Business
Aitken Spence reports a cumulative first nine months PBT of 10.3 Bn with a growth of 214%
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.
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has underscored the critical role of sovereign credit rating agencies in helping debt-distressed nations smoothly transition out of default status after successful debt restructuring.
Speaking at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, Dr. Weerasinghe shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring experience.
He highlighted that while restructuring is a crucial step toward economic recovery, rating agencies must play a proactive role in reassessing countries’ creditworthiness fairly and promptly once restructuring is completed.
The GSDR, co-chaired by the IMF, World Bank, and G20 Presidency, serves as a key platform for debtor nations and creditors to address debt challenges.
Sri Lanka, a country which has undergone complex debt negotiations, has been an active participant in these discussions.
Governor Weerasinghe’s remarks come at a pivotal time, as Sri Lanka seeks to restore international investor confidence post-restructuring.
His call aligns with broader discussions at the GSDR on improving coordination between debtors, creditors, and financial institutions to ensure sustainable debt solutions, and help restore international investor confidence in countries such as Sri Lanka.
The roundtable also highlighted the newly introduced Sovereign Debt Restructuring Playbook, designed to guide countries through restructuring processes.
The Central Bank’s push for more responsive and supportive rating agency policies could set an important precedent for other debt-distressed economies as well.
Speaking at the GSDR, Treasury Secretary K M M Siriwardana acknowledged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as instrumental in stabilising Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy, as the country prepares to receive its fifth IMF tranche of $344 million in the coming weeks.
Siriwardana reflected on Sri Lanka’s ‘extremely challenging journey’ since its 2022 economic collapse marked by severe shortages, public unrest, and a loss of confidence in governance.
“Seeking IMF support was a strength, not a weakness,” he asserted, crediting the Fund’s policy framework and technical assistance for reversing the economic freefall.
He highlighted over 200 IMF training programmes conducted to strengthen institutional capacity, stating, “The IMF laid the foundation for stability.”
Notably present at the discussion was Peter Brewer, the IMF’s former Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, underscoring the close collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Fund.
Siriwardana traced the roots of the crisis to political instability between 2017–2019, the 2019 Easter attacks, and contentious tax policies, which collectively deepened Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerabilities. “Yet,” he noted, “Difficult reforms are now yielding positive results.”
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Calcey, a global software services provider, has achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification, the international benchmark for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification highlights Calcey’s strong measures in safeguarding client data and managing security risks.
The rigorous audit covered Calcey’s security protocols, risk management, and operational processes across its offices in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.
Mangala Karunaratne, CEO of Calcey Technologies, stated that this milestone underscores their dedication to top-tier data security, reinforcing trust among clients in the U.S., Europe, and the Nordic regions.
The certification ensures compliance with global security standards, benefiting Calcey’s diverse clientele, from startups to large enterprises.
Chinese Dragon Café, a leading Sri Lankan-style Chinese restaurant, has announced that its temporary outlet at Alpine Hotel in Nuwara Eliya will remain open until April 30, catering to both loyal customers and tourists during the Avurudu season.
The seasonal branch has already gained popularity among locals and visitors, offering signature dishes like seafood fried rice, fried noodles, tom yum soup, hot butter cuttlefish, and crispy spring rolls. To enhance convenience, the café provides free delivery within Nuwara Eliya for hotel guests and holidaymakers.
This marks the brand’s first seasonal expansion to Nuwara Eliya, capitalizing on the influx of tourists especially from Colombo, enjoying the cool climate and festive atmosphere.
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts
People have now started to think of themselves as Sri Lankans sans ethnic or religious divisions- PM
Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kurunegala districts.
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