-By LeN Financial Affairs Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -11.Feb.2025, 11.00 PM) In the ever-colorful world of Sri Lankan banking, Hatton National Bank (HNB) is suddenly stealing the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Social media is abuzz with claims that HNB’s Chairman, Harry Jayawardhana, has been ringing up bank managers like a DJ taking song requests—except instead of playing tunes, he’s allegedly dishing out overdraft loans without any security. Yes, you heard that right. Loans. No collateral. Just a phone call from the boss.
But the plot thickens. When these “special” customers inevitably failed to repay their generous overdrafts, the managers who took Harry’s calls found themselves in hot water—boiled, seasoned, and left to stew. It’s like being asked to hold a lit firecracker and then being blamed when it explodes.
And that’s just the appetizer. The real feast of allegations includes HNB’s attempted takeover of Sampath Bank (because apparently, one bank isn’t enough), and claims that HNB’s money may have been funneled into political campaigns. Remember the 1994 election? Rumor has it that billions flowed into Chandrika Kumaratunga’s campaign coffers, with Harry playing the role of financial fairy godfather.
Now, with the NPP government at the helm, there are loud calls for a full-blown investigation into everything—from HNB’s Letters of Credit issued for Harry’s companies to their foreign exchange transactions. The whispers suggest that Harry may have manipulated these financial tools like a magician pulling rabbits out of hats. If proven true, HNB could be looking at more than just a slap on the wrist. The revocation of its banking license could be on the table, and even Uncle Sam might get involved if U.S. financial institutions were tangled in the web.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is being urged to audit every loan HNB has issued to Harry’s firms, along with all foreign currency transfers—because nothing says “innocent” like hiding millions in cross-border remittances, right? If any shady dealings surface, it won’t just be a local scandal. The U.S. Treasury could step in to investigate HNB's international practices. After all, financial manipulation knows no borders.
But wait, there’s more! The recruitment practices at HNB are also under scrutiny. Are jobs at HNB being handed out to friends, relatives, and even specific religious groups like party favors at a wedding? Is HNB morphing into Sri Lanka’s version of a telenovela, complete with nepotism, political drama, and financial intrigue?
And let’s not forget the directors’ renunciations, salaries, and the ever-mysterious marketing budget. Is HNB using its funds for legitimate business growth, or is it acting like a private ATM for a select few? Sri Lanka deserves answers, and HNB needs to come clean.
So, HNB, the ball is in your court. Are you a pillar of Sri Lankan banking, or just another institution playing fast and loose with the rules? The country—and maybe even the world—is watching.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t the last we’ll hear of Harry, HNB, or the mounting questions that could shake the very foundations of Sri Lanka’s financial sector. Stay tuned.
---------------------------
by (2025-02-11 17:39:55)
Read 36906 Times
Leave a Reply
0 discussion on this news