John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) reported a strong financial performance for FY2025/26, with Group EBITDA increasing 75% to Rs.80.01 billion, reflecting the contribution of investments made over the past several years and the continued performance of the Group’s established businesses.

Group recurring EBITDA increased 71% to Rs.78.05 billion, compared to Rs.45.69 billion in the previous year, driven primarily by Retail, Transportation and Leisure. Recurring profit before tax rose 143% to Rs.35.72 billion, while recurring profit attributable to equity holders of the parent increased 155% to Rs.13.24 billion.

The year also marked the culmination of the largest investment phase in the Group’s history, with the operationalisation of key investments signalling a shift in the capital cycle from development to contribution. Overall funding requirements reduced materially in line with expectations, while net debt to EBITDA stood at approximately 2 times and net debt to equity at approximately 31%.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka recorded positive EBITDA for the full year, following the completion and launch of the remaining components of the integrated resort. Cinnamon Life’s conference and event spaces attracted interest from local and international organisers, while casino operations showed an encouraging pick-up from the fourth quarter onwards.

Colombo West International Terminal, the project company of WCT-1, recorded strong throughput growth during the year, supported by an improving volume mix. The business delivered a positive profit after tax ahead of expectations, despite recognising depreciation relating to phase 1, and has reached full utilisation of phase 1 capacity based on its latest monthly run-rate.

John Keells CG Auto recorded an exceptional year, supported in part by pent-up demand and the brand positioning and vehicle range of BYD.

The Supermarket business recorded approximately 14% growth in same store sales, driven primarily by a 14.3% increase in footfall. The Beverages and Confectionery businesses recorded strong volume growth, with Beverages benefiting from higher margins, while Confectionery margins were impacted by higher raw material costs and expenses linked to new product introductions.

Dr. Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia, Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House, visited the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies on 26 May 2026 and met with the ED/RCSS, Ambassador (Retd.) Ravinatha Aryasinha, and researchers at the Centre. The discussion focused on Regionalism in South Asia and evolving geopolitical developments in the region.

Ambassador Aryasinha detailed the recent and ongoing initiatives undertaken by the RCSS and its wide Alumni Network spread throughout the region in strengthening South Asian solidarity. Dr. Bajpaee impressed on the need to consider alternative forms of regional cooperation in South Asia given the absence of India–Pakistan normalization, resulting in the stagnation of SAARC and the growing pull towards external regional frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The two parties explored possibilities beyond state-led regionalism, including stronger networks among civil society, think tanks, diaspora groups, and business communities, as well as thematic “mini-lateral” cooperation on issues such as climate adaptation and maritime governance.

Ms. Chamika Wijesuriya, Ms. Thedini Herath, and Shayan Peris, Research/Programme Officers at RCSS, were associated with the discussion.

Enables channeling of global digital earnings directly into bank accounts via ComBank Digital

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon, reaffirming its leadership in introducing the latest global financial technologies to Sri Lanka, has announced the availability of PayPal-linked withdrawal functionality for eligible customers to seamlessly channel their global digital earnings directly into their Commercial Bank accounts through ComBank Digital.

The integration of PayPal with ComBank Digital enables Sri Lankan freelancers, digital entrepreneurs and exporters to transfer their PayPal balances directly to a local Commercial Bank account through the Bank’s ComBank Digital platform instantly, securely and through a fully regulated banking channel. As one of the world’s leading online payment platforms operating across nearly 200 markets, PayPal enables individuals and businesses to participate in the global digital economy, making this integration highly beneficial for Sri Lankan customers engaged in international digital services and commerce.

The integration operates through a secure, self-service email-based syncing mechanism embedded within ComBank Digital, the Bank said. Existing PayPal users can seamlessly link their PayPal accounts to their Commercial Bank accounts through ComBank Digital by matching the registered email addresses and date of birth linked to both accounts, enabling near-instant secure authentication and transfers. Eligible customers may access related transfer functionality via ComBank Digital, further enhancing accessibility to global digital payment services.

Upon successful linkage, the eligible customers’ PayPal balances available for withdrawal can be viewed through the banking application and transferred into their Commercial Bank accounts. The experience is entirely digital and can be completed in approximately two minutes, without requiring a branch visit.

Commenting on this latest development, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “This marks a decisive milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka’s connection with the global digital economy. For years, Sri Lankan freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals earning through global digital platforms have faced challenges in bringing those earnings into the country through secure and regulated banking channels.

‘’By enabling PayPal integration through ComBank Digital, we are facilitating the seamless flow of international earnings into the country’s formal financial system. At the same time, this initiative supports broader national economic objectives by encouraging foreign currency inflows, strengthening financial transparency, and empowering Sri Lanka’s growing digital workforce to participate more actively in the global marketplace.”