Pressroom

In a bold move to accelerate its digital transformation strategy, HNB General Insurance (“HNBGI”) has announced the launch of Project Phoenix, a transformative initiative in collaboration with Azentio Software to implement a world-class Core Insurance System. This ambitious project marks a significant milestone in HNBGI's digital transformation journey, promising unparalleled value to its stakeholders. Project Phoenix signifies HNBGI's unwavering commitment to enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and overall operational effectiveness, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders. "This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to create sustainable value through innovation," said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNBGI. "The upgrade and customization brought about by Project Phoenix will propel us to new heights, elevating our competitiveness, operational efficiency, accuracy and agility in a rapidly evolving market. This, in turn, translates to better service delivery for our customers." Azentio Software, a leading banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI) software company headquartered in Singapore, is HNBGI's trusted partner in this transformative journey. With over 25 years of expertise, Azentio serves 1,000+ clients across 65 countries, including 130+ insurance clients in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Azentio ONEInsurance platform allows to launch unique and bold new insurance products quickly, sell aggressively, and engage digitally by transforming into a customer-obsessed organization, while remaining efficient, compliant, and secure. Jatinder Bedi, Vice President – BFSI at Azentio Software, expressed, "We are honored to collaborate with HNBGI on Project Phoenix. Our expertise lies in providing cutting-edge insurance solutions that meet the highest global standards, and we are committed to supporting HNBGI throughout this transformative journey." Project Phoenix transcends mere technological advancement; it signifies a strategic commitment to excellence in the face of rapid industry change. As HNBGI embraces its digital future, it remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering top-tier services and maintaining its position as a trusted insurance provider. This initiative is not just about implementing a new system; it’s about taking flight towards a brighter, more efficient, and customer-centric future. HNB General Insurance (“HNBGI”) is a dedicated partner, addressing a diverse range of insurance needs from motor to non-motor and Takaful solutions for individuals and commercial entities across Sri Lanka. As a subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC and a member of the HNB Group, HNBGI operates through an extensive network of branches, ensuring comprehensive service coverage throughout the island. Backed by an Insurer Financial Strength Rating of ‘A- (lka)’ by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited, HNBGI is committed to creating sustainable value for stakeholders through innovation and care.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its wholly owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) ended the third quarter with the Group figures indicating a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 583 Mn. In terms of Gross Written Premium (GWP), the Group recorded Rs. 13.6 Bn growing by an impressive 21% compared to the previous year. HNBA exhibited exceptional growth during the period by achieving a growth rate twice that of the industry average, while HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) also demonstrated a robust performance, growing at a staggering five times the industry average. “I’m extremely delighted by the outstanding performance exhibited by HNB Assurance Group during the third quarter. Our consistent growth is a clear indication that HNB Assurance as a group is in the forefront of providing exceptional services and adapting to the ever-changing demands of our clientele”, stated, Mrs. Rose Cooray, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI. “Amidst the slow recovery of Sri Lanka's economy following a period of significant challenges, both HNB Assurance and HNB General Insurance undertook strategic measures to fortify their operations, which involved equipping themselves with enhanced capabilities, innovative strategies and resilient frameworks to navigate the economic fluctuations and effectively cater to the market. In terms of the performance the group GWP grew by 21% compared to the same period last year. While the Group Assets surpassed the Rs. 48 Bn mark to reach Rs. 48.42 Bn with a growth of 18%. Over the last 10 months, the total equity along with the life fund notably surged, reaching a significant milestone of Rs. 9.1 Bn and Rs. 30 Bn, representing a remarkable increase of 17% and 24% respectively.” stated Mrs. Cooray. She further noted, "The consistent progress achieved quarter by quarter can be attributed to the clear vision both companies possess regarding their vision and strategic trajectory for the upcoming years. It is truly remarkable to see the commitment of the teams towards our long-term objectives which has also helped us be creative and make effective decisions. On behalf of the board, I express my gratitude to the leadership, management and teams for their efforts." Reflecting on the Company's performance during the third quarter, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNBA, expressed his delight with the progress made during the last nine months. “Our strategic focus of enhancing and improving our distribution channels has yielded tremendous results, notably reflected in our impressive 19% growth in GWP to reach Rs. 7.8 Bn, which is almost double the growth rate of the industry and the highest amongst the top tier players, also, the 26% increase in new business premiums compared to the previous year. In addition to our steady and sustainable growth, winning the 'Best Distribution Initiative' award, recognized by Insurance Asia, was extremely heartening as it validated our efforts and well-rounded strategy.” Eager to venture into the final quarter and witness its unfolding, Mr. Wimalaratne emphasized the significance of maintaining this momentum. “While we are happy about the progress made, I believe it's crucial to sustain it and finish the year on a high. Our team is motivated just to do that and with the surplus transfer from the life fund yet to take place, our collective aim is to close the year strong, ensuring substantial benefits for our shareholders." HNBGI saw its GWP reach Rs. 5.9 Bn growing by 24% over the same period last year. Sharing his thoughts on the company’s performance, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance, stated, “We have been investing heavily in revamping our core systems and building a solid digital platform, setting us up for the future. These changes are all about making things better for our customers and equipping ourselves for the long run. I’m extremely delighted to see these efforts paying off as we have seen a steady growth in our GWP of 24% when compared to last year, which in comparison to the current industry growth rate reflects a 5-time increase. Diving further into the numbers, our Non-Motor sector saw a 58% growth compared to the industry's 12%, while our Motor portfolio grew by 6% despite the industry’s negative growth of 1.3%. I must convey my sincere appreciation to all the sales and other support teams for their efforts and hard work, ensuring that we continue to make remarkable progress as an organization. Additionally, we were also recognized as the 'Most Customer-Centric General Insurance Brand' in the country, which is extremely big for us because it shows our commitment to putting customers first. Further, we were recognized with a Bronze Award at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2023, which is yet another validation of our efforts and innovation within the industry.”

HNB Assurance PLC achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the coveted "Best of Sri Lanka" award at the 37th Annual International ARC Awards, recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious competition for annual reports, held in New York. This significant achievement underlines the company's commitment to excellence in corporate reporting. The Annual International ARC Awards, honors organizations worldwide for their exceptional annual report publications setting the benchmark of annual reports. HNB Assurance's recognition of the all-encompassing 'Best of Sri Lanka' award, spanning across every sector, resonated with the very essence of its Annual Report's theme, 'Above All, We Rise' underscoring the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and our ability to surpass every challenge. Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance, expressed his delight at this accomplishment, stating, "I’m extremely proud of this recognition, to be named as the ‘Best of Sri Lanka’ across all sectors is definitely no easy task, especially when you are up against companies of all scales in the county. This award reflects our dedication to transparency and our commitment to providing clear and comprehensive report to our stakeholders, in a creative manner. This achievement certainly highlights the hard work and diligence of our entire team. My sincere appreciation to both our internal teams as well our agency partner Emagewise Pvt Ltd." CEO of HNB General Insurance, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, sharing similar sentiments opined, “Our journey at HNB Assurance Group has always been marked by our commitment to provide the best for our stakeholders, be it our customers, shareholders, employees or the communities we serve. This award for the 2022 annual report reaffirms our belief and motivates us as a group to continue on this journey where we strive towards excellence. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the teams involved for their exceptional efforts in elevating the HNBA group to be recognized as the ‘Best of Sri Lanka’. Ms. Punsirini Perera, CFO of HNB Assurance, emphasized the importance of transparent financial reporting, saying, "Trust is the cornerstone of the insurance industry. You can only be successful as a company when you earn the trust of your stakeholders. Being transparent helps you earn this trust and we have always believed in delivering financial reports that not only meet regulatory requirements but also engage and inform our shareholders, whereby earning their trust. I am very grateful to our team and to Emagewise for their tireless efforts which helped us earn this prestigious recognition."