1888 CE
National Bank of India Opens in Ceylon
The National Bank of India establishes operations in Ceylon, focusing on trade and commerce. #banking #colonial
Chronological Storyline (36 Milestones)
1888 CE
Hatton Bank Established
Hatton Bank is founded in Hatton, Ceylon, as a private bank to serve the plantation sector. #banking #history
By Thesplatmeister - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=154193691
Jun 1, 1969 CE
Merger Creates Hatton National Bank
Hatton Bank and the National Bank of India (Ceylon) merge to form Hatton National Bank (HNB), with R. V. S. Perera as first chairman. #merger #banking
1970 CE
First Branch in Colombo Opened
HNB opens its first branch in Colombo at York Street, expanding beyond the plantation sector. #expansion
Jul 13, 1973 CE
Listing on Colombo Stock Exchange
HNB is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), becoming a public company and raising capital for growth. #ipo #stockmarket
1986 CE
First ATM Installed
HNB installs its first automated teller machine (ATM) in Colombo, pioneering self-service banking in Sri Lanka. #technology #banking
1990 CE
HNB Launches Credit Cards
HNB introduces its first Visa credit cards, entering the consumer credit market. #creditcards #consumer
1992 CE
HNB Rated by Fitch Ratings
HNB becomes one of the first Sri Lankan banks to obtain a credit rating from Fitch Ratings, enhancing investor confidence. #ratings #finance
1995 CE
Overseas Office in Chennai Opened
HNB opens its first overseas representative office in Chennai, India, to serve trade and remittances. #international #india
1997 CE
Branch in Jaffna Opened During Civil War
HNB opens a branch in Jaffna, providing banking services in a conflict zone and supporting local economy. #conflict #community
1999 CE
Acquisition of International Banking Business
HNB acquires the international banking unit of a local bank, expanding its foreign currency operations. #acquisition #banking
2000 CE
Internet Banking Launched
HNB launches internet banking services, allowing customers to manage accounts online. #digitalbanking #technology
2001 CE
Branch in Male, Maldives Opened
HNB opens a branch in Male, Maldives, extending its footprint in the Indian Ocean region. #international #maldives
2003 CE
Won 'Best Bank in Sri Lanka' by Euromoney
HNB receives the 'Best Bank in Sri Lanka' award from Euromoney magazine, recognizing its financial performance and innovation. #award #recognition
2004 CE
SMS Banking Launched
HNB introduces SMS banking, enabling customers to check balances and transfer funds via mobile phones. #mobilebanking #sms
2005 CE
Representative Office in Dubai Opened
HNB opens a representative office in Dubai to tap into the Sri Lankan expatriate remittance market. #middleeast #remittances
2006 CE
HNB Finance Subsidiary Established
HNB establishes HNB Finance Ltd as a fully-owned subsidiary to focus on leasing, mortgages, and microfinance. #finance #subsidiary
2007 CE
Islamic Banking Window 'Al-Nisa' Launched
HNB launches Al-Nisa, a Shariah-compliant banking window, catering to the growing Islamic finance market. #islamicbanking #shariah
2008 CE
Housing Loan Scheme for Low-Income Families
HNB introduces a low-interest housing loan scheme targeting low-income families, supporting social welfare. #housing #social
2009 CE
Mobile Banking App Launched
HNB launches a mobile banking application for smartphones, enabling 24/7 banking on the go. #mobileapp #digital
2010 CE
US Dollar Bond Issued in Singapore
HNB becomes the first Sri Lankan bank to issue a US dollar-denominated bond in Singapore, raising US$ 200 million. #bond #international
2011 CE
Microfinance Program Initiated
HNB launches a microfinance program to support small entrepreneurs and rural communities. #microfinance #financialinclusion
2012 CE
Representative Office in Dhaka Opened
HNB opens a representative office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to facilitate trade and remittance flows. #bangladesh #expansion
2013 CE
Acquisition of 51% Stake in HNB Finance
HNB acquires a 51% controlling stake in HNB Finance from minority shareholders, consolidating its non-banking financial operations. #acquisition #finance
2014 CE
Women's Banking Unit 'HNB Women' Introduced
HNB launches a dedicated banking unit for women, offering tailored financial products and services. #women #financialinclusion
2015 CE
HNB Global Subsidiary Launched
HNB establishes HNB Global, a subsidiary for non-resident Sri Lankans, offering international banking services. #diaspora #global
2016 CE
First Digital Branch 'HNB DigiZone' Opened
HNB opens its first fully digital branch (DigiZone) in Colombo, featuring self-service kiosks and digital onboarding. #digitalbranch #innovation
2017 CE
Digital Savings Account 'HNB Solo' Launched
HNB launches HNB Solo, a paperless, fully digital savings account with no minimum balance. #digitalsavings #paperless
2018 CE
First Green Bond Issued by a Sri Lankan Bank
HNB issues Sri Lanka's first green bond, raising LKR 10 billion for environmentally sustainable projects. #greenbond #sustainability
Jun 1, 2019 CE
50th Anniversary Celebrated
HNB celebrates 50 years since the merger, with total assets exceeding LKR 1 trillion and a network of over 250 branches. #anniversary #milestone
2020 CE
COVID-19 Relief Packages and Digital Banking Surge
HNB introduces loan moratoriums and relief packages during the pandemic, and sees a surge in digital banking adoption. #covid19 #relief
2021 CE
HNB Pay Mobile Wallet Launched
HNB launches HNB Pay, a mobile wallet for contactless payments, bill payments, and fund transfers. #mobilewallet #fintech
2022 CE
New Branch in Kandy Opened
HNB opens a new flagship branch in Kandy, featuring modern design and digital services. #branch #expansion
2023 CE
Named 'Best Bank in Sri Lanka' by The Banker
HNB is awarded 'Best Bank in Sri Lanka' by The Banker magazine, reflecting strong financial performance and innovation. #award #banking
2024 CE
Partnership with Visa for Tokenization Services
HNB partners with Visa to introduce tokenization for secure digital payments, enhancing customer security. #tokenization #partnership
2025 CE
Assets Surpass LKR 1.8 Trillion
HNB's total assets exceed LKR 1.8 trillion, making it one of the largest private banks in Sri Lanka. #growth #milestone