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ComBank takes lending to new levels in mission-focused 2025

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Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman, and Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director and CEO of Commercial Bank

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon achieved another performance milestone in 2025, becoming the first private sector bank in the country to expand its loan book beyond Rs. 2 Tn., with a growth of Rs. 541 Bn. over 12 months at a monthly average of over Rs. 45 Bn., demonstrating its commitment to national economic resurgence.

Recording the highest annual loan growth in absolute terms in the history of the institution, the Bank said gross loans and advances for the year ending 31st December 2025 grew by 36.37% to Rs. 2.028 Tn., taking total assets to Rs. 3.258 Tn. This reflected an increase of Rs. 468 Bn. or 16.78% and demonstrated more than double the growth recorded in 2024. The Bank’s net assets value per share improved to Rs. 198.30 from Rs. 170.94 at end 2024.

Deposits grew by 16.65% or Rs. 372 Bn. over the 12 months to end the year at Rs. 2.6 Tn., reflecting an average deposit growth of over Rs. 30 Bn. per month despite relatively lower interest rates, the Bank said. The CASA ratio of the Bank, which is considered to be the industry’s best, stood at 39.65% from 38.07% as at 31st December 2024.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance in 2025, Mr Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of Commercial Bank said: “We remain focused on the fundamentals that sustain shareholder value: earnings resilience, balance sheet strength, disciplined risk management and a strategy that is responsive to evolving customer and market needs. Our 2025 performance affirms the value of that focus.”

Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “In 2025, we proved that scale and discipline can move together, growing lending and accelerating digital activity while strengthening asset quality and balance sheet resilience. This is how we build durable value, supporting productive growth without compromising governance and risk standards.”

In a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) the Bank said it recorded gross income of Rs. 354.81 Bn. for the year ending 31st December 2025 reflecting growth of 13.70% over the normalised figure for 2024, after adjusting for the impacts of restructuring of Sri Lanka International Sovereign Bonds (SLISBs) accommodated in that year, in order to avoid potential distortion of growth figures. Net gains / (losses) from derecognition of financial assets in the Income Statement for 2024 (as reported) included a derecognition loss on restructuring of SLISBs amounting to Rs. 45.108 Bn.

On the same basis, interest income for the 12 months grew by 8.91% to Rs. 293.61 Bn. helped by substantial growth in the Bank’s loan book. Interest expenses grew by a nominal 1.47% to Rs. 157.32 Bn., enabling the Bank to post a net interest income of Rs. 136.29 Bn., an increase of 18.97%.

The Bank reported net fee and commission income of Rs. 27.50 Bn. for the year, an improvement of 22.05%, with increased income from credit and debit card-related services and commission income from loans & advances and deposits related services as the main contributors to this growth. Other income grew by 119.77% to Rs. 20.24 Bn. after adjusting for the impact of Rs. 45.108 Bn. on debt restructuring on the 2024 figure. Net other operating income including exchange profit on revaluation of assets and liabilities increased by 134.43% to Rs. 17.16 Bn. from the normalised 2024 figure of Rs. 7.32 Bn.

Total operating income improved by 81.87% to Rs. 184.03 Bn. and the Bank’s impairment charges and other losses amounted to Rs. 22.51 Bn. for the year under review. In 2024, the Bank increased its provisioning for impairment on a prudential basis for loans and advances, as a consequence of which impairment charges for 2025 reflected a drop of 19.33% over the previous year’s normalised figure of Rs. 27.90 Bn. Impairment charges and other losses for 2024 included a reversal of Rs. 87.215 Bn. on restructuring of SLISBs (as reported).

As a result, the Bank posted a net operating income of Rs. 161.52 Bn. for the 12 months, an improvement of 36.42% over the normalised figure for 2024. Operating expenses, at Rs. 54.59 Bn., increased by only 9.94% due to prudent cost management initiatives, resulting in operating profit before taxes on financial services growing by a noteworthy 55.55% to Rs. 106.93 Bn. over the normalised figure for 2024.



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SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System

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SriLankan Airlines recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of its AI- and ML-powered Revenue Management System, a project that earned the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 by PROS and the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.

SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.

Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”

Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”

Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.

Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.

This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.

As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)

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CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme

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A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.

Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.

Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.

The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.

The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.

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LOLC Life Assurance hosts MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 honouring top performers

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Chandana L. Aluthgama Executive Director/Principal Officer LOLC Life Assurance Ltd // Jayantha Kalinga Chief Operating Officer LOLC Life Assurance Ltd.

LOLC Life Assurance recently hosted its MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, celebrating its 2025 MDRT qualifiers while aspiring the team to achieve even greater milestones in the year ahead. The event brought together senior leadership and top performing advisors in a distinguished forum focused on recognising performance excellence, sharing industry insights, and setting the strategic direction for continued success.

In 2025, the Company produced 89 MDRT qualifiers, including six Court of the Table (COT) and two Top of the Table (TOT) achievers, along with one Lifetime MDRT member. Representing Agency and Bancassurance channels, these professionals demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering responsible financial guidance and long-term protection solutions to individuals and families across Sri Lanka.

The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is globally recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the life insurance and financial services profession. Membership is reserved for individuals who meet rigorous production targets and uphold strict ethical standards. Achieving MDRT status is widely regarded as a mark of credibility, trust, and advisory distinction.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance stated, “It is with great pride that we recognise our MDRT qualifiers for their dedication, discipline, and integrity, which set a benchmark of excellence for our advisory force and reflect the customer-first values that define LOLC Life Assurance. These achievers deserve recognition not only for meeting targets or selling policies, but also for safeguarding families, empowering individuals to build their legacies, and supporting financial independence, providing certainty and confidence in an unpredictable world. In acknowledging their exceptional contributions, I congratulate all our MDRT qualifiers and am confident they will continue to deliver meaningful financial protection while creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”

Further echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jayantha Kalinga, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Life Assurance added, “This Summit not only celebrates the outstanding performance of our MDRT achievers in 2025 but also acknowledges the resilience, consistency, and customer dedication demonstrated by our teams throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen capabilities through structured development initiatives, advanced training tools, and robust operational support, empowering our advisors to serve clients with confidence and professionalism while further expanding our MDRT presence in the years ahead.”

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