Hatton National Bank continued its growth momentum in the third quarter ended September 2008 by exceeding Rs.5 billion in operating profit before taxes while post tax profits increased to Rs.2.56 billion, which reflects a growth of 47% percent in post tax profits over the same period in 2007.

Commenting on the success and progress of the bank Chief Financial Officer Hatton National Bank; Nihal Kekulawela said that, "The bank has shown conviction and courage to perform against all odds during difficult times and the real test will be to sustain and move forward in a back drop of financial and economic downturn both locally and internationally".

"Non interest income improved by 43 percent during the period mainly from the increase in other income by approximately Rs.1 billion significant contribution of the other income was capital gains derived from the sale of two fully owned subsidiaries HNB Securities (Pvt) Ltd. and HNB Stock Brokers (Pvt) Ltd., to the newly formed Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd., which is a joint venture with DFCC Bank. Additionally the Bank was in receipt of dividend income of over Rs. 500 million, but we cannot expect this performance next year, since the environment has been changed due to high interest rates", he added.

Income for the year 2008 increased by 27 percent to Rs.27 billion with net interest income increasing by 12 percent to Rs.9.07 billion. Effect of high interest rates was reflected in the interest income and expenses which grew by 25percent and 34 percent respectively despite moderate growth in the loan book and deposits.

Commenting on the CSR projects of HNB Deputy General Manager, Human Resources and Administration; Mancius Paiva said, "One of our main CSR project is education. We have equipped 137 school libraries in rural areas, where the children have not seen such facilities ever in their lives. Through books and reading the children will be guided to a new window to look at the world in a creative manner. We have also equipped the 25 schools with computer labs, which we donated . IT is a very important fact currently and our children need to explore the world with the up coming technologies".

"Cancer Counseling Centre, at the National Cancer Hospital-Maharagama, was a recent CSR project we did. Though the developed countries had the counseling centers for this deadly disease that causes the trauma individually, Sri Lanka did not have a counseling centre for the cancer patients. HNB was lucky enough to provide doctors, screens, videos and many professional counselors. We will be continuing the work with the cancer hospital in the future as well" he noted.