Business

Aitken Spence reports a cumulative first nine months PBT of 10.3 Bn with a growth of 214%

Published

4 years ago

2023/02/10

The leading blue-chip conglomerate, Aitken Spence PLC reported a cumulative Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 10.3 Bn for the nine months ended 31st December 2022, which was a significant growth of 213.7% over last year. The highest contribution to the Group’s profit before tax was from the Maritime & Freight Logistics sector which accounted for 68.4% of Group PBT.

The Group’s earnings (inclusive of equity accounted investees) before interest expenses, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the nine months ended 31st December 2022 was an exceptional performance of Rs. 24.0 Bn showcasing a growth of 144.9%. However, the translation of which to PBT was dampened by the 182.2% increase in finance cost to Rs. 8.3 Bn, due to the high interest rate regime which prevailed during the reporting period.

Despite the 192.7% increase in the income tax charge for the nine months, the Groups’ Profit After Tax (PAT) increased to Rs 7.3 Bn, a growth of 223.1%.

Income tax expense for the nine months ended 31st December 2022 increased to Rs 2.9 Bn, stemming mainly from the significant increase in corporate tax rates that was implemented effective 1st October 2022.

The Group’s Maritime and Freight Logistics sector’s stellar performance of a cumulative PBT of Rs. 7.0 Bn was led by the growth witnessed by freight, airline cargo GSA, integrated container and ship agency segments. This was followed by the Group’s Strategic Investment sector that recorded a cumulative PBT of Rs. 3.6 Bn with a growth of 395.1% mainly owing to the improved performances of the Group’s apparel manufacturing and printing and packaging segments and the foreign exchange gains recorded by the holding company.

However, the excessive delays faced in the settlement of dues from the Government in the power generation segment is causing a strain on the Group’s finances with unwarranted finance cost being borne by the sector. Despite this Aitken Spence has been operating its 10MW waste-to-energy power plant based in Kerawalapitiya as halting operations would mean that the country’s Colombo District will once again be faced with a severe garbage crisis that could potentially lead to social and environmental problems.

The Group’s Services sector also recorded a strong cumulative PBT of Rs. 566.9 Mn with a double-digit growth. The Group’s Tourism sector recorded a loss of Rs. 944.1 Mn for the nine months ended 31st December 2022, mainly due to the challenges faced by the Sri Lankan hotel segment.

It is crucial that there are targeted marketing campaigns for key tourist generating source markets. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) together with industry experts have identified seven countries based on the ability and potential to generate tourism and bring the much-needed foreign revenue into the country. The Group’s Destination Management segment carried out independent campaigns and through such campaigns introduced new source markets to Sri Lanka such as charter flights from Uzbekistan which commenced recently.

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Business

ADB approves $100 million loan to boost skills development and jobs for youth in Sri Lanka

Published

13 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million results-based loan to help Sri Lanka transform its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, equip more young people with industry-relevant skills, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness and inclusive growth.

The Skills Development System Transformation Program will support the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts in improving the quality and relevance of skills training, strengthening links between training providers and industries, and expanding employment opportunities for youth. The program will increase women’s employment opportunities in nontraditional jobs in fields including automotive technology, engineering, information and communications technology, construction, and renewable energy.

“A skilled workforce is essential to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic transformation and competitiveness,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin. “This program will help create stronger pathways from education to employment by making training more responsive to industry needs, expanding opportunities for young people and women, and ensuring that graduates have the skills required by a modern and evolving economy.”

Though Sri Lanka’s economy is recovering, it faces skills shortages in priority sectors, high youth unemployment, and low female labor force participation. Many employers report difficulty finding workers with the skills needed in a changing economy.

Aligned with the Government of Sri Lanka’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector Strategic Framework 2026–2035, the nationwide program will be implemented from 2027 to 2031 and is expected to directly benefit more than 100,000 young people through improved access to quality, employment-oriented training.

Business

USD 40.84m pipeline to secure aviation fuel supplies to BIA

Published

13 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

By Ifham Nizam

The government has cleared a USD 40.84 million and Rs. 8,548.75 million contract to build a dedicated aviation fuel pipeline from Muthurajawela to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), alongside a massive new fuel storage facility with a capacity of 92,000 cubic metres.

Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka said the project represented a major investment in strengthening the infrastructure underpinning Sri Lanka’s aviation fuel supply and ensuring more reliable fuel availability at the country’s main international airport.

‘This project will provide the infrastructure required to strengthen the reliability and continuity of aviation fuel supplies to Bandaranaike International Airport, Karunatilaka said.

The contract has been awarded to China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited, following an international competitive procurement process in which three bids were received.

The project will see a new aviation fuel storage tank complex constructed at Muthurajawela, together with the associated infrastructure required for handling and transferring aviation fuel.

Business

CSE activity up, turnover weak at Rs. 1.4 billion

Published

13 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Trading activity on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) gathered pace yesterday as global fuel prices began to show signs of easing, according to market analysts.In this context, both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index up by 67.97 points while S and P SL20 up by 8.30 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 1.4 billion with seven crossings. Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank 1.7 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 238 million and its share price traded at Rs 140, Access Engineering two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 159 million and its share price traded at Rs 79.50, LOLC one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 129 million and its share price traded at Rs 129, HNB 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 38.4 million and its share price traded at Rs 384, JKH 1.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 35 million and its share price traded at Rs 18.60, Hayleys 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.50 million and its share price traded at Rs 225 and Richard Pieris 847,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22 million and its share price traded at Rs 25.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were Sampath Bank Rs 114 million (813,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 100 million (5.3 million shares traded) LB Finance Rs 49 million (325,000 shares traded), HNB Finance Rs 30 million (27 million shares traded), HNB Rs 27 million (70000 shares traded), NTB Rs 25 million (82000 shares traded ) and Lanka IOC Rs 21 million (666,000 shares traded). During the day 65 million shares volumes changed hands in 10433 transactions.

The Banking and manufacturing sector counters performed well. In the banking sector Sampath Bank let the market while manufacturing sector especially JKH also significantly performed well. With the fuel revision Land IOC also a significant stock at the floor.

Meanwhile, First Capital Treasuries said that Ramesh Schaffter resigned as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from October 1, to facilitate the restructuring of the company’s board.

Yesterday the Central Bank announced the US Dollar rate as against rupee. The rupee was quoted flat at Rs 330.65/80 to the US dollar in the spot market , while bond yields dropped, dealers said.