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Amana Bank continues robust performance in 2024

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  • Advances grow by 24% with industry low Stage 3 Impairment
  • Deposit up by 16% with industry high CASA of 44%
  • PBT up by 21% to close at LKR 2.8 billion as PAT grows 28% to reach LKR 1.8 bn

Amana Bank PLC continued its robust performance to conclude 2024 on a strong note as the Bank recorded a Profit After Tax growth of 28% to reach LKR 1.8 billion from LKR 1.4 billion posted in 2023. Reflecting a healthy 21% growth, Profit Before Tax for the same period grew from LKR 2.3 billion to close at LKR 2.8 billion.

This strong bottom-line performance was achieved despite the impact of declining market rates. The Bank maintained a healthy financing margin of 4.0%, resulting in the Bank’s Net Financing Income improving by 6% to reach LKR 6.9 billion from LKR 6.5 billion a year ago.

Driven by trade volumes generated from our valued SME and Corporate customers as well as increased digital transactions and other value-added services, the Bank’s Net Fee and Commission income grew by 16% to cross the one billion milestone to close at LKR 1.1 billion.

In the backdrop of excess USD liquidity in the market and the resultant drop in premium, the Bank reported a Trading Income of LKR 0.7 billion. With improvements in the operating environment and asset quality, supported by timely customer engagements, the Bank’s Impairment Charges reduced by 86% or from LKR 2.1 billion to LKR 0.3 billion, resulting in the Bank’s Net Operating Income increasing by 18% or LKR 1.3 billion to reach LKR 8.4 billion.

Crossing the 150 billion milestone, Customer Deposits recorded a noteworthy growth of 16% or LKR 21.5 billion to close the year on LKR 154.4 billion, while maintaining an industry high CASA ratio of 44%.  The Bank’s Total Assets grew by LKR 22.9 billion or 14% YoY from LKR 159.5 billion in 2023 to post a solid LKR 182.3 billion as at end-December 2024.

The Bank’s Return on Equity and Return on Assets improved to 8.0% and 1.6%, respectively. Further, Amana Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 15.0%, whilst Total Capital ratio was at 17.6%, well above the regulatory minimum requirement of 7% and 12.5% respectively.

In 2024, a key milestone further validating the Bank’s financial strength was Fitch Ratings Sri Lanka upgrading Amana Bank’s national long-term rating from BB+(lka) to an investment-grade rating of BBB-(lka) with a stable outlook—unlocking new opportunities for growth and expansion that benefit all stakeholders. Further cementing the Bank’s stability and growth potential, Lanka Rating Agency in their initial assessment, assigned Amana Bank a national long-term rating of BBB+ with a stable outlook. Demonstrating its strength and industry leadership, Amana Bank was ranked among the World’s Top 25 Strongest Islamic Banks by The Asian Banker, rising to 24th place from 37th in 2023.

Towards creating value to its shareholders, Amana Bank declared its 7th consecutive dividend in 2024, being the highest ever dividend payout so far, totalling LKR 661 million which marks a doubling of the dividend paid in 2023.

Commenting on the Bank’s 2024 performance Chairman Asgi Akbarally stated “Against the backdrop of an improving operating environment and economic conditions, Amana Bank has once again delivered a strong performance, demonstrating the resilience of our unique banking model. Our continued growth, solid financial position, and recognition by credit rating agencies underscore the trust and confidence placed in us by our customers and stakeholders. I extend my sincere appreciation to my fellow Directors, our management, and staff for their dedication and commitment, as well as to our customers and shareholders for their unwavering trust and support. As we move forward, we remain committed to driving sustainable growth while delivering value to all those we serve.”

Also sharing his views Managing Director/CEO Mohamed Azmeer said “With improving economic conditions, Amana Bank has been able to accelerate its growth momentum, surpassing key milestones and strengthening our market position. Our performance reflects the Bank’s unwavering focus on customer-centricity, prudent risk management, and operational excellence. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Chairman and Board of Directors for their guidance and oversight, our management and staff for their relentless efforts, and our shareholders, customers, and valued partners for their continued trust and confidence. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to expand our reach and enhance our value proposition, ensuring we remain a trusted financial partner for our customers.”

Amãna Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder of the Bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. Testifying its position as a leading practitioner of the non-interest based banking model, Amãna Banks was recognized amongst the Top 25 Strongest Islamic Bank’s in the World by The Asian Banker.

Amãna Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates, or affiliated institutions apart from its engagement with OrphanCare as its Founding Sponsor.



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SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System

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SriLankan Airlines recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of its AI- and ML-powered Revenue Management System, a project that earned the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 by PROS and the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.

SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.

Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”

Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”

Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.

Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.

This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.

As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)

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CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme

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A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.

Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.

Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.

The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.

The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.

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LOLC Life Assurance hosts MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 honouring top performers

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Chandana L. Aluthgama Executive Director/Principal Officer LOLC Life Assurance Ltd // Jayantha Kalinga Chief Operating Officer LOLC Life Assurance Ltd.

LOLC Life Assurance recently hosted its MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, celebrating its 2025 MDRT qualifiers while aspiring the team to achieve even greater milestones in the year ahead. The event brought together senior leadership and top performing advisors in a distinguished forum focused on recognising performance excellence, sharing industry insights, and setting the strategic direction for continued success.

In 2025, the Company produced 89 MDRT qualifiers, including six Court of the Table (COT) and two Top of the Table (TOT) achievers, along with one Lifetime MDRT member. Representing Agency and Bancassurance channels, these professionals demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering responsible financial guidance and long-term protection solutions to individuals and families across Sri Lanka.

The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is globally recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the life insurance and financial services profession. Membership is reserved for individuals who meet rigorous production targets and uphold strict ethical standards. Achieving MDRT status is widely regarded as a mark of credibility, trust, and advisory distinction.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance stated, “It is with great pride that we recognise our MDRT qualifiers for their dedication, discipline, and integrity, which set a benchmark of excellence for our advisory force and reflect the customer-first values that define LOLC Life Assurance. These achievers deserve recognition not only for meeting targets or selling policies, but also for safeguarding families, empowering individuals to build their legacies, and supporting financial independence, providing certainty and confidence in an unpredictable world. In acknowledging their exceptional contributions, I congratulate all our MDRT qualifiers and am confident they will continue to deliver meaningful financial protection while creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”

Further echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jayantha Kalinga, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Life Assurance added, “This Summit not only celebrates the outstanding performance of our MDRT achievers in 2025 but also acknowledges the resilience, consistency, and customer dedication demonstrated by our teams throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen capabilities through structured development initiatives, advanced training tools, and robust operational support, empowering our advisors to serve clients with confidence and professionalism while further expanding our MDRT presence in the years ahead.”

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