Business
Sunshine Holdings delivers robust performance in 1H amidst macroeconomic challenges
Recording another quarter of sound financial performance in a challenging economic backdrop, diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings (CSE: SUN) posted consolidated revenue of Rs. 24.9 billion for the six months ending 30 September 2022 (1HFY23), an increase of 57.7% YoY compared to the corresponding period of last year.
Profit after tax (PAT) for the period in review rose to Rs. 3.2 billion, an increase of 28.2% YoY, on the back of the profit arising from the improved performance in Healthcare, Consumer Goods and Agribusiness. The gross profit improved by Rs. 1.9 billion, up 36.3% YoY compared to the previous year, in line with the Group’s revenue growth. Gross profit margin for the period in review stood at 29.4%, which is a contraction of 463 basis points against the same period last year. Profits attributable to equity shareholders (PATMI) closed at Rs. 1.9 billion for 1HFY23, an increase of 60.0% YoY.
The Group’s Healthcare business emerged as the largest contributor to Sunshine’s top-line performance, accounting for 46.6% of total revenue. In comparison, Consumer and Agribusiness sectors of the Group contributed 34.4% and 18.4% respectively of the total revenue. In April 2022, Sunshine Tea (Pvt) Ltd, which is a tea export business, was acquired by the Group and its performance is consolidated under Consumer Goods sector w.e.f. 1st April 2022.
Commenting on the performance, Sunshine Holdings Chairman Amal Cabraal said “The Group faced multiple challenges across all sectors from the fall out of the macroeconomic issues faced by the country. However, incisive sales initiatives, robust cost management and process reengineering backed by numerous digital initiatives enabled Sunshine to record a healthy performance in 1HFY23. The resilience and adaptability displayed by all the sector and center teams in delivering these results are a matter of pride and confidence. Whilst the continuing economic challenges and shrinking real disposable income will be barriers to overcome, the Group remains optimistic that the initiatives in place will enable the delivery of sound results in the forthcoming periods.”
Healthcare
Group’s Healthcare segment generated Rs. 11.6 billion in turnover during 1HFY23, representing a significant growth of 35.9% YoY on the back of improved performance in Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices segments. Lina, the Pharma manufacturing business, experienced revenue growth mainly due to price revisions together with the revenue earned from Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) sales to the government. The first MDI sale was made in the month of July 2022 marking the commencement of commercial operations in Lina Spiro. The Healthcare sector PAT increased by 51.7% YoY.
Consumer Goods
Recording a 128.4% increase in revenue compared to the corresponding period of last year, the Consumer Goods Sector recorded a revenue close to Rs. 8.6 billion. Export business accounts for 46.9% of the sector’s revenue. Excluding the new addition of Sunshine Tea, revenue growth stood at 21.3%. The PAT of the sector increased by Rs. 383 million compared to the same period last year.
Agribusiness
The Group’s agribusiness sector, represented by Watawala Plantations PLC (WATA) and Watawala Dairy Limited (WDL), saw a revenue increase of 34.4% YoY to Rs. 4.6 billion. The EBIT margin contracted due to reduction in crop volumes YoY and increased cost of bought crop. PAT of the Agri sector closed at Rs. 1.9 billion for 1HFY23, up by Rs. 45 million compared to the same period last year.
Business
Dialog delivers strong growth, stronger national contribution in FY 2025
Dialog Axiata PLC announced, Friday 6th February 2026, its consolidated financial results (Reviewed) for the year ended 31st December 2025. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).
Group Performance
The Group delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line and Digital Pay Television businesses recording a positive Core Revenue growth of 16% Year to Date (“YTD”). Group Headline Revenue reached Rs179.6Bn, up 5% YTD, despite the continued strategic scaling down of low-margin international wholesale business. In Q4 2025, Revenue was recorded at Rs46.5Bn up 2% Quarter-on-Quarter (“QoQ”) and 2% Year-on-Year (“YoY”).
The Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) reached Rs86.0Bn up 30% YTD supported by Core Revenue performance and Cost Rescaling Initiatives. On a QoQ basis Group EBITDA demonstrated a modest growth to record at Rs23.0Bn up 2% QoQ with an EBITDA margin of 49.5% in line with the Revenue performance. Group EBITDA margin reached 47.9% for FY 2025, up 9.2pp.
Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) reached Rs20.8Bn for FY 2025, up 67% YTD mainly resulting from robust EBITDA growth, despite higher tax and net finance costs. Normalized for forex impact, NPAT growth was recorded at +>100% YTD to reach Rs22.1Bn. On a QoQ basis NPAT grew 3% to reach Rs5.9Bn resulting from strong EBITDA performance.
On the back of strong operational performance, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”)
of Rs49.3Bn for FY 2025 up >100% YTD.
Dividend Payment to Shareholders
In line with the dividend policy and financial performance of the Group and taking into account the forward investment requirements to serve the nation’s demand for Broadband and Digital services, the Board of Directors of Dialog Axiata PLC at its meeting held on 6th February 2026, resolved to propose for consideration by the Shareholders of the Company, a dividend to ordinary shareholders amounting to Rs1.50 per share. The said dividend, if approved by shareholders, would translate to a Dividend Yield of 5.0% based on share closing price for FY 2025. The dividend so proposed will be considered for approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company, the date pertaining to which would be notified in due course.
Company and Subsidiary Performance
At an entity level, Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) continued to be the primary contributor to Group Revenue (76%) and Group EBITDA (74%). Aided by sustained growth in the Data segment and cost-rescaling initiatives, Company revenue was recorded at Rs135.8Bn for FY 2025, up 18% YTD, EBITDA rose 32% YTD to reach Rs63.6Bn. On a QoQ basis, Q4 2025 Revenue was recorded at Rs34.8Bn, down 1% QoQ due to a reclassification of Hubbing Revenue, while EBITDA decline 1% QoQ to record Rs17.0Bn, largely attributable to network restoration costs and donations made in relation to the Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts. Furthermore, NPAT was recorded at Rs15.6Bn for FY 2025, up 41% YTD. Normalised for forex impacts, the company NPAT was up +>100% YTD to reach Rs17.0Bn. On a QoQ basis, Company NPAT was recorded at Rs4.5Bn, down 6% QoQ.
Business
Ceylinco Life’s Pranama Scholarships reach 25-year milestone
Ceylinco Life has announced the launch of the 25th consecutive edition of its flagship Pranama Scholarships programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence among the children of its policyholders.
Under the 2026 programme, the life insurance market leader will present scholarships with a total cumulative value of Rs. 22.7 million, continuing a rewards initiative that has now been conducted without interruption for a quarter of a century. Since its inception, the Ceylinco Life Pranama Scholarships programme has benefitted 3,466 students across the country, representing a total investment of Rs. 240 million in nurturing academic achievement and outstanding performance in sports, arts and other extracurricular pursuits.
Business
Sri Lankans’ artistic genius glowingly manifests at Kala Pola ‘26
The artistic genius of Sri Lankans was amply manifest all over again at ‘Kala Pola ‘26’ which was held on February 8th at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha Colombo 7; the usual, teeming and colourful venue for this annual grand exhibition and celebration of the work of local visual artists.
If there is one thing that has flourished memorably and resplendently in Sri Lanka over the centuries it is the artistic capability or genius of its people. It is something that all Sri Lankans could feel a sense of elation over because from the viewpoint of the arts, Sri Lanka is second to no other nation. With regard to the visual arts a veritable dazzling radiance of this inborn and persisting capability is seen at the annual open air ‘Kala Pola’.

A bird of Sri Lanka created from scraps of iron waste.
All capable visual artists, wherever they hail from in Sri Lanka, enjoy the opportunity of exhibiting their work at the ‘Kala Pola’ and this is a distinctive ‘positive’ of this annual event that draws numberless artists and viewers. There was an abundance of paintings, sketches and sculptures, for instance, and one work was as good as the other. Ample and equal space was afforded each artist. Its widely participatory and open nature enables one to describe the exhibition as exuding a profoundly democratic ethos.
Accordingly, this time around at ‘Kala Pola ‘26’ too Sri Lankans’ creative efforts were there to be viewed, studied and enjoyed in the customary carnival atmosphere where connoisseurs, local and foreign, met in a sprit of camaraderie and good cheer. Many thanks are owed once again to the George Keyt Foundation for the presentation of the event in association with the John Keells Group and the John Keells Foundation, not forgetting the Nations Trust Bank, which was the event’s Official Banking Partner. The exhibition was officially declared open by Chief Guest Marc-Andre Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.
By Lynn Ockersz
-
Features3 days agoMy experience in turning around the Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka (MBSL) – Episode 3
-
Business4 days agoZone24x7 enters 2026 with strong momentum, reinforcing its role as an enterprise AI and automation partner
-
Business3 days agoRemotely conducted Business Forum in Paris attracts reputed French companies
-
Business3 days agoFour runs, a thousand dreams: How a small-town school bowled its way into the record books
-
Business3 days agoComBank and Hayleys Mobility redefine sustainable mobility with flexible leasing solutions
-
Business4 days agoHNB recognized among Top 10 Best Employers of 2025 at the EFC National Best Employer Awards
-
Business4 days agoGREAT 2025–2030: Sri Lanka’s Green ambition meets a grid reality check
-
Editorial6 days agoAll’s not well that ends well?
