Business

BPPL on fast growth trajectory, positions strongly for next phase of expansion

Published

3 years ago

2021/09/10

Group top and bottom-line up by 31% and 23% YoY respectively in FY 2020-21

One of Southeast Asia’s largest brush manufacturers and Sri Lanka’s pioneer in recycled plastic products, BPPL Holdings PLC, has recorded impressive improvements in all key financial indicators in the 2020-21 financial year, while strongly positioning the business for its next phase of expansion.

BPPL, a leader in sustainable business, which generates export earnings for the economy while addressing one of Sri Lanka’s critical issues in the form of plastic waste disposal, saw strong performances by its wholly-owned subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are Eco Spindles (Pvt.) Ltd. (a leading manufacturer of polyester yarn and mono-filaments using recycled plastics) and Beira Brush (Pvt.) Ltd. (one of Southeast Asia’s leading manufacturers and exporters of professional and household cleaning tools).

In the 2020-21 financial year ended 31st March 2021, overcoming pandemic-induced challenges, BPPL’s Consolidated Revenue grew by a robust 31% year-on-year (YoY) to LKR 3.4 billion. Group Gross Profit improved by a stellar 38% YoY to LKR 1.2 billion. Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) was up 20% YoY to LKR 609 million. Group Profit After Tax (PAT) and Profit Attributable to Shareholders increased by 23% YoY to Rs. 497 million.

BPPL also undertook a series of key strategic initiatives during the financial year, with the intention of propelling the Group to its next phase of expansion, while further enhancing its sound business fundamentals.

In December 2020, the company commenced the second phase of its expansion of yarn production, to set-up a second plant with 20% greater production capacity than the current facility. The additional capacity will be used to fulfil demand from existing clients, consisting of global sports and leisurewear brands.

The product and market diversification efforts of BPPL too yielded positive results, with the Group reducing its exposure to USA, its key export market, while expanding its overall exports.

“While achieving sound growth in all key financial indicators by effectively navigating the significant challenges posed by the pandemic, we have also laid the foundation for the Group’s next phase of expansion,” BPPL Holdings PLC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anush Amarasinghe said. “With these developments complementing the existing investments in cutting-edge technology and a promising pipeline of orders, BPPL is well-placed for long-term growth.”

BPPL and its subsidiaries also recorded several achievements during the financial year, which boosted the group’s profile, while also further amplifying its sustainability agenda.

BPPL’s subsidiary, Eco Spindles, was awarded the ‘Waste Management – Industry Leader Award’ at the World Conference on Waste Management (WCWM) 2021. Eco Spindles also became South Asia’s only company and one of the 10 organizations in the world to be awarded at the International Recycling Heroes 2021 Awards, organized by the Global Recycling Foundation for Global Recycling Day 2021. Eco Spindles houses Sri Lanka’s largest, state-of-the-art, recycling facility which produces synthetic monofilaments and polyester yarn out of waste PET bottles, which are sourced from its network of collectors and collection bins.

In April 2021, Eco Spindles also launched the ‘Waste 2 Value’ Android and iOS mobile app, which allows Sri Lankans to conveniently locate plastic waste bins around the country, at which the plastic disposed will be collected for recycling. The company intends to have 1,000 locations on the app by the end of the 2021-22 Financial Year. (BPPL)

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Business

CEB urged to revise Draft Long Term Generation Expansion Plan, in view of renewable energy needs

Published

13 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Damitha Kumarasinghe

By Ifham Nizam

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to revise its Draft Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) 2025-2044, incorporating more robust projections for renewable energy and battery storage, while also reassessing LNG infrastructure and procurement strategies.

The Island Financial Review reliably learns PUCSL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe emphasized the need for “more robust and realistic cost assumptions for Renewable Technologies and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).”

The Commission stressed that BESS should be valued not just as a renewable integration tool but also for its potential to mitigate power shortages.

The directive also calls for revisions in LNG infrastructure planning, including “a comprehensive analysis covering LNG fuel cost calculation, infrastructure development, procurement contracting options, and risks associated with supply and procurement.” PUCSL has specifically highlighted the importance of evaluating the financial and economic feasibility of a natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa.

Kanchana Siriwardena, Deputy Director General – Industry Services, reinforced the Commission’s stance on renewable energy, stating that “further reductions in renewable energy curtailment should be explored by incorporating more BESS.”

The PUCSL’s instructions also mandate incorporating clauses from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronet India, which includes a temporary LNG supply for the Sobadhanavi Plant. The revised LTGEP must also factor in infrastructure costs related to the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and pipeline networks as part of the overall LNG cost calculation.

The CEB is expected to resubmit the revised plan for PUCSL’s approval, ensuring alignment with Sri Lanka’s long-term energy security and sustainability goals.

The PUCSL directive also calls for a comprehensive evaluation of various LNG procurement options and associated risks. These include:

LNG infrastructure development and expansion

Contracting options for LNG procurement

Risks related to LNG supply and procurement stability

Robustness of natural gas demand calculations

Economic feasibility of the proposed natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa, given the low plant factors of power stations at Kelanitissa.

Business

Nations Trust Bank ends 2024 with strong performance, achieving 24% ROE

Published

13 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024, achieving a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 17 Bn, up 46% YoY.

Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 showcases our continued growth and expansion across diverse customer segments. Our solid capital position, strong liquidity buffers, effective risk management frameworks, and steadfast commitment to service excellence and digital empowerment remain the key drivers of our success.”

Improvements in the macro-economic environment and successful management of the Bank’s credit portfolio resulted in total impairment charges decreasing by 69% and the Net Stage 3 ratio reducing to 1.6%.

The Bank’s financial performance is supported by its strong capital buffers, with Tier I Capital at 21.47% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 22.66%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.

A strong liquidity buffer was maintained with a Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 320.56% against the regulatory requirement of 100%.

The Bank reported a Return on Equity (ROE) of 24.22%, while its Earnings Per Share for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 increased to LKR 50.82, against LKR 34.70 recorded during the same period last year.

Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through multi-channel customer touch points spanning both physical and digital. The Bank is focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.

Business

Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry: JAAF drives industry dialogue

Published

13 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with Monash Business School and the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) successfully hosted the International Conference on the Apparel Industry 2025 recently in Colombo. This was the second time the event was held, following its inaugural edition in 2018, as part of JAAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global apparel sector.

Themed “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry”, the three-day event brought together industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts to discuss pressing issues such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, circular economy strategies, technological advancements, and workforce transformation.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Current Actions and Their Impact on ESG-Related Outcomes in the Apparel Industry,” featuring:

Felix A. Fernando – CEO, Omega Line Ltd.

Nemanthie Kooragamage – Director Group Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings

Gayan Ranasinghe – Control Union,

Chamindry Saparamadu – Director General/CEO, Sustainable Development Council

Pyumi Sumanasekara – Principal Partner, KPMG Sri Lanka

Discussions emphasized how Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is adapting to global ESG standards, incorporating sustainable production methods, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks.