Standing (L–R): Malsha Munasinghe, Head of Human Resources / Assistant General Manager; Arunika Jayasundara, Head of Internal Audit / Deputy General Manager; Nilmini Abeysekera, Head – Credit Control.
HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) is among Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing general insurers, and its recent trajectory has been accompanied by a deliberate emphasis on leadership composition and institutional culture. Today, six female Heads of Departments occupy senior decision-making roles with operational authority, demonstrating how inclusivity is taking centre stage in internal succession planning.
At the company, gender inclusion is treated as an element of long-term competitiveness. Recruitment, development, and promotion are structured around performance and capability, with progression tied to measurable contribution. Within that framework, women hold responsibility across a variety of critical functions.
Building a Structured Platform for Women
The company’s efforts are consolidated under In.She, a formal platform designed to support women within the organisation and the wider community. In the last few years, it has functioned as a structured ecosystem spanning wellbeing, leadership development, recognition, and outreach.
Wellbeing and Support
For one, In.She addresses employee health through targeted resilience and stress management workshops for female staff. Mental wellness sessions similarly focus on managing professional demands alongside family responsibilities, given their impact on female labour force participation. This was reinforced on International Women’s Day, when female staff were granted half-day leave to focus on self-care and personal time.
Women’s Day also saw gift vouchers and special acknowledgements presented in recognition of employees’ contributions, demonstrating appreciation for their efforts.
The model is bolstered by preventative healthcare initiatives, such as breast cancer awareness programmes conducted in partnership with the Indira Cancer Trust, along with health screening arrangements facilitated through Asiri Hospital. These measures are practical interventions intended to reduce long-term health risks and absenteeism.
Leadership and Development
HNBGI collaborates with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing to facilitate participation in the Leading Liyos leadership development programme, which focuses on managerial judgement, communication, and strategic perspective. Access to training and advancement pathways is standardised across the workforce, and women are encouraged to pursue leadership roles through transparent promotion processes and exposure to decision-making forums.
Visibility mechanisms have been placed to reinforce the leadership pipeline. The In.She Woman Icon Award recognises exceptional achievements and meaningful contributions within the organisation. Internal campaigns further highlight female-led initiatives and operational outcomes, integrating and normalising women’s achievements within mainstream corporate reporting.
Wings of Support
In.She extends beyond the corporate perimeter through Wings of Support, an outreach arm focused on women in vulnerable or transitional circumstances.
Wellness packs have been donated to female inmates at Welikada Prison, and dry rations have been provided to the Indira Cancer Trust. Essential medical items were also donated to the oncology theatre at National Hospital Galle.
The company has also conducted an auto maintenance workshop for female undergraduates at the University of Colombo. The workshop focused on practical vehicle knowledge, an area often perceived as male-dominated, promoting economic self-sufficiency and confidence building beyond formal employment.
A Truly Women-Friendly Workplace
Career advancement is tied to output and accountability, and leadership forums encourage participation and idea-sharing. HNB General Insurance ensures women are represented in strategic discussions rather than restricted to support functions.
The company acknowledges that many employees manage professional responsibilities alongside caregiving roles. Flexible practices and performance-based evaluation reduce the risk of career interruptions or domestic obligations automatically constraining advancement. In turn, this creates an environment where women are able to confidently meet their responsibilities.
To support their growth, senior executives provide mentorship to emerging female managers, offering guidance, project exposure, and access to strategic conversations. By involving women in cross-functional and revenue-critical assignments, the company reduces reliance on a narrow leadership cohort and strengthens institutional continuity.
Cultural Impact and National Recognition
The cumulative effect of these measures has implications beyond a single firm. Female representation at senior levels contributes to reshaping perceptions of insurance as a viable long-term career for women in Sri Lanka. Visibility at the decision-making level signals that advancement is attainable and that technical expertise, rather than gender, determines authority.
External bodies have recognised aspects of this approach. HNBGI was named one of the Most Outstanding Mom-Inclusive Workplaces at the Mom Leader Conference 2025 organised by Parenthood Global. It also received recognition for Female-Focused Insurance Products at the Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2025 conducted by Satyn Magazine. These awards demonstrate where HNBGI stands when benchmarked against broader standards.
Across its operations, HNB General Insurance has integrated gender inclusion into workforce planning, leadership succession, and brand positioning. Women are visible at senior levels, supported through defined development pathways, and represented in community engagement initiatives. The result transforms a campaign into a system in which participation, advancement, and responsibility are structured to sustain both organisational performance and female leadership over time.