Hatton National Bank (HNB) has entered into a strategic partnership with Hayleys Solar through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the adoption of solar energy solutions across Sri Lanka.
The collaboration is designed to support customers in both the domestic and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sectors by combining solar installation services with structured financing options, making renewable energy adoption more accessible and financially viable.
Under the partnership, customers financing solar systems through HNB will be able to access solutions provided by Hayleys Solar, supported by tailored repayment plans of up to seven years and competitive interest rates linked to repayment terms. These features are intended to ease upfront cost barriers and promote long-term affordability for households and businesses transitioning to clean energy.
The MoU was signed at HNB’s Head Office in the presence of senior leadership from both organisations, marking a formal step toward deeper collaboration in the renewable energy space.
Beyond customer benefits, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and energy resilience. By promoting wider solar adoption, the partnership supports Sri Lanka’s broader renewable energy goals, including reducing carbon emissions, improving energy security, and strengthening the country’s transition toward a more sustainable power ecosystem.
BOI outlines Sri Lanka’s future focused on smart, sustainable, and structured development
The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (Board of Investment of Sri Lanka) has unveiled a new strategic transformation agenda under its Acting Chairman, centred on a “Triple-S Pillar” framework — Smart, Sustainable, and Structured — aimed at repositioning Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for future-ready foreign direct investment.
The new approach focuses on strengthening investor facilitation, accelerating digital transformation, and improving institutional efficiency as part of Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery strategy.
A key component of the plan is the integration of artificial intelligence into investor services. By 2027, the BOI’s One-Stop-Shop system is expected to deploy AI-driven predictive tools capable of identifying administrative bottlenecks in advance and flagging project delays for timely intervention. The initiative is designed to improve transparency, reduce processing delays, and enhance investor experience.
The BOI is also advancing the development of “Digital Twins” for Export Processing Zones, allowing investors to virtually explore industrial infrastructure, simulate utility requirements, and design facility layouts remotely using real-time data. This aims to reduce geographical barriers and streamline investment planning.
In line with Industry 4.0 priorities, the BOI is shifting away from a low-cost labour model toward a “smart labour” strategy. Incentives are being restructured to include “Innovation Bonuses” for projects that adopt robotics, IoT, and advanced automation technologies.
The transformation agenda also includes plans for a “Northern Tech Frontier,” featuring IT-focused zones in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, designed to develop software engineering and AI capabilities while tapping into emerging digital talent pools.
In collaboration with universities, vocational institutes, and private sector partners, the BOI is also promoting expanded training in AI, data science, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and embedded systems. These initiatives are supported by industry-led curricula, internship pipelines, and regional tech parks aimed at building localized innovation ecosystems beyond Colombo.
Overall, the strategy reflects a shift toward a high-value, knowledge-driven investment model, positioning Sri Lanka as a more technologically advanced and globally competitive investment hub.
HNB partners with Hayleys Solar to expand access to solar energy solutions
