HNB among Top 10 Best Employers

Chief guest Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha presents the award to HNB MD and CEO Damith Pallewatte while International Labour Organisation Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Joni Simpson presents the award to HNB COO Sanjay Wijemanne, who receives the honour on behalf of the organisation, recognising Among Top 10 Best Employers of 2025 at EFC National Best Employer Awards  

HNB MD and CEO Damith Pallewatte, COO Sanjay Wijemanne and Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer K. Indravasan with awards 

HNB PLC has been recognised among the Top 10 Best Employers of 2025 at the inaugural EFC National Best Employer Awards. 

This distinction is regarded as a credible national benchmark for employer excellence and assess organisations across governance, leadership, people practices, employee well-being, learning, performance management and workplace culture.

This recognition highlights the strength of HNB’s human capital strategy, which has shifted from a traditional human resources approach to a structured model that positions employees as a core organisational asset. Over recent years, the bank has implemented initiatives to enhance clarity, accountability and consistency across roles, while strengthening the overall employee experience.

HNB Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer K. Indravasan said, “Being recognised among the Top 10 Best Employers nationally is a meaningful affirmation of the work we do every day. It shows the standards we set for governance and people practices and signals to current and future talent that HNB is a place where their contribution is valued and their growth is supported. This recognition motivates us to continue strengthening our workplace culture and ensure that every employee has the tools and support to succeed. It also strengthens our commitment to creating an environment where talent is nurtured and recognised for its impact on the organisation.”

HNB undertook a strategic human capital transformation project with external consultants, reviewing the organisational structure, standardising job grades and bands and evaluating compensation and benefits. This initiative sought to create a homogeneous environment across verticals, ensuring fairness and transparency in role expectations and rewards. The bank has also expanded its performance-based culture, with the proportion of staff on performance-linked metrics increasing from 18 percent, representing Management and above grades to 41 percent by including executive and senior executive grades.