HNB introduces holistic retail banking package for migrant workers

CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal presents first Adhhistana package to customer C.S. Fernando in the presence of (from left) HNB DGM Retail and SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne, HNB MD/CEO Jonathan Alles and CBSL Assistant Governor D. Kumarathunga 

From Left: HNB DGM Retail and SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne, HNB MD/CEO Jonathan Alles, CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and CBSL Assistant Governor D. Kumarathunga with weekly HNB Remittance Draw winners

Supporting the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) drive to encourage inward remittances through formal channels, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC launched HNB Adhishtana package, offering a host of value additions for migrant workers and their families.

Leveraging on the bank’s extensive understanding of financial and social requirements of migrant workers and their families, the bank designed the programme to support sustainable livelihood development and well-being for migrant Sri Lankans and their families. 

The savings account linked to the HNB Adhishtana package enables Sri Lankans employed across the globe to gain direct access to a secure, convenient and cost-effective method of sending funds to their loved ones back home.

The launch of HNB Adhishtana package was held at HNB Towers with the patronage of CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, HNB Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Alles, CBSL Assistant Governor D. Kumaratunga, Education Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera, Women and Child Development, Preschool and Primary Education, School Infrastructure and Education Services State Ministry Deputy Commissioner Sudeera Withana, HNB Assurance Life Chief Executive Officer  Lasitha Wimalaratne, ALFEA President F. Marikkar, Mobitel Chief Marketing Officer Shashika Senarath, IIHS CEO/Founder Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe and HNB DGM Retail and SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne.

“The CBSL and government have recognised the immense contribution made by Sri Lankan migrant workers, as the funds they send back home to their loved ones are not only used to achieve their goals but is also necessary for the country to fulfil its own needs. Given the important role they play, we need to ensure they have convenient and secure channels to send funds while also ensuring we help them achieve their own personal financial goals.   

Today, a bank is not just an institution for providing loans. They are increasingly becoming organisations, which first and foremost, empower people, communities and enterprises to achieve their goals and fulfil their needs. I am delighted that HNB is working with such enthusiasm to serve the needs of Sri Lankan migrants and their families back home by launching the Adhishtana programme. We hope to see other institutions collaborate in such a manner to roll out programmes for remitters across the globe,” Cabraal said.

A special debit card will be issued for HNB Adhishtana account holders for identification purpose and the bank will offer many value additions to customers who continuously send remittances to Sri Lanka through HNB.

Customers can route a compulsory savings component to their HNB Adhishtana account to be eligible for an exclusive housing and microfinance facility. 
“Having worked in this space for over 30 years, HNB has long understood that migrant workers who remit their earnings back home are an essential part of the Sri Lankan economy. It is with that understanding that the Central Bank Governor asked HNB to get involved in creating a product which could support the aspirations of remitters and their families. 

“We hope that the example we are setting today with the launch of the Adhistana programme and the numerous benefits tied to it will serve to inspire our peers in the private and public sectors to develop similar initiatives to reward remitters for their invaluable contributions. Our hope is that these bundled rewards will help encourage more migrant Sri Lankans to utilise the significantly safer, more reliable formal channels at a time when they are most needed,” HNB Managing Director/CEO Alles stated.  

The bank has partnered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to offer migrant workers assistance in financial planning free of charge prior to migration.

Furthermore, HNB will open a Kirikatiyo account for migrant parents on the happy occasion of the birth of their child with a contribution of Rs.1,000, subject to customers placing a monthly standing order to the account of their new born child.