Business
HNB strengthens partnership with DIMO to enhance local agricultural mechanisation
Hatton National Bank, PLC (HNB), Sri Lanka’s premier private sector bank, renewed its long-standing partnership with DIMO Agribusinesses, the agricultural arm of DIMO, Sri Lanka’s leading diversified conglomerate.
Through this partnership, HNB and DIMO will offer their mutual customers an extensive list of discounts and facilities inclusive of low-interest rates, flexible repayment schemes, and exclusive benefits for Agri Machinery provided by DIMO Agribusinesses. The renewed partnership was commemorated at a special ceremony held at DIMO Head office in the presence of HNB and DIMO representatives.
“We are excited to collaborate with DIMO once again to strengthen agricultural entrepreneurs with the opportunity to purchase new vehicles and machinery. Given the challenging times we face, we’ve worked especially hard to ensure our customers have convenient payment solutions to fulfill their needs. We hope that entrepreneurs will make use of this unique opportunity to grow their business,” HNB Deputy General Manager- Retail and SME Banking, Sanjay Wijemanne said.
HNB will offer leasing facilities for brand new Mahindra & Swaraj tractors as well as CLAAS and Lovol combine harvesters. Customers will also have access to a wide range of discounts and exciting deals through the value-added Prestige Prime credit offered for free with the first-year annual fee waived off. HNB General Insurance will offer attractive discounts for vehicle insurance premiums in addition to a free life insurance cover of Rs. 4.5 million for accidental deaths, while HNB Assurance will offer a Rs. 600,000 natural death insurance cover.
“DIMO has always been at the forefront of promoting agriculture mechanization, and our diverse product portfolio looks to increase the productivity in the industry. Partnerships of this nature will accelerate the agriculture mechanization process in the industry. We are developing agripreneurship in the country so we can continue fuelling dreams and aspirations of the farming community,” DIMO Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agri Machinery Business of the Group, Rajeev Pandithage said.
DIMO will offer customers a 4-year warranty on any Mahindra and Swaraj tractors purchased and a one-year comprehensive warranty on CLAAS and Lovol Harvesters. Customers who purchase Mahindra or Swaraj tractors will also be eligible for the Free Farmers Kit, free oil filters for two years, and three free services. All DIMO customers can rest assured as each purchase will be backed by over 80 years of DIMO trust and exceptional after-sales care.
With 256 customer centers across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative banks. HNB has been recognised locally and globally for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. Consolidating its reputation for banking excellence, HNB bagged the Best Retail Bank and Best SME Bank awards in the Banking category at the International Finance Awards 2021. The bank was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for five consecutive years. HNB was also declared Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Sri Lanka at the Global Finance Awards 2020. HNB has a national rating of AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd.
Fuelling the dreams and aspirations of the communities they serve, DIMO has diversified into Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure Development, Automobile, Retail, and much more. DIMO has been recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for nine consecutive years and has also twice clinched the ‘Asia’s Best Workplace’ title. DIMO was also listed as one of the Most Respected Entities in Sri Lanka and has received many national and international accolades for Integrated Reporting and Corporate Social Responsibility.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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