusitha Rajapaksa, in the presence of Director Asanka Rajapaksa, General Manager Pradeep Samarathunga, National Sales Manager – Retail Sales Naleen Weerawardana, invitees, and well-wishers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Thusitha Rajapaksa stated: “We are excited about expanding DSI wings to three new locations. Despite the ongoing economic conditions of the country, we took a call to take a proactive measure to expand our islandwide presence. While it has been a challenge, the commitment and hard work of our team has made it possible to serve our loyal customers better, and we are confident that we will be able to continue these efforts in the future as well.”
DSI is renowned for its well-trained staff who offer exceptional customer service. The three new DSI showrooms prioritize providing a unique service and customer support to make purchasing further convenient for the customer.
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