Business
Aitken Spence achieves 44% growth in 3Q PBT from non-tourism sectors
Aitken Spence PLC non-tourism multi-industry sectors reported a Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) of Rs. 1.3 Bn in 3Q, a growth of 44% compared to the previous year in the midst of challenging economic conditions. These sectors also reported an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest Expense, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) of Rs. 1.7 Bn compared to Rs. 1.4 Bn of EBITDA recorded during the third quarter of previous year.
An Aitken Spence press release said: ‘The overall contribution from the non-tourism sectors was notable during the second lockdown period of the country. Companies in the maritime and freight logistics, power, money transfer, elevator agency, printing and packaging, and plantation sectors performed exceptionally well compared to last year with an increase in PBT for the quarter while maintaining positive performance during the nine months ending 31st December 2020.
‘The Group’s latest iconic venture, Sri Lanka’s first waste-to-energy project with an investment of approximately Rs. 15 Bn will be formally launched this month by the Prime Minister. This project will provide a sustainable solution to the Colombo city’s waste management problem while adding renewable energy to the country’s energy profile.
‘Outstanding performance was seen from the strategic investments sector that recorded a profit before tax growth of 248%. The Group’s plantations segment recorded an excellent performance during the quarter with a substantial profit growth. During the quarter Elpitiya Plantations PLC clinched the award for Best Integrated Report – Plantations sector at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2020. The company was also presented with a certificate of Merit.
‘The printing and packaging segment recorded a significant improvement in its performance generating healthy profits during the quarter compared to the negative returns generated in the third quarter of the previous financial year. Furthermore, the maritime and freight logistics sector also performed remarkably to record a 10% increase in profits before tax for the period.
‘The Group’s tourism sector EBITDA for 3Q was a loss of Rs. 447.2 mn. However, subsequent to the reopening of Maldives, the hotels segment is gradually recovering alongside the local tourists handled by the Sri Lankan tourism sector. Amidst many challenges, Aitken Spence Hotels were awarded at the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards – Heritance Aarah (Maldives) named the winner in the category of the Best All-Inclusive Resort in Asia and Desert Nights Camp (Oman) winner of the Best Luxury Hotel in Oman.
‘The destination management arm of the Group Aitken Spence Travels recently facilitated the first of many weekly charter flights from Kazakhstan an arrangement that will continue until April and which is expected to generate significant foreign exchange earnings to the country.
‘The Group recorded a loss from operations of Rs. 0.2 bn for the third quarter compared to the profit from operations of Rs. 1.8 bn recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. The Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) for the third quarter was a loss of Rs. 0.5 bn compared to a profit of Rs. 1.2 bn in the previous year, which was due to the pandemic weighing on the tourism sector.
‘Aitken Spence was the only Group that had two companies – Aitken Spence PLC and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC in the top 10 ranking in LMD’s Most Awarded. Aitken Spence PLC was recognised among the 10 Best Integrated Reports at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Awards 2020.
“Amidst the challenges faced this year and especially during the third quarter of 2020-2021, the innovative and pragmatic thinking that we had introduced during the initial months of the pandemic came to fruition whilst seeing a remarkable growth in the non-tourism sections. We expect a stronger resilience in the next quarter and financial year,” said Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC.
‘Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence is a blue-chip conglomerate anchored to a heritage of excellence spanning over 150 years. Driven by over 13,000 employees and has a strong regional presence across 9 countries, in hotels, travels, maritime, freight and logistics solutions, plantations, power generation, insurance, printing, apparel and other services.’
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
-
News5 days agoNamal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation
-
Latest News4 days agoTharanga creates history with Diamond League crown in Brussels
-
News4 days agoDispute which triggered listed company director being detained at BIA resolved
-
Features3 days agoAfter the parade: What a traffic OIC’s walk-out tells us
-
Opinion6 days agoIn Memory of Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda
-
Editorial5 days agoPower vs Equality
-
Latest News6 days agoSLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
-
Editorial3 days agoArrests as theatre
