HNB PLC has been honored as Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for Large Corporates at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, marking the second occasion the bank has achieved this esteemed accolade.
This recognition underscores HNB’s status as a reliable financial partner for the country’s major conglomerates, exporters, multinational firms, and infrastructure developers. It reflects the bank’s ongoing dedication to providing innovative and customized banking services to the corporate sector.
Throughout the evaluation period, HNB was involved in several significant transactions that went beyond traditional corporate financing. Notable among these was its role in a USD 1 billion sustainability-linked syndicated loan for Aster Chemicals & Energy, intended to facilitate its acquisition of Shell’s refinery in Singapore. Additionally, HNB participated in cross-border acquisition financing with Surge Global and Calcey Technologies, and arranged LKR 44.5 billion in syndicated financing for the 350MW Sobadhanavi power project, which stands as one of the largest project financing efforts in Sri Lanka.
Damith Pallewatte, HNB’s Managing Director and CEO, stated, “Receiving this recognition as the leading partner for corporate banking in Sri Lanka on such a prestigious global platform highlights our commitment to empowering local businesses. By fostering meaningful partnerships that extend beyond mere financing and deeply understanding our clients’ aspirations, we can better support their growth with innovative solutions, industry insights, and global connections. Our focus remains on enhancing our corporate banking ecosystem and creating sustainable value for our clients, which in turn contributes to uplifting the Sri Lankan economy.”
The bank’s transaction banking capabilities also set it apart, bolstered by a network of over 900 global correspondent banks and a corporate digital banking platform catering to more than 6,000 corporate clients. HNB has continued to enhance its digital onboarding, trade digitization, and cash management capabilities while upholding stringent credit risk management and asset quality within its corporate portfolio.
HNB’s expanding cross-border lending partnerships in regions such as India, East Africa, and the Middle East have further aided Sri Lankan businesses looking to extend their operations internationally.
Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Wijemanne commented, “This accolade reflects the trust our clients place in HNB as their preferred partner. We have consistently invested in developing the expertise, agility, and capabilities necessary to provide tailored solutions for complex financing needs, including large projects, acquisitions, business growth, and cross-border ventures. By thoroughly understanding each client’s business and anticipating their evolving requirements, we can deliver innovative financial solutions that foster sustainable, long-term value.”
This award solidifies HNB’s role as a comprehensive financial partner for Sri Lanka’s largest enterprises, encompassing corporate lending, trade finance, treasury services, transaction banking, and supply chain solutions.
HNB holds an AA‐(lka) rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd. and was named Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen for 2025 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Further enhancing its reputation for excellence, HNB received The Bracken Award for Best Bank in Sri Lanka from the UK’s Banker Magazine. The bank was also recognized by The Asian Banker as ‘Sri Lanka’s Strongest Bank’ and awarded ‘Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka’ for the 16th time, alongside the title of ‘Best Bank for Large Corporates’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. Additionally, HNB ranks among the ‘Top 1000 Banks in the World,’ as recognized by The Banker Magazine, UK.
Furthermore, HNB was ranked as the second-largest company in Sri Lanka by Business Today in its Top 40 Businesses ranking for 2024-25 and received recognition as one of the Top 25 Corporates at the LMD Awards, celebrating the most awarded Sri Lankan Corporates.
Image Caption: Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director/CEO
Sanjay Wijemanne, Chief Operating Officer
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
