HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, extended its schools outreach programme to Kandy, bringing Paris 2024 Olympian and HNB Brand Ambassador for its sports vertical Kyle Abeysinghe into four leading schools across the city on 23rd and 24th March 2026. The two-day initiative reached approximately 1,000 students across Trinity College, Hillwood College, Gateway Kandy, and Kingswood College.
The programme was structured across two sessions, combining personal development and financial literacy. In the first, Abeysinghe shared his journey as a competitive swimmer, outlining the discipline, setbacks, and long-term commitment that led to his selection for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The session was designed to connect sporting ambition with broader life goals, emphasising consistency, focus, and resilience.
The second session focused on financial literacy, introducing students to the importance of saving from a young age, setting financial goals, and understanding how financial discipline supports long-term ambitions. Students were also encouraged to engage with HNB’s school banking units operating within each institution, which are designed to build early familiarity with formal financial systems.
Speaking on the initiative, HNB Executive Vice President/ Head of Network Business, Supun Dias said:
“The school banking units we operate across the country are about more than transactions. They are about building financial habits early. Bringing Kyle into these schools allows us to connect ambition with financial discipline, which is essential for young people as they begin to shape their future.”
Commenting further, HNB Vice President – Marketing, Upul Adikari said:
“Kyle represents the kind of discipline and purpose we aim to promote through our sports initiatives. Taking that journey into schools, alongside a conversation on financial literacy, ensures that students leave with something practical they can apply, not just inspiration in the moment.”
Sharing his experience, Kyle Abeysinghe said:
“When I was in school, I had a clear goal. What I came to understand over time was that achieving it required discipline across many areas, not just in sport, but in how I managed my time, focus, and decisions. If students take away a clearer sense of what they are working towards and what it takes to get there, then this programme has served its purpose.”
Also commenting, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Principal of Trinity College, Kandy said:
“We appreciate HNB bringing this programme to our students. It combines motivation with practical learning, helping young people think more clearly about both their ambitions and the steps needed to achieve them.”
The Kandy outreach forms part of HNB’s ongoing schools programme, which supports student banking units across the country while promoting financial literacy and early savings habits. Through these initiatives, the Bank continues to strengthen its engagement with young people, equipping them with both the mindset and tools needed for future progress.
