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Daraz Buy1Give1 reaches out to more than 1000 families in vulnerable communities

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In response to the crisis in Sri Lanka, Daraz launched a “Buy1Give1” program in May 2022. The aim of Buy1Give1 was to provide some relief to vulnerable communities, while enabling consumers to transform everyday activities like buying groceries into high-impact, meaningful actions. Daraz is committed to creating a world full of giving, and to further strengthen this effort, Daraz partnered with the Foundation of Goodness to identify families in need and distribute goods collected through this initiative.

Commenting on this effort, Mr. Rakhil Fernando, Managing Director of Daraz Sri Lanka, noted: “Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented crisis, and we need to work together to figure out new ways of empowering each other and lifting each other up. The Buy1Give1 model is practiced in other parts of the world, as a means of transforming everyday actions into something meaningful, and that is what we are trying to do in Sri Lanka during this time. We also did not want to put any unnecessary pressure on our consumers and developed a way for them to be part of our initiative while meeting their own daily needs. We are also delighted to partner with the Foundation of Goodness on the distribution, because it enables us to ensure that the items collected goes to families who need them the most.”

On 18th July 2022, Daraz officially handed over 8,800 goods worth USD 10,000 to the Foundation of Goodness. These goods will be added to the Foundation’s “Feed the Hungry” program and “Goodness Boxes”, which have already reached 23,000 families in Sri Lanka. The Foundation of Goodness estimates that at least 1,000 families will be able to benefit from the Daraz Buy1Give1 campaign.

Mr. Kushil Gunasekera, Founder and Chief Trustee of Foundation of Goodness, said: “We are extremely privileged to have Daraz on board to donate items towards the Feed the Hungry program through their Buy1Give1 promotion at a time when it is needed the most. Any gift that is unconditionally granted, especially unasked, is always a superior act of generosity and compassion. We value immensely the kindness shown to alleviate the struggles and hardships encountered and applaud this magnanimous gesture. Daraz has demonstrated their community care by helping 1,000 families access meals and that depth of generosity is the real test of humanity.”

Daraz will continue to initiate new ways of supporting and building the Sri Lanka community through its e-commerce platform.

Daraz Sri Lanka is the largest online shopping marketplace in Sri Lanka and is home to a collection of wide-ranging products featured under groceries (Daraz Mart), consumer electronics, home appliances, fashion, sports goods, pet supplies, and much more. Daraz Sri Lanka is a part of South Asia’s premier online shopping marketplace Daraz, which has an active and growing presence in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. Supported by cutting-edge technology, tailored marketing, data, and service solutions, Daraz Sri Lanka hosts a growing base of 2.5 million users, over 125,000 registered sellers, and at any given time, over 4.5 million products are being advertised and sold on the platform.



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Business

Aitken Spence continues its strong performance by recording 42% growth in PBT for first half of FY 2025/26

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Stasshani Jayawardena Chairman / Chairperson Aitken Spence PLC/ Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Aitken Spence PLC

Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate, with an extensive presence across the region, recorded revenue of Rs. 40.7 billion for the six months, ending 30th September 2025, reflecting operational resilience across its diversified businesses. The Tourism sector accounted for 64.3% of Group revenue, while the Maritime & Freight Logistics sector and Strategic Investments sector contributed 19.4% and 13.9% respectively.

Sectoral Performance.

The Group’s Maritime & Freight Logistics sector reported profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 2.2 billion, making it the largest contributor towards the Group profits in the first half of 2025/26. However, the sector recorded a marginal dip in its operational profits, mainly due to lower contributions from its equity accounted investees in the South Asian region.

The profit from operations recorded by the Group’s Tourism sector for the first half of the year was Rs. 686.1 million, an 86.5% growth over that of the previous year. Strong occupancy recorded throughout the resorts in Sri Lanka coupled with increases in rates were the main driving force towards this growth in performance. Hotels in the international markets, including the Maldives, also delivered a steady performance, although pressure from intensifying competition has somewhat affected the growth in occupancy.

The Group’s Strategic Investments sector recorded profits from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 352.6 million. Within this sector, the printing segment delivered a robust performance with a two-fold increase in profits, reflecting the segment’s operational strength and market resilience. Conversely, the garments segment continued to face challenges due to ongoing global economic pressures affecting the industry. Despite these headwinds, the sector as a whole remains a vital component of the Group’s overall portfolio, encompassing the renewable energy and plantations segments and plays a significant role in the Group’s strategic objectives and future growth initiatives.

The Group’s Services sector achieved a profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 577.0 million, primarily driven by the recently commenced BPO operations in Port City Colombo.

(Aitken Spence)

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SLT-MOBITEL becomes first in Sri Lanka to achieve fastest 5G speeds exceeding 10Gbps

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SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka’s digital journey achieving the highest-ever 5G speeds in the country, exceeding 10Gbps recently, on its advanced 5G Standalone (SA) ready network, under TRCSL 5G trial approval.

The milestone surpasses previous records and demonstrates SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to driving Sri Lanka’s digital evolution with cutting-edge technology and future-ready connectivity.

The trial showcased 5G Advanced technologies such as Massive MIMO, 5CC carrier aggregation in C band and mmWave spectrum, setting a new standard for mobile connectivity in Sri Lanka.

In addition to this record-breaking achievement, SLT-MOBITEL has expanded the 5G trial network to 18 districts islandwide, positioning a wider presence 5G network for commercial launch.

As the National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL is leading the way, advancing Sri Lanka’s digital future, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, can benefit from world-class connectivity through its superior network. The inclusivity also supports the country’s digital transformation agenda, enabling advancements in healthcare, education, enterprise, and daily lifestyles.

In 2019, SLT-MOBITEL showcased South Asia’s first 5G trial deployment over a mobile network, connecting a mobile smartphone to its 5G trial network with record speeds. SLT-MOBITEL was also the first to demonstrate 5G SA & NSA hybrid trial deployment in Sri Lanka indicating advancements in 5G technology.

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Nations Trust Bank delivers PAT of LKR 14.9Bn for 9 months

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Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the 9 months ending 30th September 2025, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 14.9Bn, up 23% YoY. The Bank’s performance is underpinned by strong asset growth, steady Net Interest Margins (NIMs) and asset quality with a Net Stage 3 Ratio of 1.03%. A strong capital base continued to be the foundation of the Bank’s growth story with a Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.20%, highlighting the Bank’s success in implementing a well-structured strategy.

Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha D Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance in 3Q 2025 demonstrates NTB’s financial strength and the successful execution of a clearly defined strategy. Customer lending grew by LKR 131Bn, a 45% increase over the first nine months, significantly contributing to the growth of businesses and economic revival across customer segments. This demonstrates our focus on service excellence, digital empowerment and strategic planning that places our customers at the centre of everything we do. Our robust capital position and strong liquidity buffers continue to highlight our strength and readiness for sustained growth.”

As a result of efficient asset-liability management and prudent pricing strategies, the Bank was able to sustain a NIM of 6.15%. The Bank’s Earnings Per Share for the nine months ending 30th September 2025 increased to LKR 45.10, against LKR 36.80 recorded during the same period last year. Asset quality remained sound, with the Net Stage 3 Ratio contained at 1.03%, underscoring effective credit risk management.

Strong financial performance continues to bolster NTB’s capital base with a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 18.90% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 20.03%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.

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