Business
Ferentino Tyres increases its attention on the local market after winning 38 global markets
Offers SL consumers international-standard tyres at significantly reduced prices
Ferentino Tyres last week announced a major milestone in its journey—achieving exports to 38 global markets. This accomplishment highlights the brand’s internationally recognized, technologically advanced tyre range and significant production growth, which has also garnered the attention of the Sri Lankan government.
Following discussions with Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Ferentino explored ways to provide price reductions to Sri Lankan consumers recovering from the economic downturn. The initiative ensures local consumers benefit from access to a premium international tyre brand renowned for safety, quality, and comfort at an affordable price.
As a result, Sri Lankan motorists can now enjoy tyres that meet and exceed global standards at prices lower than comparable international brands. This initiative provides much-needed relief amid challenging economic conditions, delivering exceptional value without compromising on quality. It also ensures consistent pricing nationwide, from Colombo to Kaththankudy, eliminating geographical or dealer-based price variations.
Ferentino’s global success is underpinned by prestigious certifications obtained over the past year, unlocking key markets across North America, Europe, South America, and the Gulf region. These achievements solidify Ferentino’s position as a globally recognized leader in the tyre industry.
This milestone coincides with Ferentino’s third anniversary in January 2025. Since commencing operations at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Horana, the company has rapidly evolved from a promising local brand into a global contender, achieving significant success in both domestic and international markets.
Director of Operations Lahiru Lokuwithana stated: “We are delighted to announce Ferentino’s remarkable market expansion, which enables us to bring the benefits of an international brand that meets global standards for safety, comfort, and quality to our local customers at an affordable price.”
Executive Director Dhammika Lokuwithana said: “This price reduction protects Sri Lankan consumers from misleading promotions and unrealistic discounts offered by brands with questionable quality standards. Instead, it allows them to choose a tyre brand validated by competitive international markets, ensuring comfort, safety, and quality at every step.”
In celebration of its third anniversary, Ferentino introduced an expanded range of tyre sizes, from 12 inches to 19 inches. With plans to resume motor vehicle imports—most vehicles requiring tyre sizes above 15 inches—Sri Lankan consumers will now have access to international-standard tyres at significantly reduced prices.
Ferentino’s journey began with a vision of combining cutting-edge technology with local expertise, culminating in the establishment of its world-class manufacturing facility in Horana. Over the past three years, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to innovation, fostering local and global partnerships, and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
Business
Aitken Spence continues its strong performance by recording 42% growth in PBT for first half of FY 2025/26
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)
Business
SLT-MOBITEL becomes first in Sri Lanka to achieve fastest 5G speeds exceeding 10Gbps
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.
Business
Nations Trust Bank delivers PAT of LKR 14.9Bn for 9 months
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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