Business

ComBank notches 3rd Rs 1 trillion mark in Balance Sheet in dynamic Q2

Published

4 years ago

2021/08/14

Commercial Bank’s Chairman Justice K. Sripavan (left) and Managing Director S. Renganathan

A strong second quarter, during which its loan book crossed the milestone of Rs 1 trillion, another first by a local private bank, has generated noteworthy growth in key indicators for the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group for the six months ended 30th June 2021.

Comprising of Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, its subsidiaries and an associate, the Group reported gross income of Rs 79.931 billion for the period, reflecting a growth of 6.34% over the corresponding six months of 2020 and an improvement of 11.23% in the second quarter of 2021.

The Group converted the first quarter’s negative growth of 2% in interest income to an improvement of 9% in the second quarter, to end the first half of 2021 with interest income of Rs 63.355 billion, which was an increase of 3.2% over the first half of last year. With interest expenses for the six months down 16.65% to Rs 32.197 billion, the Group posted a net interest income of Rs 31.158 billion for the period under review, achieving a growth of 36.86% and 57.06% respectively for the six months and the second quarter.

“An increase in operating income from the growth in lending, an improvement in net fees & commission income and significant gains in some of the components of other income was partly offset by a substantial growth in impairment charges in the six months reviewed, but we are pleased with the overall results because we have built on the momentum of the first quarter and improved many of the core ratios and key performance indicators,” Commercial Bank Chairman Justice K. Sripavan commented.

Commercial Bank Managing Director Mr S. Renganathan elaborated that the Bank’s CASA ratio had improved to 45.37% from 42.72% at the end of 2020 and 40.79% at end June 2020. “We have also sustained steady improvements in capital adequacy ratios, non-performing loan ratios, provision cover and interest margins while grappling with the challenges posed by the global pandemic. We extended our fullest support for the implementation of Government initiatives to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and the community and to stabilise the economy. This included providing relief to borrowers and participating in the ‘Saubhagya’ loan scheme in addition to implementing the Bank’s own concessionary lending schemes,” he said. “We believe we now have a blueprint for achieving well-balanced growth in adverse conditions that will be of value in the years ahead.”

“We are particularly encouraged to see our loan book surpass Rs 1 trillion, making Commercial Bank the first private sector bank in Sri Lanka to have three key balance sheet indicators that exceed Rs 1 trillion. Our assets crossed this threshold in 2016 while deposits achieved it in 2019,” Mr Renganathan added.

Total operating income of the Group for the six months grew by 30.78% to Rs 46.344 billion, while impairment charges and provisions for other losses rose by 47.44% to Rs 13.654 billion consequent to a management decision to make provisions on a prudent basis, for exposures to identified risk-elevated industries.

As a result, net operating income grew by 24.88% to Rs 32.690 billion, but with operating expenses being restricted to Rs 14.079 billion, an increase of 8.42%, the Group posted an operating profit of Rs 18.611 billion before VAT on financial services for the six months, reflecting robust growth of 41.09% over the corresponding six months of the previous year. VAT on financial services increased by 37.82% to Rs 2.857 billion resulting in the Group achieving profit before income tax of Rs 15.754 billion for the first half of 2021, an improvement of 41.71% over the corresponding six months of 2020.

Income tax for the period under review amounted to Rs 3.400 billion, down 7.33% as a result of a reversal of excess in provisions for income tax made in 2020. This was due to the Bank’s provisions for income tax being computed at 28% on the basis that the 24% rate proposed in the last government budget to be effective from 1st January 2020, had not been enacted. The excess provision was reversed during the first quarter of 2021 as advised by the CA Sri Lanka.

Consequently, the Commercial Bank Group posted profit after tax of Rs 12.354 billion for the six months recording a growth of 65.87%, with growth in the second quarter alone amounting to 52.93%. Taken separately, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC reported profit before tax of Rs 15.420 billion for the period, a growth of 47.61% and profit after tax of Rs 12.134 billion, an improvement of 74.31%.

Total assets of the Group grew by Rs 172 billion or 9.77% over the six months to Rs 1.935 trillion as at 30th June 2021. Asset growth over the preceding 12 months was Rs 368 billion or 23.49% YoY.

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Business

Sarvodaya Development Finance joins Global Banking Alliance, set to host annual board meeting in Sri Lanka

Published

3 hours ago

2025/04/12

Thilina Walpola

Chairman Channa De Silva

Remarking a new milestone in its pledged journey towards sustainable financing and inclusive financing,

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has secured the full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an international network of banks working to build a more sustainable and inclusive financial system.

Through this membership, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC aims to strengthen its ability to create social and environmental impacts by expanding access to ethical financial tools, supporting community-led development, and promoting environmentally responsible lending. The alliance provides opportunities to engage with global peers, share practical knowledge, and adopt approaches that have worked in similar contexts around the world. It also allows Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC to align more closely with international standards on sustainable finance, build relationships with mission-aligned investors, and stay informed on evolving policy and regulatory trends. As part of this engagement, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC will host the Asia Pacific Conference and the GABV Annual Board Meeting in Colombo on October 15–16, 2025, bringing together CEOs from over 12 countries to collaborate on advancing values-based banking across the region.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values was held in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Building Resilient Futures.” The event brought leaders from over 70 member banks across more than 45 countries to the GABV network to discuss how values-based banks can respond to global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation. Channa De Silva – the Chairman and the Nilantha Jayanetti – the Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC have represented the Company at this event.

Business

Sanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka

Published

3 hours ago

2025/04/12

Thilina Walpola

Sanjiv Hulugalle

A Global Hospitality Visionary Returns Home to Lead Sri Lanka’s Most Ambitious Integrated Resort

Cinnamon Life announces the appointment of Sanjiv Hulugalle as the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.

With a career that spans over three decades and 12 countries across five continents, Hulugalle brings to Cinnamon Life an unparalleled legacy in luxury hospitality, real estate development, and transformative leadership. From the Maldives to Canada, China to the UAE, he has been at the helm of some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and real estate ventures.

Previously the Group President of Hospitality & Real Estate at KOHLER Co., Hulugalle drove innovation and strategic growth across a diverse portfolio. At Auberge Resorts Collection, he led the ambitious repositioning of a $210 million development. His 24-year tenure with Four Seasons saw him lead top-tier teams and deliver award-winning results across the globe.

But this latest chapter is deeply personal.

Having been semi-retired, Hulugalle’s return to Sri Lanka was sparked not by circumstance, but by calling and purpose. “This is not just a role,” says Hulugalle. “It’s a way of giving back to the country that raised me—with its gracious hospitality, boundless warmth, and vibrant soul.”

“Sri Lankan hospitality is naturally gracious and kind,” he reflects. “It’s in our DNA. My mother would’ve wanted me to return and give back.”

Redefining Colombo as a City of Dreams

With Hulugalle at the helm, Cinnamon Life is set to emerge not just as a landmark development in Colombo—but as a destination, that captures the imagination of the world. Under his leadership, City of Dreams will embody the essence of modern Sri Lanka: rooted in culture, rich in character, and radiating with opportunity.

In addition to his work in hospitality, Hulugalle is also an active investor in AI-led technologies, residential real estate, and wellness-driven consumer brands, always seeking to blend strategic foresight with heartfelt service.

Business

Empowering SMEs on capital raising through listing

Published

3 hours ago

2025/04/12

Thilina Walpola

(L - R) Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Manuri Weerasignhe, Punyamali Saparamadu, Nikila Darmadasa, and J.F. Fernandopulle

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), hosted an Issuer Forum in Gampaha aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in exploring avenues for capital raising through listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The forum, titled “Redefining the Trajectory of Your Business”, provided guidance on exploring effective capital-raising avenues, specifically through listing on the Empower and Diri Savi Boards. These boards offer dedicated listing platforms for SMEs, focusing on sectors such as agribusiness, livestock, energy generation, ICT, and tourism-related ventures. Attracting over 70 participants, the forum offered valuable insights that were well received.

The main presentation of the evening, delivered by Mr. Nikila Darmadasa, Senior Management Associate of the Corporate Advisory Division at NDB Investment Bank Limited, educated the participants on the benefits of capital generation and mobilization through listing on the CSE, outlining the processes and advantages for businesses ready to grow beyond traditional financing models.

A panel discussion on “The Journey Towards Listing and Life After Listing” featured Manuri Weerasignhe, Director, Corporate Affairs, SEC; Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO, CSE; Nikila Darmadasa, and J.F. Fernandopulle, Managing Director and CEO, Mahaweli Coconut Plantations PLC. The session was moderated by Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President, Commercial, CSE. The panel offered practical perspectives on preparing for a listing, regulatory expectations, and the business journey post-listing.

This initiative reflects the continued commitment of the SEC and CSE to broaden access to capital market opportunities for SMEs across Sri Lanka, enabling them to scale sustainably while contributing meaningfully to the national economy.