A New Dawn in the North: HNB Investment Bank Open its doors in Jaffna

HNB Investment Bank (HNBIB), a trusted leader in Sri Lanka’s investment banking landscape, officially opened its doors in Jaffna, marking a significant milestone in its mission to extend world-class investment services across the island. This marks the first foray of the Investment Bank into local expansion, following the establishment of its Joint Venture office in the Maldives, reflecting its strategic vision to strengthen its footprint both locally and internationally.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Damith Pallewatte, Chairman of HNB Investment Bank and Managing Director/ CEO of HNB, Ray Abeywardena, Managing Director/Group CEO of HNB Investment Bank, along with the heads of key subsidiaries - Prashan Fernando, CEO/Director of HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd, Shehan Stembo, CEO of HNB Securities Ltd, and Yaveen Jayasekara, Group Chief Strategy Officer. The event also saw the warm participation of valued customers from the region, reflecting the strong ties that HNBIB aims to strengthen through this expansion.

The new branch also brings HNB Stockbrokers and HNB Securities, two key subsidiaries, closer to the people of Jaffna. Through these entities, customers in the region can directly engage with Sri Lanka’s equity and debt markets, opening doors to a range of investment options and helping them build stronger financial futures.

In a world that is increasingly digital and tech-driven, HNBIB’s decision to establish a physical presence in Jaffna reflects its belief in the enduring value of personal connection. Even though many investment interactions can happen online, the bank recognizes that relationships, trust, and understanding are built best through proximity, by being closer to the people it serves.

Damith Pallewatte, Chairman, HNB Investment Bank, stated:

“We are taking a significant stride by bringing our 100% owned investment banking subsidiary to the Northern region. We invite our clients to embrace this new opportunity with the same trust they have placed in HNB for generations, as we continue to help them grow with us through responsible and guided investment options”.

Ray Abeywardena, Managing Director/Group CEO, added:

“This is not just a branch opening. It’s a continuation of our long-term strategy to take our expertise beyond Colombo and closer to Sri Lankans across the island. Jaffna represents both potential and promise, and through this presence we aim to foster growth, innovation and confidence in capital market participation among regional investors”.

Jaffna, with its vibrant entrepreneurial activity and increasing investment potential, represents an important growth frontier for HNBIB. By establishing its footprint here, the organization aims to empower businesses, entrepreneurs and individual investors with expert guidance and direct access to capital markets, creating opportunities for long-term financial growth and prosperity.