HNB FINANCE advances child wellbeing and financial awareness through World Children’s Day initiative

HNB FINANCE PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading financial services providers, marked World Children’s Day 2026 with a special programme attended by nearly 4,000 students at Debarawewa President’s College in Tissamaharama. The initiative formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, with a focus on children's wellbeing, community engagement and the promotion of positive financial habits from an early age.

Organised in keeping with this year’s World Children’s Day theme, “Strong Minds-Enriched Children,” the programme brought together students, teachers and HNB FINANCE representatives for a series of educational, creative and recreational activities aimed at encouraging self-confidence, creativity and emotional wellbeing.

The celebrations were attended by Debarawewa President’s College Principal R. A. S. Keerthirathne and HNB FINANCE Head of Microfinance Savings and Talent Development Anura Udawatta as chief guests. HNB FINANCE Tissamaharama Branch Manager, Kithsiri Malaviarachchige, representatives from the company's Head Office and Tissamaharama branch, and members of the school's teaching staff were also present.

Supported by 'Yalu', HNB FINANCE's children's savings account, the programme was held from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and featured interactive competitions, creative activities and educational entertainment. Special performances by teachers added to the celebrations, while participating students were treated to ice cream. Prizes sponsored by the Yalu Children's Savings Account were also presented to students who participated in and won various competitions.

Commenting on the initiative, HNB FINANCE PLC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Chaminda Prabhath said, “A child's future is shaped not only by academic achievement but also by emotional resilience, self-confidence, creativity and positive life habits. This year's World Children's Day theme reminds us of the importance of nurturing these qualities and providing children with opportunities to develop their potential.

“At HNB FINANCE, we recognise that investing in the wellbeing of children is an important part of our responsibility towards the communities we serve. Alongside supporting their social and emotional development, we believe in encouraging financial awareness and responsible savings habits from an early age. Through our Yalu Children's Savings Account, we aim to help children understand the value of saving while supporting parents in building a secure financial foundation for their future.”

Complementing the main celebration in Debarawewa, HNB FINANCE organised several regional World Children's Day programmes through its islandwide branch network, extending the initiative to children and communities in different parts of the country.

The programme reflects HNB FINANCE's approach to corporate social responsibility, which places emphasis on community wellbeing, employee participation and financial inclusion. By combining initiatives that support children's development with efforts to promote early financial awareness, the company continues to contribute to the long-term social and financial wellbeing of the communities it serves.