HNB ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ initiative donates ultrasound scanner to IDH

In an effort to enhance facilities for COVID-19 patients at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC donated a state-of-the-art ultrasound scanning machine through its Oba Venuwen Api initiative to support the healthcare sector.

The scanner valued at Rs. 7.5million will be primarily used for diagnosis and intervention related to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases at the hospital. HNB Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer- Dilshan Rodrigo and officials presented the ultrasound machine to IDH Director- Dr. Hasitha Attanayake and Consultant Radiologist – Dr. Kishani Abeywardena.

“Our ability to combat the spread of COVID-19 is a direct result of our healthcare professionals’ courageous and diligent efforts, especially those at the IDH. With this donation, we convey our gratitude to the frontline medical staff, working tirelessly each day to help our nation recover. These heroes have been on the frontlines of this battle from the very beginning, and we pledge to continue supporting the hospital and the healthcare sector in any way possible,” HNB Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo said.

Driven by HNB’s Sustainability Foundation, the Oba Venuwen Api initiative is funded by HNB employees contributing a day’s pay at the onset of the pandemic last year. The Bank matched the staff donation to establish the initiative, which has since been allocated for various projects aimed at uplifting healthcare service to combat the pandemic

Through this project, HNB delivered urgently required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to regional hospitals and MOH offices in the country during the height of the pandemic.

Notably, the Oba Venuwen Api initiative, together with the HNB Sustainability Foundation, also donated Rs. 20 million to revive micro-enterprises across the island earlier this year.

“HNB’s strategic focus on sustainability has withstood the test of time over the years. Sustainability is embedded into the Bank’s business model and CSR has evolved to a participatory volunteerism, be it in cash or kind by HNB staff,” Chief Transformation Officer/ Deputy General Manager L. Chiranthi Cooray said.

With 252 customer centres across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative banks, having won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. The bank was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for five consecutive years. HNB has a national rating of AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd.

HNB was also declared Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Sri Lanka at the Global Finance Awards 2020, in addition to winning the coveted Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka Award for the 11th time at the Asian Banker Awards 2020, in recognition of its sustainable growth and continuous improvements in processes, products and services amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.