Business
SLT Group demonstrates resilience in delivering value to nation despite challenges
Sri Lanka Telecom Group (SLT Group) recorded a consolidated revenue growth of 5.4% to Rs 26 Bn in Q1 2022, in comparison to the corresponding period in the previous year. Group Profit After Tax (PAT) in the same period was recorded at Rs. 2.7 Bn, demonstrating the SLT Group’s resilience despite challenging economic conditions. Beginning the new year, the Group continued its focus on digital transformation agenda, streamlining the cost base and automating processes while delivering and creating value for stakeholders and the nation.SLT Group’s EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization) recorded a 9.9% YoY growth to stand at Rs. 10.7 Bn with the EBITDA margin improving to 41% for the quarter against 39.4% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs 3.5 Bn for the quarter.The Group’s revenue growth was primarily driven by the increased broadband revenues resulting from the ongoing accelerated Fibre Expansion Project under the National Fiberisation Programme and due to the expansions and upgrades in the 4G/LTE network. The investment towards fiberisation and the aggressive roll-out and marketing of fibre solutions paid off as it contributed to achieve Q1 targets for the Group with increased consumer demand. Further, the Group saw an increase in PEOTV revenues due to the accelerated Fibre Expansion Project. The Group’s revenue from Career Domestic services too improved during the period.
SLT Group Chairman, Rohan Fernando stated, “The first quarter of 2022 proved more challenging than we had expected, however SLT-MOBITEL overall performance reflected the resilience and strength of our portfolio. Throughout 2022 we aim to continue to deliver value for all stakeholders reinforcing our support to bridge the digital divide serving the Nation and our people. Prudent financial discipline was also a key factor in our success”.The Operating Cash Flows of the Group grew to Rs. 16.3 Bn, up by 35.3% YoY. The Group recorded a favourable cash and cash equivalents position of Rs. 31.6 Bn as at the end of the quarter. SLT Group’s contribution to the Government of Sri Lanka during the first quarter, 2022 amounted to Rs. 4.2 Bn. in direct and indirect taxes including levies.
SLT Group Chief Executive Officer, Lalith Seneviratne added, “We continue to invest in the best of emerging technologies, including networks and digital capabilities, and continue our efforts to deploy an innovative portfolio of products and services implementing the transformation of the company.”Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT), the holding company of the Group, recorded Rs. 4.1 Bn. in Profit After Taxes for Q1 2022. Revenue for the quarter recorded at Rs. 15.9 Bn whilst the EBITDA and Operating Profits stood at Rs. 6.3 Bn and Rs. 1.1 Bn respectively.SLT Chief Executive Officer, Janaka Abeysinghe commented, “We are on track for business growth and improved profitability, driven by rapid adoption of broadband services, fiberisation and increased bandwidth consumption, which is generating robust demand.”
The Mobile services arm of the Group, Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd, sustained revenues at previous levels, earning Rs 11.6 Bn in the Q1 2022. Both EBITDA and Operating Profit margins remained positive at 38.9% and 19.3% respectively, whilst foreign exchange losses negatively affected the bottom line of the Company, resulting a net loss of Rs. 0.8 Bn for the quarter.Mobitel Chief Executive Officer, Chandika Vitharena stated “Even in these unprecedented times, we are poised to capitalise on the growing need to simplify communications.”The SLT Group is looking to implement several key strategies to meet the economic slowdown and the challenging operating environment that includes cost increases, inflation, rupee depreciation against US dollar and delays in importing necessary equipment.
By Ifham Nizam
In a landmark move towards a sustainable energy future, Sri Lanka launched the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo. The five-year initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy, aims to transform the nation into a renewable energy powerhouse through strategic investments in solar, wind and hydropower.
The event, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, brought together key stakeholders, including Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Ministers Eranga Weeraratne and Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor Udayanga Hemapala and CEB chairman Dr. Tilak Siyabalapitiya.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that the initiative is not merely a policy document but a transformative roadmap for Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
“We are not just here to launch this project; we are here to transform our country into an energy powerhouse for the future. The Green Energy Acceleration Plan will expand renewable energy production and provide affordable electricity to all Sri Lankans, she stated.
The plan prioritizes reducing electricity demand, lowering costs and modernizing the energy sector through digital innovations and advanced energy storage technologies. A key aspect of the initiative is reforming energy regulations to promote efficiency and sustainability.
The government has outlined three critical focus areas for the energy sector overhaul:
Affordable & Reliable Renewable Energy – Expanding solar, wind and hydropower while minimizing carbon emissions.
Public Awareness & Digital Transformation – Educating citizens on the importance of renewable energy and modern technologies.
Advanced Energy Conversion Methods – Modernizing the sector with innovative energy solutions aligned with global advancement.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of local and international partnerships to successfully implement the plan. She urged all stakeholders—including policymakers, investors and industry experts—to collaborate in achieving energy security and economic resilience.
With the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030, Sri Lanka takes a decisive step towards energy independence, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and positioning itself as a regional leader in clean energy innovation.
This ambitious initiative marks a turning point in Sri Lanka’s energy landscape, setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable future for all.
President Donald Trump is moving forward with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico into the US, saying that time had run out to reach a deal.
US stock markets sank in response to the measures, which have been threatened since earlier this year and are due to go into effect on Tuesday.
An additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports is also expected to come into force, leaving all three of America’s top three trade partners facing significantly higher trade barriers than just a few weeks ago.
“No room left for Mexico or for Canada,” Trump said at the White House on Monday. “The tariffs, you know, they’re all set. They go into effect tomorrow.”
Trump threatened to impose the tariffs – which is a tax that is added to a product when it enters a country – on Canada, Mexico and China in response to what he says is the unacceptable flow of illegal drugs and undocumented migrants into the US.
He had already imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese exports to the US last month, meaning goods from the country now face a levy of at least 20%.
All three countries have said they will retaliate against the US in response to the tariffs, raising the prospect of a widening trade war.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said the tariffs are “an existential threat to us” with “thousands of jobs in Canada at stake”.
She said Canadian officials have had “constructive conversations” with the Trump administration to try to avert the 25% levies but warned “we are ready with counter tariffs”.
Trump has long maintained that tariffs are a useful tool to correct trade imbalances and protect US manufacturing.
He has largely dismissed concerns that the measures risk economic damage in the US, despite the close ties, especially in North America, where businesses have enjoyed decades of free trade.
“What they’ll have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things, in the United States, in which case they have no tariffs,” he added.
The three major indexes in the US sank after Trump’s comments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down 1.4%, the S&P 500 sank 1.75% and the Nasdaq fell 2.6%.
Officials from Canada and Mexico had been in Washington in recent days, trying to avoid the tariffs.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, appeared to send a message to Trump earlier on Monday when she said at a public event in the city of Colima that “Mexico has to be respected”. “Co-operation and co-ordination, yes, subordination, never.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday, from a summit on Ukraine in London, that Canada was “not an issue” as a source of illegal fentanyl in the US.
Only 1% of fentanyl seized in the US is thought to come from Canada, according to US data.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it has been “surging” its efforts to tackle fentanyl crossing into the US.
Canada has repeatedly said tariffs will harm both economies but added that it will defend itself if they happen.
Last month, it prepared a list of $30bn (£23.6bn) worth of American goods it said it would levy in response to US tariffs. Items on that list included everyday goods like pasta, clothing and perfume.
Canadian Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand met officials in Washington in recent days and said over the weekend there will be a response.
“We are steady at the wheel. We are prepared for any eventuality, but we will at every turn defend our country’s economy,” she told CBC News.
China’s state-run Global Times newspaper said that Beijing had prepared countermeasures, which would probably target US agricultural and food products.
President Trump has also announced a 25% charge on all steel and aluminium imports, which is meant to come into effect on 12 March.
In addition, he has threatened to impose custom “reciprocal” tariffs on individual countries, as well as 25% tariffs on the European Union.
[BBC]
The Italian embassy in Colombo celebrated Italian Design Day and The Days of Italian Fashion in the World by hosting Brenda Bellei Bizzi, the CEO of WHITE Milano, a renowned fashion tradeshow held during Milan Fashion Week. She collaborated with Colombo Fashion Week Summer 2025 in its 22nd edition presenting Sicilian designer Cettina Bucca’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection at CFW. Brenda Bellei Bizzi was appointed Ambassador for Italian Design in Sri Lanka in the 2025 edition of Italian Design Day.
Focusing on contemporary women’s wear design, WHITE became a significant platform for promoting emerging designers and sustainable fashion practices at CFW this year. Brenda’s discussions integrate well with the ethos of circularity in fashion, creating a fashion ecosystem that provides support for designers to enter the global fashion industry. Additionally, her discussions with fashion and design students at the College of Fashion & Design and fashion designers about opportunities at WHITE added momentum to their journey into the world of fashion on the global ramp.
Delighted to bring the unparalleled expertise of Brenda Bellei Bizzi to Sri Lanka, Ambassador for Italy in Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh said, “Fashion and Italy are inextricably linked and having Brenda Bellei Bizzi with us to celebrate Italian Design Day and the launch of The Days of Italian Fashion in the World in Sri Lanka augments that premise. As the ambassador for Sri Lanka in the 2025 edition of the Italian Design Day, Brenda Bellei Bizzi’s collaboration with Colombo Fashion Week allowed us to showcase Italian fashion in this beautiful country.”
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