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Building Trust: How Governance, Compliance and Technological Innovation Drive HNB General Insurance

As Sri Lanka’s financial services landscape rapidly modernizes, the general insurance sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. Driven by national initiatives to enhance insurance penetration and digital accessibility, insurers must balance rapid technological adoption with unyielding regulatory discipline and strong governance. At the forefront of this evolution, HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) is leveraging an integrated approach combining core system modernization, proactive compliance, and market-tailored product development to build long-term stakeholder trust and drive sustainable industry growth.

Digital transformation has shifted from a back-office support function to the primary engine of modern insurance operations. In an era where consumers demand real-time service and seamless accessibility, modernizing core technology infrastructure is essential for building operational agility and maintaining market leadership. At HNBGI, this evolution is anchored by Project Phoenix, a comprehensive system transformation executed in partnership with the core application partner, Azentio Software, a global BFSI software provider and collaboration with a range of key local and international technology partners, bringing together diverse expertise and capabilities. By leveraging the cloud-first Azentio ONEInsurance platform, HNBGI has upgraded its foundational policy administration, enhanced claims processing speed, and established an agile framework for continuous innovation. This modernized core directly powers a dynamic digital ecosystem designed to elevate everyday customer interactions, including the HNBGI NEXA conversational chatbot, the 24/7 customer hotline 1303, HNBGI SmartDocs for digital policy access and motor insurance cards, and digital claims handling and assessment tools like ‘ClaimeeMotor’ and ‘ClaimeeHealth’.

As the global financial ecosystem demands greater transparency and risk precision, alignment with modern regulatory frameworks has become a vital marker of institutional strength. Financial compliance is no longer just a statutory requirement; it is a strategic discipline that safeguards policyholder interests and reinforces market trust. A prime example of this commitment at HNBGI is the company’s aggressive progression toward full SLFRS 17 (IFRS 17) adoption. By conducting structured parallel runs and collaborating with specialized external partners, HNBGI is refining its financial reporting architecture to ensure rigorous reserve evaluation, enhanced balance sheet transparency, and long-term clarity.

Building an agile digital core and adhering to global compliance standards ultimately serve one purpose: delivering meaningful, accessible protection to diverse customer segments. HNBGI translates its technical capabilities into targeted product ecosystems designed for both traditional and emerging risk landscapes. A standout initiative in this space is the company’s pioneering work in Parametric Insurance – highlighted by Sayuru, an innovative climate-risk protection scheme developed with Dialog Axiata for coastal fishing communities, alongside specialized index-based covers for livestock and agriculture. Beyond climate resilience, HNBGI maintains a broad portfolio spanning motor, medical, marine, and commercial lines, complemented by a market-leading Takaful window. Through strategic partnerships with major financial institutions, the company extends custom-tailored coverage to underserved rural entrepreneurs, agribusinesses, migrant workers, and retail investors alike.

Ultimately, building trust goes beyond delivering innovative products and services. At HNBGI, it is reflected in a strong governance framework, rigorous regulatory compliance, responsible business practices, positive social impact and a commitment to sustainability. This approach has been reinforced by the upgrade of HNBGI’s Fitch Rating to ‘A(lka)’, the Gold Award in the Insurance Sector at the National Management Excellence Awards 2025 and its recognition among Sri Lanka’s 50 Best Work places in 2026 where HNBGI ranked 16th in the Large-Size Company Category and became the only General Insurance company to earn this prestigious recognition. Together, these achievements demonstrate that innovation and growth are most meaningful when built on trust, integrity and responsibility. As HNBGI continues to evolve, these principles will remain at the heart of its ambition to create lasting value for customers, employees, communities and other stakeholders, while strengthening its role as a responsible and sustainable corporate citizen.

Dole asks for ?47-B 2027 budget

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is seeking P47.057 billion for 2027, about P14.1 billion below the P61.2-billion budget it received under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

It was flagged by House budget sponsor Aurora Rep. Rommel Rico Teh Angara, who called for the restoration of the funding reductions, warning that the lower allocation could affect Dole’s delivery of labor and employment services.

Employment programs, skills development and worker-protection services were among the areas that could be affected by the reduced allocation, Angara was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Dole.

The budget deliberations also covered the need to prepare workers for changing workplace demands, including potential displacement in the business-process outsourcing sector as artificial intelligence adoption expands.

Upskilling initiatives were raised as part of the government’s response to the possible disruption of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) jobs.

Labor inspection also figured in the discussions, with lawmakers raising the need to increase the number of labor inspectors in line with International Labor Organization Convention 81.

Angara also cited Dole’s request for an additional P75 million for the Labor Attorneys’ Office and the National Academy for Labor Justice to strengthen legal assistance for workers.

Other programs discussed included Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad), the Single Entry Approach, occupational safety and health compliance in economic zones, the Social Amelioration Program for sugar workers and the welfare of workers aboard commercial fishing vessels.

Wage Order 27, likewise, remained a key issue during the deliberations, with Angara reaffirming Dole’s position to uphold the wage order while its implementation is being litigated.

‘Hindi po binibitawan ng Dole ang Wage Order 27. Ipinaglalaban po ito ng ating Secretary at ng Solicitor General sa korte,’ Angara said.

He said Wage Order 28 was intended to provide immediate economic relief while the judicial process over Wage Order 27 continues.

Angara also clarified that the P60 wage increase under Wage Orders 27 and 28 is identical and does not reduce workers’ wages.

Germany questions ‘associate member’ term for Canada

German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius urged a re-evaluation of the proposed “associate member” title on Wednesday, intended to signal closer EU-Canada relations.

“Canada is a particularly close partner for Europe, which is why we are open to discussing new partnership models that would reflect the special importance of this relationship,” Stefan Kornelius told reporters. “However, we should reconsider the terminology – the label – associated with it,” he added.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member” and called for relations to be brought “to the highest level possible.”

LTO suspends Niño Muhlach’s license for 2 years

Movie actor Niño Muhlach is not allowed to drive a motor vehicle for two years after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended his license in connection with a road accident in Antipolo, Rizal.

Investigation conducted by the LTO showed that Muhlach suffered from extreme fatigue, causing him to lose control of the wheel along Marcos Highway on Aug. 23.

The vehicle crashed into a row of commercial establishments and a motorcycle parked along the road before hitting a pedestrian.

The LTO found Muhlach liable for reckless driving and declared him an ‘improper person to operate a motor vehicle.’

Earlier, Muhlach admitted that he was the one driving the vehicle and acknowledged liability for the incident.

He said he had dozed off while driving.

The LTO said Muhlach’s vehicle would remain under ‘alarm status to ensure enforcement of penalty and to prevent any transactions involving it while the resolution is in effect.’

‘The LTO is serious about enforcing traffic laws, especially regarding violations that could endanger other road users,’ LTO chief Markus Lacalinao said.

‘We will impose appropriate penalties based on the results of the investigation and hearing, regardless of a person’s status,’ Lacanilao added.

The agency said it strictly enforces road laws and regulations to safeguard the safety of all motorists and road users.

Motorists have been urged to practice responsible driving and follow rules to prevent accidents that could result in loss of life or damage to property.

EC reports big jump in complaints

The Election Commission (EC) handled thousands of election complaints and cases in fiscal 2024 and 2025, while allocating 282 million baht in subsidies to political parties, its secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said on Wednesday.

Mr Sawaeng presented the EC’s performance reports to parliament, chaired by House Speaker Sophon Zaram. The reports covered work during fiscal 2024 and 2025. A fiscal year closes at the end of September.

In fiscal 2024, the EC organised Senate and local elections and allocated 139 million baht in subsidies to political parties under the organic law on political parties.

The EC resolved to submit 95 case files to the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Appeals Court and regional appeals courts.

It also approved action on 198 other files involving criminal cases, dismissed complaints, closed cases and new elections. A further 394 cases concerned MP and Senate elections, local polls, political parties and other matters.

The EC also carried out 23 projects and 42 activities to promote political participation and understanding of democracy.

In fiscal 2025, party subsidies increased to 143 million baht. The EC received 2,541 election-related complaints, including 1,919 criminal cases, four civil cases and 15 administrative cases.

The EC also organised many elections for provincial administrative organisations and local administrative organisations in 2,462 areas, as well as four by-elections for House seats.

The House set five hours for debate on the EC reports, and 210 minutes for an urgent motion on the southern border provinces.

Two unseen Monet paintings to be auctioned in Paris

PARIS – Two paintings by the Impressionist master Claude Monet that have never been shown in public are to be sold in Paris next month by the billionaire Schlumberger family of France, auction house Sotheby’s said Thursday.

‘Iris’, a large painting Monet completed toward the end of his life, has been valued at 22 million to 30 million euros ($25-34 million), which represents ‘the highest estimate ever given for a painting offered at auction in France’, Sotheby’s said as it unveiled the sale at its Paris headquarters.

It has never left the Schlumberger family’s home in Paris after being acquired by Jeanne Schlumberger (1889-1983), who was described as ‘a brilliant art collector’ by Sotheby’s art department co-head Thomas Bompard.

Alongside ‘Iris’, three other canvases by Monet are included in the sale on October 22, among them ‘Saule Pleureur’ (Weeping Willow), valued at 9-12 million euros.

The sale comes in the year marking the centenary of Monet’s death on Dec 5, 1926, which is being commemorated by two Paris exhibitions opening in late September: ‘Monet, Painting Time’ and ‘Stories of Landscapes, from Monet to Hockney.’

The Schlumberger collection, which will be shown in Hong Kong and New York before the sale, also includes three works by Paul Cezanne, among them ‘La Ferme’ (The Farm), ‘the largest work by the artist ever to be offered at auction,’ estimated at 600,000 to 800,000 euros.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva arrived in Shamakhi district

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva arrived in Shamakhi district on September 17.

The head of state and the First Lady visited the monument to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, erected in the center of the city of Shamakhi.

Duero mayor steps down after Ombudsman dismissal order

Duero Mayor Al Cadorniga Taculad stepped down from office on Sept. 16 after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal for grave misconduct arising from his financial interest in municipal projects awarded to his construction firm.

Vice Mayor Hernes Bajao assumed the mayoralty following Taculad’s departure.

In a Sept. 1 decision, the Ombudsman found Taculad administratively liable for violations of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, with related provisions of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code.

The case involved two municipal projects-the river control project and the rainwater collector system-which were awarded to Altacs Construction, a company owned by Taculad while he was mayor.

The Ombudsman said Altacs Construction received a total of P76.2 million in payments for the two projects.

It also found that Taculad failed to divest his interest in the company after assuming office, which the Ombudsman cited as a conflict of interest and basis for the finding of grave misconduct.

The dismissal carries the forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility and a ban on taking civil service examinations.

The Ombudsman also found sufficient basis for a criminal complaint against Taculad over alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and the Local Government Code.

Taculad denied responsibility for some of the documents cited in the case, claiming that his signatures on several bidding documents were forged. The Ombudsman said the issue of the alleged forged signatures would be more appropriately resolved during trial.

Taculad said he voluntarily stepped down to comply with the Ombudsman’s order.

In a farewell message to municipal employees posted on Facebook, Taculad said the administrative complaint had been filed by his political opponents nearly two years ago.

He said he faced the complaint but acknowledged that the outcome was unfavorable.

‘I will tell you that these decisions are really difficult to accept, knowing that we did nothing wrong. We did not steal any money,’ Taculad said in Cebuano.

He also said he believed the case was intended to derail his public service and political career.

‘This is intended to destroy us. They want us to stop serving the people and to leave politics,’ he said.

Duero is a fourth-class municipality about 73 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, with a population of around 19,000.

Coco Mama expands Save Our Coconuts commitment to 1,000,000 seedlings

Coco Mama is expanding its Save Our Coconuts commitment tenfold, from 100,000 to 1,000,000 quality coconut seedlings over the next five years.

Implemented in partnership with HOPE and Vita Coco, the expanded program aims to help replace aging coconut trees, support Filipino coconut farmers and improve long-term farm productivity.

Since launching Save Our Coconuts in 2024, Coco Mama has donated 40,000 quality seedlings to farming communities. The program’s next phase will build on that progress by combining seedling distribution with farmer training, proper planting practices and support for establishing and maintaining new trees.

‘Tumatanda at hindi na namumunga ang mga puno ng niyog kaya nakakaapekto ito sa kita ng ating mga magsasaka. Importante at mahalaga na may gawin tayo dito.’ said Bryan Lingan, AVP and general manager for Coco Mama at Century Pacific Food Inc.

Scaling up support for coconut farmers

Approximately 20% of Philippine coconut trees are considered senile, meaning their productivity has significantly declined. For farmers who depend on these trees for their livelihood, lower yields can also mean lower income.

Replanting offers a path forward, but smallholder farmers with limited resources must invest today and wait several years before new trees become productive. Save Our Coconuts helps address this challenge by making quality seedlings more accessible and providing farmers with the knowledge and support needed to care for them.

‘Every coconut tree that we plant is also planting opportunity, resilience and dignity. and planting hope for a farmer, for a family and for the next generation of Filipinos.’ said Nadine Dorego, marketing manager at HOPE: Business for Good.

Marking World Coconut Day in GenSan

Coco Mama announced the expanded commitment on World Coconut Day in General Santos City, where brand ambassador Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo joined local farmers and representatives from HOPE, Vita Coco, Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures, Inc. (CPAVI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for a ceremonial planting activity.

Members of the farming community shared their experiences and the realities affecting the productivity of their farms and livelihoods.

On how she decides which products to support, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo explained, “Pinipili ko ang nagbibigay-balik sa kapwa Pilipino dahil binibigyan nito ang tao ng pag-asang mabuhay nang tama, payak, at tapat sa sarili.

The expanded commitment represents a long-term investment in the farms and communities behind the country’s coconut industry. Its success will be measured not only by the number of seedlings distributed, but also by what those seedlings can become: productive trees, stronger farms and a more sustainable future for Filipino coconut farmers.

Lotto results: No jackpot winners in Sept. 17 draws

No bettor won the jackpots in the SuperLotto 6/49 and Lotto 6/42 draws on Thursday, Sept. 17, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The SuperLotto 6/49 winning combination was 23-31-25-15-16-36 for a jackpot of ?25.22 million. No ticket matched all six numbers.

For Lotto 6/42, the winning combination was 08-31-32-19-24-06 for a jackpot of ?45.83 million. No bettor won the jackpot.

Minor games

6D Lotto: 7-2-5-1-1-1 – ?980,735; 3 winners

3D Lotto 2 p.m.: 2-9-2 – ?4,500; 152 winners

3D Lotto 5 p.m.: 6-2-2 – ?4,500; 215 winners

3D Lotto 9 p.m.: 4-7-8 – ?4,500; 452 winners

2D Lotto 2 p.m.: 13-26 – ?4,000; 336 winners

2D Lotto 5 p.m.: 13-03 – ?4,000; 135 winners

2D Lotto 9 p.m.: 23-12 – ?4,000; 454 winners

Draw schedule

SuperLotto 6/49 draws are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, while Lotto 6/42 draws take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.