Business

New Anthoney’s Group in 100pct acquisition of Gold Coin Feed Mills Lanka

Published

4 years ago

2023/02/4

New Anthoney’s Farms (Private) Ltd, a leading producer in Sri Lanka’s poultry sector with a distinctive reputation for quality and innovation, recently bought 100pct stake in Gold Coin Feed Mills (Lanka) Ltd from Gold Coin Management Holdings Pte Ltd and Glen Arbor Holdings (Singapore) Pte Ltd, both of whom are subsidiaries of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc (“AEV”). With this acquisition Gold Coin Feed Mills (Lanka) will now be Anthoney’s Feed Ltd, making New Anthoney’s Group an integrated poultry player with end-to-end supply chain capabilities in Sri Lanka.

With this acquisition New Anthoney’s is now able to control and manage the entire manufacturing process end to end, enabling it to further enhance the quality delivered to its customers and improve production efficiencies. New Anthoney’s is also among the top exporters of poultry products in Sri Lanka and this acquisition directly fits in with the company’s overall objective of accelerating the export growth further, earning valuable foreign exchange to the country.

The acquisition was completed following an official signing between the two companies during mid- December. Nithya Partners acted as legal advisor to New Anthoney’s whilst Mr. Saminda Weerasinghe, CFA acted as financial advisor to the buyer. TWCorp (Pvt) Ltd was exclusive financial advisor to the seller whilst Julius & Creasy acted as legal advisors to the seller.

Emil Stanley, the Chairman of New Anthoney’s Group, commenting on this, said ‘‘This is a historic moment for New Anthoney’s. I am confident that the acquisition of the animal feed business from Aboitiz Group will help us to grow our business exponentially and will help us to achieve our vision of becoming a reputed brand in the global poultry market. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Aboitiz Group for the trust placed on us and to TWCorp for facilitating this transaction.’’.

‘This was a timely decision considering the many factors at hand and the acquisition will strengthen our position in the feed sector enabling us to provide an uninterrupted supply of poultry and also cater to the increasing demand both locally and internationally,’ said Neil Suraweera, CEO and Executive Director.

The foundation of New Anthoney’s is the farmer who ensures the nation receives the right proteins. As a result, the country’s more significant population depends on animal producers regardless of its size inside the country. It is because of them producers like New Anthoney’s can conduct environmentally friendly business practices nationally.

New Anthoney’s supports the transformation of animal production systems, both small-scale and large-scale, in ways that are sustainable from an economic, social, and environmental perspective to increase livestock’s contribution to the supply-demand chain.

The sellers, Gold Coin Management Holdings Pte Ltd and Glen Arbor Holdings (Singapore) Pte Ltd are both subsidiaries of AEV), and form part of the Aboitiz group’s integrated agribusiness and food and nutrition businesses (“Aboitiz Food Group”). The exit comes as part of the Aboitiz Food Group taking a strategic decision to focus on its core markets and exit non-core markets such as Sri Lanka.

Established in 1986, New Anthoney’s today is growing from strength to strength with a steady expansion of its product portfolio and success in the international markets. Its animal welfare complies with that of the National Chicken Council (NCC) in the US, with certifications including GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, local and international halal accreditation.

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Business

Rs 160 million + diesel discrepancy at Lakvijaya power plant prompts probe

Published

16 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai.

By Ifham Nizam

A Rs.160 million-plus diesel discrepancy at the Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai has triggered an internal investigation, raising questions over the handling of public funds and the controls governing fuel purchased for electricity generation.

The discrepancy surfaced during an internal audit of diesel supplied to the plant from the Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda fuel terminals, according to senior officials familiar with the inquiry.

The audit has identified five transactions—two in December 2025 and three in January 2026—in which diesel recorded as delivered to the plant allegedly could not be fully accounted for in its physical stocks.

The investigation is now examining whether these were isolated discrepancies or part of a longer-running practice.

One transaction under scrutiny relates to January 16, when records reportedly showed that 10 diesel bowsers had arrived at the plant. Investigators subsequently found indications that the fuel stock corresponded to only nine bowsers.

A storekeeper responsible for the relevant fuel operation has reportedly been temporarily removed from those duties pending the investigation.

A senior official said investigators were reviewing historical records amid indications that similar discrepancies may have occurred over a longer period. If established, the financial exposure could therefore exceed the Rs.160 million currently identified.

The investigation is comparing fuel-terminal dispatch records, tanker movements, plant-entry records, receiving documents and physical stocks to establish exactly how much fuel was dispatched, received and accounted for.

That audit trail will also be critical in determining who authorised, received and certified the disputed consignments, and whether established controls were followed.

Relevant documents were reportedly transferred from Norochcholai to the company’s Colombo head office on September 26 for further examination, with electricity-sector security personnel assisting in the transfer.

The internal audit has also reportedly uncovered expired chemical stocks worth several hundred thousand rupees in the plant’s stores. Investigators are examining whether further inventory-management irregularities occurred.

The matter was also reportedly taken to the Puttalam Police Special Crimes Investigation Unit on September 26.

When contacted by Puttalam-based journalist Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe for The Island Financial Review, Lakvijaya Power Plant Manager Nalaka Kumara confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to provide further details.

The financial issue is direct: if the plant paid for diesel it did not receive, public-sector funds were spent without the electricity sector receiving the corresponding fuel.

Business

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association holds 29th Annual General Meeting

Published

16 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation’s food and beverage processing sector.

At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising: Honorary President Aruna Senanayake C.W. Mackie PLC Imme. Past President Thusith Wijesinghe Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.

President Elect Nadishan Guruge Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.

1st Vice President Damitha Perera Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.

2nd Vice President Rasika Seneviratne Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC 3rd Vice President Deepal De Alwis Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Secretary Amila Weerasinghe Nestle Lanka Limited.

Asst. SecretaryDineth Alahakoon Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Treasurer Sameera Jayathilaka Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Asst. Treasurer Niroshan Dalpethado C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited. In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:

Sanjeewa De Silva Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Sheran De Alwis MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited

Thusitha Ekanayake Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.

Vijitha Govinna Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.

Sanjeewa Niroshan SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Kushan Amarasinghe Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Harindra Abeyrathna Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd. Thilina Weerasekara Ceylon Cold Stores PLC

The event was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.

Business

Uber brings the ‘business class of back seats’ to Sri Lanka with Uber Black

Published

16 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

New premium ride option expands Uber’s portfolio from affordable Moto and Tuk rides to premium on-demand travel

Uber announced the launch of Uber Black in Sri Lanka, bringing its premium ride experience to the country for the first time. Designed as the “business class of back seats,” Uber Black combines premium vehicles and highly-rated drivers for riders looking for greater comfort, quality and a more elevated travel experience.

The launch comes as demand for premium products and experiences grows across Sri Lanka, with consumers seeking greater choice and quality in their everyday experiences. Uber Black brings this choice to on-demand mobility, whether for an airport journey, an important business meeting, a special occasion or simply when riders want to travel in greater comfort.