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C. W. Mackie posts best results in a century

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C. W. Mackie PLC, one of the country’s leading and oldest diversified conglomerates, published its integrated annual report for the 22/23 financial year, highlighting the Company’s resilience during a period defined by unprecedented challenges to register its best financial results in over a century of operation.

“In what has become a benchmark year of financial and non-financial performance for C. W. Mackie PLC, we continued to deliver on our commitments to the shareholders and stakeholders of the Company, exceeding all expectations,” stated Mr. Hemaka Amarasuriya, newly appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of C. W. Mackie PLC, during the reporting period.

“We are excited to share our consolidated financial statements alongside details of strategic approach followed by the Group to sustain and strengthen our market leadership position, and record an exceptional performance in a susceptible economic environment.”

C. W. Mackie PLC Group recorded a remarkable year with a 46% year-on-year increase in revenue to reach Rs. 19.2 billion, and the resulting doubling of gross profit from Rs. 2.0 billion during the preceding financial year to Rs. 3.9 billion during the reporting period, an outstanding growth of 97%, a news release recording the achievement said.

“Despite of global recession C. W. Mackie PLC Group successfully supplied overseas orders and strengthened overseas customer relationships. The Group focused on capacity expansion of manufacturing facilities, investing in new machinery specially for export-based manufacturing, reconditioning old machinery and revisiting production lines, and investing in human capital to focus more on developing new products and marketing strategies. LKR depreciation was favourable in terms of revenue and margin in export business,” the release said.

The integrated annual report pays homage to the company’s over 120-year history and sheds light on its far-sighted strategic investments under the theme ‘An Inspiring History.. An Aspiring Future’. The company has prudently invested across a multitude of sectors, with the annual report presenting a sectoral-wise breakdown for the reporting period that saw its FMCG sector – despite compounding market challenges and economic contraction – overtake the Commodity sector in terms of revenue.

The annual report will be presented by the Board of Directors of the Company during its Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on July 27 and also available for download in print PDF on C. W. Mackie PLC’s revamped website.

About C. W. Mackie PLC

Anchored to a history of more than 120 years, C.W. Mackie PLC is a company listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) that specialises in manufacturing, exporting, and importing a wide range of Food and Beverages with the purpose of elevating the quality of life of its stakeholders. The Scan Products Division with its hybrid vertical marketing and distribution channels, is the FMCG arm and the largest growing cluster of C. W. Mackie PLC’s diversified business, and continues to service growing consumer markets through traditional trade, modern trade, HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Cafe), and institutional distribution.

Export of crepe rubber, plantation sole crepe & industrial crepe rubber, desiccated coconut & spices, Import & resale of light industrial products, is part of its business.



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Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

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The number of infections with data-stealing malware, 2020-2024 (Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence)

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.

Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.

Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.

On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.

“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.

The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.

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ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

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Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar and members of the senior management accepting one of the ACCA awards.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.

The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.

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UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

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(From left to right) Deepthi Hewageegana (CEO - UTE), Mani Rajan (Director Distribution - India), Joe Moscato (Vice President - Distribution - Japan & Asia South (India & SE Asia) Caterpillar Inc), Raja Nanayakkara (Chairman / MD - NEM Construction), Prasan Fernando (Chairman - UTE), Priath Fernando - (Director - UTE), Duminda Perera (Senior General Manager - Operations)

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.

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