HNB PLC has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for Large Corporates at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, marking the second time the Bank has secured this prestigious recognition.
The award reaffirms HNB’s position as the trusted financial partner of choice for the country’s leading conglomerates, exporters, multinational corporations, and infrastructure developers. It shows the bank’s continued commitment to delivering innovative and tailored banking solutions for the corporate sector.
During the review period, HNB structured and participated in several landmark transactions that extended its reach beyond conventional corporate lending. These included participation in the USD 1 billion sustainability-linked syndicated financing for Aster Chemicals & Energy to support its acquisition of Shell’s refinery in Singapore, cross-border acquisition financing involving Surge Global and Calcey Technologies, and arrangement of the LKR 44.5 billion syndicated financing for the 350MW Sobadhanavi power project, one of the largest project financing initiatives undertaken in Sri Lanka.
“Being recognised as our nation’s leading corporate banking partner on such a prestigious global platform further highlights HNB’s commitment to empowering Sri Lankan businesses with the capabilities, expertise and solutions needed to navigate an evolving marketplace. By building meaningful partnerships that go beyond financing, understanding our clients’ ambitions we are better able to support their growth through innovative solutions, sector insights and global connectivity. As we continue to strengthen our corporate banking ecosystem, we remain dedicated to creating sustainable value for our clients that also helps to elevate and empower the Sri Lankan economy.” HNB Managing Director/CEO, Damith Pallewatte said.
The Bank’s transaction banking franchise was a further point of distinction, supported by a network of more than 900 global correspondent banks, a corporate digital banking platform serving over 6,000 corporate customers, and transaction banking volumes reaching exceptional levels. HNB has continued to invest in digital onboarding, trade digitisation and cash management capability, while maintaining disciplined credit risk management and asset quality across its corporate portfolio.
HNB’s growing cross-border lending relationships in India, East Africa and the Middle East have also supported Sri Lankan corporates expanding beyond the domestic market.
“This recognition is built on the confidence our clients have placed in HNB as their trusted partner. We have consistently invested in building the expertise, agility and capabilities needed to deliver tailored solutions for complex financing requirements, including large-scale projects, acquisitions, business expansion and cross-border opportunities. By taking the time to understand each client’s business and anticipate their evolving needs, we are able to deliver innovative financial solutions that generate sustainable, long-term value.” HNB, Chief Operating Officer, Sanjay Wijemanne noted.
The award strengthens HNB’s position as an integrated financial partner to Sri Lanka’s largest businesses, spanning corporate lending, trade finance, treasury,transaction banking and supply chain solutions.
HNB is rated AA‑(lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd. and was recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen for 2025 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Reinforcing its reputation for excellence, HNB was honoured with The Bracken Award for the Best Bank in Sri Lanka by the Banker Magazine, UK. The Bank was also recognised by The Asian Banker as ‘Sri Lanka’s Strongest Bank’ and awarded ‘Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka’ for the 16th time, while receiving the title of ‘Best Bank for Large Corporates’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. HNB is further ranked among the ‘Top 1000 Banks in the World,’ as affirmed by The Banker Magazine, UK.
HNB was ranked the Number 2 Company in Sri Lanka by Business Today in its Top 40 Businesses ranking for 2024-25. HNB was recognized as one of the Top 25 Corporates at the LMD Awards which was held honouring 25 most awarded Sri Lankan Corporates.
