HNB PLC, the leading private bank in Sri Lanka, has attained ISO 22301 2019 certification for its Business Continuity Management System.
The certification was awarded following an independent audit by Bureau Veritas, covering enterprise wide operations including risk management, information technology and customer facing services across Colombo and the national network.
HNB’s MD/ CEO, Damith Pallewatte noted,
“In an era of rapid digital growth and evolving operational risks, this certification is a strong endorsement of how deeply business continuity is embedded across HNB.
It highlights years of disciplined planning, regular testing, and close collaboration across teams, ensuring that essential services remain available and recovery processes are executed swiftly so our customers can continue to rely on uninterrupted and secure banking even in the most challenging circumstances.”
The certification affirms HNB’s ability to identify potential threats respond effectively to disruptive incidents and ensure continuity of critical banking services during emergencies such as system outages natural events or cyber incidents while safeguarding customer regulators and partners.
The certification journey was driven through a centrally managed and well-coordinated project led by the Bank’s Business Continuity Management team under the Risk Management Division, with strong collaboration and support from all business units and Head Office Departments.
This collective approach ensured the successful alignment of enterprise-wide processes and controls with international best practices, reinforcing the Bank’s resilience and operational preparedness across its network.
The audit assessed the bank’s risk assessments, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery capabilities, and structured continuity planning across all critical operational units.
Ernst and Young supported the process through a comprehensive gap analysis, aligning the existing framework with international standards.
The team also strengthened risk assessment procedures, enhanced disaster recovery protocols, and validated business continuity strategies, ensuring full alignment of the bank’s BCMS practices with ISO 22301 requirements.
“For our customers, business continuity means they can rely on HNB no matter the circumstances.
This certification recognizes that maintaining continuity requires constant evaluation and improvement, and it highlights our commitment to disciplined risk management, ensuring secure and uninterrupted banking services at all times.” said Ruwan Manatunga EVP/ Chief Risk Officer.
ISO 22301 is recognized worldwide as the leading standard for business continuity management and is based on a disciplined “Plan Do Check Act” model that requires continual review and improvement.
First introduced in 2012 and updated in 2019 the standard is adopted by over 53000 organizations globally.
Achieving this certification places HNB among a select group of institutions that demonstrate sustained operational resilience and governance maturity aligned with global best practice.
This certification strengthens confidence among depositors, customers, regulators and business partners at a time when expectations for resilience and reliability are rising across the financial sector.
Through this milestone, HNB continues to set industry benchmarks, reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner committed to stability, uninterrupted service and responsible banking across Sri Lanka.
Image Caption from Left : From HNB, Senior Manager – BCP, Rashika Priyankara; Assistant Vice President – Operational Risk, Dinal Fernando; Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer, Ruwan Manatunga; MD/ CEO, Damith Pallewatte; Country General Manager, Bureau Veritas, Shan Nanyakkara; Sales & Marketing Manager, Bureau Veritas, Subash De Silva; and Associate Director – Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young, Gayan Wijesundara, marking the achievement of the certification milestone.