HDFC Bank Sri Lanka marked its 42nd anniversary on August 21, 2026, celebrating more than four decades of empowering Sri Lankans through financial services and inclusive banking solutions.
To commemorate the milestone, the bank is conducting traditional religious observances while also introducing several customer-centric initiatives. These include the first phase of a real-time digital service delivery platform aimed at improving customer service, the launch of ‘Green Champ’, a pioneering green children’s savings scheme, and a special anniversary offer providing free shopping debit cards to customers.
Established in 1984 as a building society, HDFC Bank has evolved through successive Parliamentary Acts to become a key institution in Sri Lanka’s financial sector. With the Government of Sri Lanka holding a 51% controlling stake, the bank has expanded beyond its traditional focus on shelter financing to develop into a comprehensive financial services provider.
Guided by a triple bottom line strategy centred on People, Planet and Profit, HDFC Bank currently operates through a network of 39 branches across the island.
As part of its 42nd anniversary celebrations, the bank will conduct events to invoke blessings upon its staff, founders, shareholders, retired employees and other stakeholders who have contributed to its journey since inception.
Chairman H.B. Keerthirathna said the anniversary represents a significant milestone in the bank’s structural evolution and reflects the trust it has built over four decades. He noted that the bank remains committed to financial inclusion and improving the efficiency of state-backed banking while continuously strengthening its internal operations to better serve its growing customer base.
General Manager and CEO Hemal C. Lokugeegana said the bank’s legacy has been built on supporting Sri Lankans in creating stable and sustainable futures. From facilitating home ownership to supporting livelihoods through the corporate and SME sectors, the institution’s growth reflects the resilience of the country.
VFS Global Launches South Korea Visa Services in Sri Lanka with Modern Colombo Centre
VFS Global has announced the launch of Republic of Korea visa services in Sri Lanka through a new, state-of-the-art Korea Visa Application Centre in Colombo, aimed at providing an enhanced and more convenient visa application experience for applicants.
From August 21, 2026, applicants across Sri Lanka will be able to submit their Republic of Korea visa applications at the new centre by making a prior appointment online.
Eunji Kang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka, welcomed the collaboration and expressed hope that the partnership with VFS Global would provide greater convenience and improved services for visa applicants.
Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer for South Asia at VFS Global, said the launch of the Korea Visa Application Centre marks an important step towards improving the visa application submission experience for travellers across Sri Lanka.
She noted that the spacious, modern and centrally located facility provides applicants with a comfortable and convenient environment, supported by trained customer service representatives who assist applicants throughout the submission process.
VFS Global has been a partner of the Government of the Republic of Korea for visa processing services since 2011. The company currently provides visa services on behalf of the Republic of Korea across five countries through a global network of seven dedicated visa application centres.
VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative services, including the collection of visa application forms and supporting documents in accordance with the required checklist, as well as the enrolment of biometrics.
The company does not participate in decisions regarding the approval or refusal of visa applications. All decisions on granting or refusing visas remain solely under the authority and responsibility of the relevant Embassy.
HDFC Bank Marks 42 Years of Financial Excellence
