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Teejay optimistic with capacity expansion despite challenging Q1

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Teejay Lanka PLC has begun 2023-24 with a strong balance sheet, closing an extremely challenging first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 9.6 billion, despite a decline in earnings, the company said in a news release.

Sri Lanka’s first multinational textile manufacturer has reported revenue of Rs 14 billion for the three months ending June 30, reflecting a reduction of 41% over the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The Group posted gross profit of Rs 283 million for the period, which it said is a demonstration of its resilience in a period where industries were challenged with volatilities. Teejay’s gross profit margin reduced to 2% for the period, in contrast to the 6.9% reported at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022-23.

In a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), the Group reported a pre-tax loss of Rs 701 million and a net loss of Rs 853 million for the three months reviewed, attributing the downturn to a drop in sales, the appreciation of the Rupee, fluctuating raw material prices, capacity underutilization and costs associated with inventories. However, Teejay experienced a reduction in inventories during the quarter and is now at low levels, which is a positive sign as the entire supply chain has lowered its inventory levels, the Company said.

Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene said the Group is confident that it has deployed the necessary resources to remain resilient and is on the path to recovery. “We continue to evaluate the ongoing changes in market dynamics and have begun implementing new long-term strategies and innovative solutions to navigate the effects of identified pressures, volatilities and challenges,” Gunewardene said.

Teejay Lanka CEO Pubudu De Silva added that digitalization, setting and implementing a strong ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) framework, reduction of costs, new product development to improve revenue, improving synthetic capacity, and the upliftment and empowerment of human capital, thus enhancing resourcefulness, are considered the Group’s priorities, going forward.

Teejay Lanka was the first textile manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive membership of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, and is a public quoted company with 40 per cent public ownership. The company is backed by Sri Lanka’s largest apparel exporter Brandix Lanka which has a 33 per cent stake. Pacific Textiles of Hong Kong, whose key shareholder is the Tokyo Stock Exchange listed Toray Industries Inc., owns 27 per cent of Teejay Lanka.



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The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

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The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.

Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.

A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.

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ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

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As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.

The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.

Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.

Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.

Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.

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Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

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More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.

SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.

The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.

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