Business
Seylan Bank records Rs. 2,505 Mn PAT for nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022
Seylan Bank closed the nine months ended 30 September 2022 with a post-tax profit of Rs. 2,505 Million. In the backdrop of the volatile financial landscape experienced in Sri Lanka, described as the “worst since Independence”, the said post-tax profit has once again been seen as very commendable by financial analysts.
Net Interest income recorded an increase of 63.2% YOY from Rs. 17,068 Million to Rs 27,960 Million, for the 9 months ended 30th September. The Bank’s net fee based income increased by 38.22%, from Rs. 3,270 Million to Rs. 4,520 Million during nine months, mainly due to an increase in Trade Finance and Card Related Income.
Other income captions comprising net gains from trading activities, net gains from de-recognition of financial assets, net gains on foreign exchange transactions and other operating income increased by 37.13% over the previous year, from a net gain of Rs. 1,979 Million to a net gain of Rs. 2,715 Million during the nine months of 2022. The increase is mainly from net foreign exchange revaluation gains.
Total Expenses recorded an increase of 9.75 % during the nine months, from Rs. 10,036 Million in the the previous year to Rs. 11,015 Million in 2022. Personnel expenses increased by Rs. 530 Million mainly due to increase in the staff benefits based on the collective agreement. Other operating expenses and depreciation and amortisation expenses too increased by 10.39% due to increase in prices of purchases and services as a result of higher inflation and local currency depreciation. However, Bank will continue to take relevant measures to curtail costs with various cost initiatives.
The Bank recognised a total impairment charge of Rs. 18.8 Billion for the nine period in 2022 compared to Rs. 6.2 Billion reported in the corresponding period of last year, representing a 199.09% increase. The Bank increased the impairment provision to capture the impact on emerging global and local economic challenges and the credit risk profile of the customers.
The Bank reported a marginal growth of 2.66% in net Loans and advances to Rs. 453,730 Million during the period under review. Its overall deposit base increased from Rs. 488,653 Million in December 2021 to Rs. 524,439 Million during the nine months ended 30 September 2022, with a growth of 7.32%. The Bank’s CASA ratio (Current and Savings) stood at 30.25 %. Further the Bank’s asset base expanded by Rs. 50,223 Million to Rs. 657,800 Million.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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