HNB’s Damith Pallewatte Named ‘Bank CEO of the Year 2025’ 📈

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte has been honored by the Global CEO Forum for leadership excellence, following a record-breaking financial year for Sri Lanka’s largest private sector retail bank. • Financial Performance (FY2025): Banking Sector Strength: Bank PAT reached Rs 45.4 Bn, while Group PAT stood at Rs 49.8 Bn. Asset Base: Expanded to Rs 2.39 Tn as of December 2025. Lending & Deposits: Gross loans exceeded Rs 1.5 Tn; deposits crossed Rs 2.0 Tn. • Strategic Focus: Emphasis on MSMEs and financial inclusion via initiatives like Gami Pubuduwa to integrate grassroots businesses into export value chains. Prioritization of digital innovation and risk governance to drive a 5-year growth strategy. Maintained capital and liquidity buffers above regulatory minimums despite aggressive loan book expansion. • Operational Excellence: Achieved ISO 22301:2019 certification for Business Continuity Management. Award recognizes Pallewatte’s role in navigating wholesale banking and risk management since his appointment in 2024.