Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB PLC) marked a significant milestone by raising LKR 10 billion through its inaugural issuance of sustainable bonds. The achievement was celebrated with a market opening ceremony held on the trading floor of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) last week.
The issuance, which took place on 9th December, comprised 100 million listed, rated, unsecured senior sustainable bonds. These were offered in five-year and seven-year tenors, each with a par value of LKR 100. The bonds received an “AA-(lka)” rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. Demonstrating strong investor confidence, the issuance was oversubscribed on the same day, successfully raising LKR 10 billion.
This initiative marks the introduction of sustainable bonds in Sri Lanka this year, as part of a broader range of GSS+ (Green, Social, Sustainable, and Sustainability-Linked) debt instruments. The proceeds from the bond issuance will be allocated to support a variety of projects, including the development and installation of solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower facilities, enhancements in energy efficiency through retrofits, construction of certified ‘green’ buildings, and investments in water treatment, conservation, and efficient agricultural water technologies. Additionally, funds will be directed towards financing housing, healthcare, and educational projects for low- and middle-income families, as well as promoting women entrepreneurship, among other initiatives.
Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director and CEO of HNB PLC, addressed the gathering as the keynote speaker, stating, “HNB’s LKR 10 billion sustainable bond issuance is a landmark step in advancing Sri Lanka’s sustainability agenda. By channeling capital into projects that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits, we are creating long-term value for our stakeholders while contributing to a greener, more inclusive future.”
In his welcome address, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of the CSE, highlighted the growing corporate engagement with the CSE’s GSS+ debt instruments. He noted, “HNB’s Sustainable Bond represents a welcome new addition to the list of leading Sri Lankan financial instruments that have set the example for the success of CSE’s GSS+ Bond framework, which has enabled the capital market to serve as a financing vehicle for sustainable and socially equitable projects.”
HNB PLC has received several accolades in recognition of its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. The bank was named the ‘Best Bank in Sri Lanka’ by The Banker Magazine in 2025, ranked among the Top 1,000 World Banks by The Banker, recognized as ‘The Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka’ by TAB Global, and awarded the ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2025’.
Image Caption: (Left – Right): Mrs. Nilupa Perera, CRO, CSE; Mr. Pasindu Perera, Head of Corporate Finance, HNB Investment Bank (Pvt) Ltd; Mr. Ray Abeywardena, Managing Director & Group CEO, HNB Investment Bank (Pvt) Ltd & Director, CSE; Mr. Sanjay Wijemanne, Chief Operating Officer, HNB PLC; Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO, CSE; Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director & CEO, HNB PLC; Mr. Bimal Perera, Chief Growth Officer, HNB PLC; Ms. Priyanka Wijayaratne, Chief Strategy Officer, HNB PLC; Mr. Yaveen Jayasekera, Chief Strategy Officer, HNB Investment Bank (Pvt) Ltd; Ms. Sonali Selvaratnam, Senior AVP – Corporate Finance, HNB Investment Bank (Pvt) Ltd.
