HNB introduces Internet trading system

The Hatton National Bank (HNB) launched - the 'Jayathura' lottery awards, the website of the HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd. and the Internet trading system on Wednesday at the HNB Towers in Colombo, HNB Managing Director R. Theagarajah said. HNB Stockbrokers, ranked among the top stockbrokering companies is striving to be the premier stockbrokering company with the infrastructure and network of over 140 HNB customer centres islandwide.

HNB Stockbrokers (HNBB) has been spearheading the financial sphere of the country since 1992 and contributed to promote stockbrokering in the financial market. HNBB underwent turbulent times and has today emerged as the first stockbrokering company under a foreign ownership to have a board seat in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

The HNBB website is a comprehensive information centre. Web visitors could obtain information on how to open an account, transferring of securities, lodging and withdrawing securities. The 'Jayathura' lottery scheme, which means overflow of victory is a value addition apart from share trading to the share trading clients of HNB and HNBB.

The environment is not conducive at present to develop the economy of the country with the support of the corporate sector. This is a major concern for the business community to invest and implement developmental projects in the country, HNB Chairman Rienzie T. Wijetilleke said.

The tense situation in the North and East is a concern for all. The North and East has been ruined by both parties. The N/E must be a part of our national economy. There was a time the country was thriving with economic prosperity. The N/E contributed tremendously to the growth of the economy.

Wijetilleke said, "We can develop the N/E if the business community is allowed to operate without hindrance. The younger generation in the wartorn areas have not seen the other side of life. What they have seen is a harsh and brutal military regime which crush them from both sides.

Let the peacemakers keep talking any amount in Oslo or Timbuctoo. The development of the country cannot come to a halt. What the business community needs is peaceful access to the North and East. The HNB and HNBB will do its best to develop the region despite obstacles.

"We have lost a golden opportunity to develop the country. How do we go ahead. This is the biggest question we all need to ask. The country has undergone ruin due to the corruption and misuse of power by leaders of this country, Wijetilleke said.

(LF)