Business

John Keells Logistics ventures into operations optimization

Published

5 years ago

2020/11/3

John Keells Logistics (Pvt) Ltd (JKLL), a leading third-party logistics (3PL) services provider in the country, partnered with Infor, a globally renowned industry-specific business cloud software provider, in September 2020 to implement a state-of-the-art Infor Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) solution. Being one of the latest technological advancements in the 3PL industry, Infor WMS will enable JKLL to gain a substantial edge in comparison to the other offerings in the market through digitalization and optimization of its logistics value chain.

The Infor WMS & Infor Business Intelligence & Analytics solutions is a web-based solution using SaaS (software as a service) model making the implementation quick, robust, and flexible without requiring installation of the software to individual devices. , It will also offer enhanced visibility of operations, cost optimization, and increased productivity, resulting in improved profitability. Demonstrating pioneering spirit in digitalization, JKLL will be implementing the complete Infor WMS solution online.

JKLL’s Chief Executive Officer Randula Chandrarathne commenting on the collaboration said, “What sets Infor’s solution apart from other competing offerings is the company’s deep logistics expertise and industry-specific capabilities. These equip us to synergize 3PL-specific business functions with fully-fledged business intelligence platforms, all of which integrate seamlessly with our existing processes. With this solution, we can now automate previously labor-intensive and time-consuming processes, thereby improving productivity and optimizing costs Simultaneously, this further strengthens visibility and control over our operations and service delivery as well.”

Infor WMS is a solution specially developed for the logistics industry combining advanced warehousing with highly configurable rules, labor and inventory management, and automated billing. This enhances operational visibility across the entire value chain, enabling improved risk mitigation where necessary.

Fabio Tiviti, Vice President of Infor ASEAN said, “Across today’s logistics landscape, having data-driven intelligence over one’s operations is increasingly crucial—especially in a market where supply chain disruptions, contingency planning and risk management now rank among the topmost challenges faced by 3PL services worldwide. We are proud to support John Keells Logistics’ transformation efforts. Infor’s purpose-built, industry-specific solutions fine-tuned in the cloud will boost their ability to anticipate changes and make adjustments to market shifts, and help them stay ahead of the competition, beyond the pandemic.”

John Keells Logistics (Pvt) Ltd is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed company in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. In 2020, John Keells Group celebrates 150 years of being in business and contributing to the Sri Lankan economy and development of the country. JKH provides employment to over 14,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for the last 15 Years by LMD Magazine. While being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Member of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the John Keells Group – Confidential Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in scientifically reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.

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Business

Sri Lanka secures IMF staff-level deal for USD 700 million tranche

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to secure the next tranche of funding under its ongoing bailout programme, marking a key step in the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The agreement, announced this week, will enable Sri Lanka to access approximately USD 700 million, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. The funds form part of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme agreed following the 2022 economic crisis.

The latest development covers the combined fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s reform programme, indicating that the country has made sufficient progress to move forward, while highlighting the need to sustain reform efforts.

Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of stabilisation in recent months, supported by improved revenue collection, easing inflation, and a gradual buildup of foreign reserves. However, the recovery remains vulnerable to both domestic and external pressures.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Israeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Initially CSE trading was somewhat volatile despite the ceasefire in West Asia but it experienced further volatility after Israel attacked Lebanon yesterday.

However, the IMF delegation which is now in Sri Lanka to release two tranches of its relief package created some positive sentiments for the market, analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went down by 73.06 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 10.57 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.96 billion with six crossings. Those crossings were: JKH 5.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 807.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.70, CIC Holdings two million shares crossed for Rs 54 million; its shares traded at Rs 32, Access Engineering 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 74, Central Finance 116,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 27.5 million ; its shares sold at Rs 237, LMF 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.8 million; its shares fetched Rs 91.10 and Kelani Cables 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 21 million and its shares traded at Rs 105.

In the retail market seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Dialog Rs237 million (7.5 million shares traded), LMF Rs 203 million (22 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 199.7 million (1.1 million shares traded), HBA Foods Rs 163 million (18.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 117 million (9.6 million shares traded) and Acme Printers Rs 107 million (15.6 million shares traded). During the day 133.3 million share volumes changed hands in 23666 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, like JKH, performed well, while food sector counters, especially LMF and HBA Foods, performed well. Other sectors too performed somewhat well during the day.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted a Rs 315.42/48 to the US dollar in the spot market from 315.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were quoted higher.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Business

HNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Highlights from the new brand reveal as HNB Assurance transforms into HNB Life

Marking 25 years of trust, growth, and service excellence, HNB Assurance PLC has unveiled its new corporate identity, transitioning to HNB Life PLC a strategic evolution that reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and commitment to empowering lives with protection and the freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them.

This milestone signifies more than a change in name or visual identity. It represents a deliberate transformation shaped by strong performance over the past few years, during which the company has achieved remarkable growth, strengthened its market position and enhanced its customer-centric capabilities.

The newly introduced logo, inspired by the form of a wing, symbolises HNB Life’s role as a proactive enabler. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting individuals in navigating life’s journey with confidence, empowering them to pursue their aspirations and live life on their own terms.

The official unveiling took place at a launch event attended by key stakeholders, strategic business partners, well-wishers and employees.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman, Stuart Chapman highlighted the significance of this transformation, stating, “As we mark 25 years of progress, the transition to HNB Life reflects our strategic intent to evolve with the changing needs of our customers and the broader market. This new identity embodies our purpose, to enable and empower individuals to achieve what they truly aspire to in life, with confidence and security. As a company we are extremely excited on what the future holds for as, as we build on an incredible foundation laid over the past two and a half decades.”

The new Vision of the Company is “To be the leader in empowering lives with protection and freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them”.