Business
Aitken Spence records PBT of Rs. 8.5 billion for first half of 2022/23, with quadruple-digit growth over previous year
The diversified blue-chip Aitken Spence PLC reported a profit before tax of Rs. 8.5 Bn for the six months ended 30th September 2022. This is an exponential quadruple-digit growth compared to Rs. 266.7 Mn recorded for the same period during the previous year. Aitken Spence PLC reached an EBITDA (Earnings inclusive of equity accounted investees before interest expenses, tax, depreciation and amortization) of Rs. 17.0 Bn for the first half of the financial year, which was also 272% higher than the EBITDA of Rs. 4.6 Bn recorded during the first half of the previous year
This exceptional performance was driven by the Group’s diverse presence in eight countries spanning sixteen segments of operation. It is noteworthy that these results were achieved in a scenario in which the Group’s finance costs increased by over 150% due to the high interest rates on the LKR and USD prevailing during the period, compared to the low interest rate regime in the previous year.
The Group secured a revenue of Rs. 43.3 Bn for the first half of the financial year, which is a 133.3% growth over the revenue of Rs.18.6 Bn recorded for the same period of the previous year. This unprecedented growth in business operations provides a positive indication towards the much awaited resurgence of the tourism sector.
The Group’s maritime & freight logistics sector contributed the highest sector PBT of Rs. 5.1 Bn for the six months with an impressive growth of 188.6%. Enhanced overseas port management operations, the increase in freight rates witnessed industry-wide coupled with the benefit of the foreign currency denominated revenue, were the main reasons for an exceptional performance from this sector. The improved performance across all companies of this sector was commendable.
The Group’s strategic investments sector recorded a PBT of Rs. 4.4 Bn driven by a triple digit growth of 703.3% for the six months ended 30th September 2022. The improved performance was driven by the Group’s plantations, printing and packaging and apparel manufacture segments and the sizable exchange gain recorded in the holding company contributed substantially towards this increase in the profits of the strategic investments sector. During the quarter under review, expanding the Group’s portfolio of renewable energy plants, the Group acquired 100% shareholding in one of the largest utility scale solar farms in the country for a significant investment of Rs. 1.4 Bn. This endorses the Group’s commitment to local and global sustainable development goals and towards achieving net zero status.
The Group’s tourism sector showed a significant improvement as they recorded a decrease in losses of 42.5% for the six months ended 30th September 2022, despite the multiple crises that directly impacted the tourism industry. A noteworthy turnaround was witnessed in the Group’s destination management segment and an encouraging recovery from the Group’s overseas hotel segment coupled with the rupee devaluation positively impacted this sector.
The Group’s services sector recorded a 7.9% growth in PBT led by the insurance and property development segments for the six months ended 30th September 2022.
“Our compelling performance for the first six months of this financial year is a reflection of the Group’s ability to transform and show resilience amidst tumultuous economic challenges that continues to prevail. There is much uncertainty, but Aitken Spence will continue to ensure that its business models are sustainable and will enrich our communities and our environment,” commented Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Aitken Spence PLC.
Aitken Spence is the first conglomerate in Sri Lanka to make a public commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative to achieve net zero emissions and is a frontrunner in the renewable energy space in Sri Lanka providing 1.2% of the country’s peak energy demand through renewable sources. The organisation pioneers change in the diverse industries that it operates in and remains committed to transform the future.
Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence is anchored to a heritage of excellence spanning over 150 years and driven by a team of more than 12,500 across 16 industries in 8 countries: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Fiji, India, Oman, Myanmar, Mozambique and Bangladesh.
Business
Cabinet approves submission of the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal forwarded by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.
As per section 80 (3) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, the Minister in – charge of the subject of Finance shall submit a report on the economic situation which prevailed within the particular financial year, within four months after completion of each financial year. Accordingly, the report in relation to the financial review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 has been submitted to the President. The report has envisaged macro economic trends of Sri Lanka, situation of the financial system, as well as the major developments and a review of the policies of Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
[DGI]
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Maintaining public trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department – President
Submission of gazette notifications for the concurrence of the Parliament.
Cabinet approval to prepare new Act for securing the rights of plant species
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