HBL SRI LANKA
HBL SRI LANKA MARKS 75 YEARS OF OPERATIONS
When HBL opened its first international branch in Sri Lanka in 1951, it was more than an expansion beyond Pakistan’s borders. It was the beginning of a relationship that would grow across generations – linking businesses, markets and communities through trust, trade and financial connectivity.
The story began in Colombo’s bustling commercial heart. Licensed as a commercial bank by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, HBL established its first local branch on Keyzer Street in Pettah – an area long associated with commodity trading, wholesale commerce and the daily rhythm of enterprise.
For a bank with trade at the centre of its operations, the location was both strategic and symbolic. Pettah was where goods moved, deals were made, and businesses looked outward to regional and global markets.
From this base, HBL became part of Sri Lanka’s commercial fabric – supporting importers, exporters, traders and corporates that depended on reliable financial services and cross-border connections. Over time, its role extended beyond conventional banking. It became a bridge between markets, helping local businesses connect with opportunities in countries where HBL and its subsidiaries operated.
HBL’s arrival in Sri Lanka followed its pioneering journey in Pakistan. Established in 1947 as the country’s first commercial bank, HBL played a formative role in Pakistan’s economic development – supporting inward foreign remittances, and maintaining a strong presence in lending to small industries, traders and farmers.
As Pakistan’s economy developed, the bank expanded alongside it, becoming the country’s largest private sector bank and one of its most recognised financial institutions.
Today, HBL’s international network spans key markets including Sri Lanka, China, the Maldives, Singapore, the UAE, Bahrain and Bangladesh. This is complemented by a subsidiary in the UK, and associate partnerships in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the Kyrgyz Republic.
Across this footprint, the bank serves more than 40 million customers and is positioned along important trade corridors that support commerce, investment and financial inclusion.
This international outlook has been especially relevant to Sri Lanka. Located along major global maritime routes and historically connected to regional trade flows, the country offered HBL a natural gateway for cross-border banking.
Over the decades, HBL Sri Lanka has built relationships with leading corporates, entrepreneurs and trade oriented businesses – helping them access markets, manage international transactions and pursue growth beyond national borders.
The bank has also worked with Chinese enterprises and international partners, supporting business activity linked to infrastructure development and cross-border investment. These partnerships have reinforced HBL Sri Lanka’s role not merely as a financial services provider but a connector between customers, markets and opportunity.
Globally, HBL has continued to align its growth with wider economic development. In Pakistan, it is recognised as the largest financier of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects with related financing exceeding US$ 6 billion.
Its contributions also extend into areas that strengthen national confidence and community life including the revival of international cricket in Pakistan through the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBLPSL). In 2025, HBL reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s youth by renewing its title sponsorship of HBLPSL for seasons 11 and 12, extending a milestone 12 year partnership.
The bank’s continued partnership with PSL reinforces its core philosophy of ‘enabling dreams.’ Through sport, HBL continues to engage young people and bring communities together across Pakistan.
Behind HBL’s long-term approach is the strength of its majority shareholder, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). A Geneva based organisation with a 75 year history, AKFED is active in 18 countries, and invests across Africa, South Asia and Central Asia. Its focus on entrepreneurship, enterprise development and sustainable economic progress reflects a broader commitment to building strong institutions in developing regions.
This has shaped HBL’s own sense of purpose. Guided by its vision of ‘enabling people to advance with confidence and success’ and its mission ‘to make our customers prosper, our staff excel and create value for stakeholders,’ the bank has sought to grow in a way that benefits the wider ecosystem around it.
In Sri Lanka, these values have been reflected in decades of continuity, relationship building and service to businesses that have grown alongside the bank. HBL’s strategic initiatives and strong performance have also been recognised externally with Fitch upgrading Habib Bank – Sri Lanka operations to ‘AA(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook.
The year 2026 saw the roll out of HBL’s Brand Refresh and its phased implementation. The refresh preserves the HBL wordmark and the institutional equity built over more than eight decades while introducing ‘momentum,’ a modern design device which represents four key pillars – i.e., forging ahead, progressing together, accelerating towards the future, and a principle of shared prosperity for the bank and its customers.
The refreshed identity supports stronger integration across businesses, strengthens customer experiences across touchpoints and reinforces HBL’s position as Pakistan’s premier bank.
Seventy-five years after opening its doors in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, HBL Sri Lanka continues to celebrate the partners, customers and communities that have journeyed with it. Its story is one of enduring relationships, shared progress and confidence in the road ahead.
Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman HBL, has held the position since the bank’s privatisation in 2004. He brings over 40 years of experience in the financial and banking sectors across Pakistan and international markets.
Commenting on HBL’s seven decade legacy in Sri Lanka, the chairman says: “Seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone for any institution; and for HBL Sri Lanka, it is a celebration of trust, resilience and shared progress.”
He pays tribute to the many people who have shaped HBL Sri Lanka’s journey – customers, employees, regulators, shareholders, partners and communities. From its beginnings, HBL Sri Lanka has grown alongside the country’s commercial sector.
“Over the years, we have supported corporates, entrepreneurs and trade clients – helping them manage their banking needs, expand their networks and connect with markets beyond Sri Lanka,” he explains.
Generations of HBL employees have served with dedication, professionalism and care, building the confidence that clients place in the bank today, the chairman points out.
He states: “Our relationships are built on more than banking; they are founded on consistency, integrity and an understanding of the needs of those we serve.” As HBL Sri Lanka looks ahead, he notes its responsibility is to carry that legacy forward.
Customers expect banking to be faster, simpler and more responsive while businesses increasingly need partners who understand both local realities and international opportunities.
“HBL Sri Lanka will continue to strengthen its capabilities, deepen these bonds and contribute to the country’s trade and business ambitions,” the chairman adds.
Sultan Ali Allana
Chairman
HBL
Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO of HBL, assumed the role in March 2024. With over 37 years of banking experience, he has been associated with HBL since 2017. As HBL Sri Lanka celebrates 75 years of operations, he reflects on the significance of this milestone in the bank’s international journey.
“HBL’s international journey began with the opening of its first overseas branch in 1951, in Colombo. Today, Sri Lanka remains an important market within HBL’s international network, reflecting the bank’s enduring commitment to strengthening regional connectivity,” he says.
The president notes that HBL continues to deliver best in class products and services to clients across its international footprint. He adds that HBL Sri Lanka has built a legacy founded on trust, resilience and longstanding relationships, supporting businesses through changing economic cycles and connecting clients to opportunities beyond their immediate markets.
He adds: “Our commitment to Sri Lanka remains unwavering. We are proud to play a leading role in driving regional trade, investment and economic connectivity across the markets HBL serves.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to our clients and partner institutions for their trust, collaboration and ongoing support. I also want to recognise the dedication of our teams in Sri Lanka and across our network, whose tireless efforts continue to strengthen HBL’s international franchise,” he says.
Looking ahead, the president & CEO adds that HBL remains committed to building on this legacy through innovation, deeper client relationships and continued investment in the markets it serves, ensuring HBL Sri Lanka continues to create long-term value for clients and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
Muhammad Nassir Salim
President & CEO
HBL
Farhan Talib, Head International HBL, has been associated with the bank since January 2010 and is responsible for managing the bank’s operations across eight international markets. Reflecting on HBL Sri Lanka’s 75 year legacy, he says the franchise has played an important role in growing HBL’s international business by connecting clients, facilitating trade and enabling investment across key markets.
He notes that over the decades, HBL Sri Lanka has evolved alongside the changing needs of regional commerce while remaining a trusted banking partner for Sri Lankan businesses operating domestically and internationally.
Its longstanding relationships with major conglomerates and trading entities, combined with the strength of HBL’s international network, have enabled it to support clients across multiple trade corridors.
Drawing on HBL’s broader international strategy, the head international says: “Our objective is to connect our customers across markets and serve them in multiple jurisdictions using our network and international connectivity.”
He is confident that HBL Sri Lanka will continue to develop its products and services in line with customer needs and improve delivery through the implementation of a new core banking platform and internet banking.
Farhan Talib
Head International
HBL
“As HBL marks 75 years in Sri Lanka, we remain guided by our core values. Our journey can be seen as that of a deeply rooted tree – one that has grown steadily over seven decades and changing seasons while continuing to support those around it. Its roots lie in trust and partnership; its branches extend across borders, connecting Sri Lankan businesses with regional and global opportunities,” says Chief Executive Officer and Country General Manager of HBL Sri Lanka Sujeenie Gunasekera.
HBL Sri Lanka appointed Sujeenie Gunasekera as its new CEO, effective 26 September 2024. This marked a historic milestone as Gunasekera became the first local and female leader to hold this position since HBL’s establishment in Sri Lanka in 1951.
She has a distinguished banking career spanning over 30 years including key roles at Citibank, N.A. and American Express Bank. Her appointment underscores HBL’s commitment to leadership excellence and empowerment.
Sujeenie Gunasekera
Chief Executive Officer and
Country General Manager
HBL Sri Lanka
– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira
COMPANY DETAILS
- Telephone : (9411) 24444442
- Email: info.slk@hbl.com
- Website: www.hbl.com/srilanka
