Data Freedom: HNB’s drive to ensure seamless connectivity to digital banking with industry first initiative
Paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive banking experience, Sri Lanka’s most digitally innovative bank HNB PLC, announced the launch of its pioneering Data Freedom initiative offering the bank’s digital users with toll-free access to its digital banking platforms.
The groundbreaking move, a collaboration with SLT Mobitel and a first in Sri Lanka’s banking history, offers users seamless access to its entire spectrum of platforms including the Digital Banking app, Digital Banking website, SOLO app, SOLO Merchant app, SOLO Merchant website, SOLO website, and the HNB Corporate Website without incurring any data charges.
Commenting on the significant industry benchmark, HNB Assistant General Manager- Digital Business, Chammika Weerasinghe said: “We are happy to launch Data Freedom for our digital banking users. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging technology to drive positive change and empower our customers. We always strive to provide convenient access to banking services and to empower our customers to manage their digital banking needs with seamless access to our services no matter the circumstances.”
The partnership with SLT-Mobitel provides HNB customers with access to the bank’s facilities, even if their data connection is barred due to insufficient account balance or because they have exceeded their credit limit. Users can enjoy the convenience of a seamless reload facility by logging into any of HNB’s digital platforms.
“It is a privilege to collaborate with HNB on the Data Freedom initiative, taking Sri Lanka’s Digital financial landscape to new heights. The partnership reflects the continuous commitment of both SLT-MOBITEL and HNB to drive digital banking in Sri Lanka. As the National ICT Solutions Provider, our commitment to promoting financial inclusivity is at the heart of this partnership, aiming to make banking inclusive and accessible for all and setting a new standard for digital engagement in our community,” SLT-Mobitel Head of Customer Care Asanka Jayawardena said.
“Our collaboration with SLT Mobitel opens up a world of possibilities as it removes a significant barrier in accessing our services. Given the national impact of this initiative, we are working to collaborate with other internet service providers (ISPs) to broaden access to our digital banking facilities and ensure each and everyone of our customers have access to their financial tools at any given time,” HNB Senior Manager – Digital Banking Chakshika Amarawardhana said.
With 254 customer centers and 800+ Self Service Machines (SSMs) nationwide, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative private banks. Consolidating its legacy in sustainability, good governance and corporate excellence, HNB was crowned the Best Corporate Citizen for 2022 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Awards and has been recognized as the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 13th occasion at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2023 hosted by the Asian Banker Magazine.
Additionally, HNB was ranked among the World’s Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for the sixth consecutive year in 2022, and was crowned the Best Market Leader in Trade Finance Services and Best Service Provider in Trade Finance for the 5th year in a row at the Euromoney Awards 2024.