HNB – CSR Initiative featuring TISL’s Anti-Corruption Awareness Session aligning Private Sector Responsibility with Citizen Empowerment
In alignment with its commitment to Social Responsibility, Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), in partnership with Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), executed a significant community outreach programme under its Creating Shared Value (CSV) portfolio, setting a precedent in Sri Lanka by integrating private sector Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) directly with anti-corruption objectives.
As part of a wider community awareness programme, a focused session on anti-corruption was held in Norochcholai on 30th July 2025, under the theme “Empowering Citizens to Eliminate Bribery and Corruption in Sri Lanka” (ශ්රී ලංකාවේ අල්ලස් හා දූෂණය පිටුදැකීම වෙනුවෙන් පුරවැසියන් බලගැන්වීම). The session brought together nearly 150 community members, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical tools to actively confront and challenge corruption in their communities.
The session offered participants an in-depth understanding of corruption, empowering them to identify various forms of corruption, including the identification of indicators, and safe and effective channels for reporting and seeking redress. It educated the participants on the strategic use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a tool for demanding transparency and holding public and private entities accountable, supported by relevant case studies. Additionally, the session provided clear insights into the legal and institutional frameworks citizens can pursue to report, challenge, seek redress and combat corruption. This comprehensive approach equipped attendees with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to actively contribute to fostering accountability and integrity within their communities.
This initiative went beyond addressing a critical societal challenge; it exemplified how corporate social responsibility can transform from traditional philanthropy into a strategic investment that drives good governance, strengthens ethical practices, and actively engages citizens. By aligning CSR with anti-corruption, companies like Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) demonstrate the vital role the private sector can play in shaping transparent and accountable communities by actively empowering them, ultimately supporting a stable and fair business environment.
The public’s determination to combat corruption has reached unprecedented levels, and the national interest calls for urgent and resolute action. Aligning CSR initiatives with these country priorities constitutes a strategic commitment to safeguarding the nation’s future and ensuring community development.
CSR with Purpose: A Call to the Private Sector
In today’s evolving economic landscape, companies are increasingly expected to do more than provide community service, they are called upon to be agents of systemic change. TISL invites forward-thinking organisations to join the fight against corruption by expanding the impact of its CSR beyond conventional efforts, integrating anti-corruption initiatives to meaningfully contribute to a sustainable community and corporate impact.
TISL has been actively engaged in strengthening and advancing the private sector’s commitment to integrity through various comprehensive initiatives, including Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) trainings, Transparency in Corporate Reporting (TRAC) Assessment, reviews of anti-corruption policies, and the production of research reports such as the Corruption Risk Mapping Research (CRMR). Building upon these efforts to strengthen integrity frameworks, TISL welcomes strategic partnerships designed to help companies embed anti-corruption and integrity-focused programmes into their CSR portfolios. Set the tone and enhance corporate reputation as ethical industry leaders, employ mechanisms to mitigate legal and regulatory risks associated with corruption, and strengthen trust among customers, and investors alike. A genuine and proactive commitment to transparency not only safeguards companies from potential financial and operational vulnerabilities but also differentiates them competitively in industries that increasingly value responsible business conduct.
TISL encourages corporates that are ready to lead the fight against corruption with innovation to join hands with TISL to shift CSR to the collective effort of Building a Nation That Upholds Integrity. Explore how your CSR can become a catalyst for national transformation, driving positive social impact while securing sustainable business advantage.
If your organisation is interested in engaging with TISL’s Business Integrity work or exploring opportunities contact Charithma Subasinghe : Programme Assistant – Private Sector at charithma@tisrilanka.org or on (+94) 0 740551213
For individual assistance or to report corruption-related issues, reach out to our Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC);
Phone: (+94) 0114369781 | 0114369782 | 0114369783
Fax: (+94) 011 2 865 777
ALAC HOTLINE (+94) 011 2 866 777
E-Mail: tisl@tisrilanka.org