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.

HNB Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer, Dilshan Rodrigo handed over the
Ultrasound scanning machine to IDH Director, Dr. Hasitha Attanayake and IDH Consultant
Radiologist, Dr. Kishani Abeywardena in the presence of (from left) IDH Medical Officer, Dr. Ridmi
Samarasiri, IDH Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Ajith Dissanayake, IDH Consultant Physician, Dr. A.G.S
Asiri, IDH Medical Officer, Dr. Azad Samad and HNB Chief Transformation Officer/ DGM, Chiranthi
Cooray, HNB Senior Manager – Facilities Management, Roshan Fernando, HNB CHRO/ AGM
Human Capital and Banking Services, Indrajith Senadhira, HNB Project Lead – Sustainable Business, V. Disharatnam and HNB Officer in Charge- Sustainable Business, Shanel Perera.

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