Business

Hemas Outreach Foundation Celebrates International Day of Down Syndrome

Published

4 years ago

2022/03/29

Hemas Outreach Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Hemas Group together with AYATI National Centre for Children with Disabilities marked International Day of Down Syndrome on March 16 at the Ayati Centre in Ragama. Held with the goal of raising awareness about their social movement ‘(Treat All Alike)’ the event also launched a new song that lends a voice to Down Syndrome children. ‘එItමු’ is aimed at empowering children and families with Down Syndrome by providing a forum to acknowledge their rights and advocate inclusion in today’s society.

“The social movement was created to raise awareness for Down Syndrome children, who are often overlooked in society. We as Hemas believe in an inclusive society where no child is left behind and our initiatives at Hemas Outreach Foundation focuses on achieving this goal. It is estimated that approximately 20% of children in Sri Lanka have some form of a disability. The Ayati Trust Sri Lanka seeks to create an inclusive society to prevent persons with disabilities from facing prejudice and a lack of access to specialised services. As we mark the World Down Syndrome Day, it is critical that we all work together to break the stigma. As a company that promotes ‘healthful living,’ we look forward to making the world a more inclusive place by creating a platform for families to air their concerns and receive much-needed community support. These children have special talents that needs to be recognized. We have to celebrate them and treat them as equals”, stated Shiromi Masakorala, Executive Director, AYATI Trust Sri Lanka and Hemas Outreach Foundation.

The ceremony was graced with the presence of many special guests standing together in support of creating an inclusive world. Past Global President of Rotary International K. Ravindran attended the event as Chief Guest of the event. Further English, Sinhala and Tamil instructional pamphlets on Down Syndrome were handed over to the Director of Social Services, Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi, which is to be distributed to the 331 Divisional Secretariats in the country.

“From all the facilities I have seen around world, AYATI ranks as one of the best. Hemas is living true to the tagline ‘business goes beyond profits.’ It is also important that we celebrate the carers; each circumstance has its own group of heroes who we should recognize. The need to integrate children into society is vital, integrating children into the mainstream enhances everyone’s learning. It fosters a giving atmosphere; expectations increase on both sides – to rise to difficulties, and the other children also rise to become more compassionate” added the Chief Guest of the occasion, the Past Global President of Rotary International, K. Ravindran.

Hemas Holdings PLC is aiming to create a world that encourages a society that ‘leaves no child behind’ while promoting ‘healthful living, because we believe every family deserves a better tomorrow’ This fundamental objective will inform the cause and aid in the eradication of the stigma they experience daily. The new song launched on the day by Amila Jayaswarna focuses on treating children with Down Syndrome with love and respect.

Roshan Mahanama, Brand Ambassador for Hemas Outreach Foundation and Trustee of Ayati Trust Sri Lanka had this to say at the event: “As a society we must treat everyone equally. Parents must engage and include their children in all activities. I feel the Ministry of Education should do more to foster an inclusive atmosphere. We need to show these children greater love and kindness and play a part in making the communities see the special talent they have.”

Join the Social Movement of the Hemas Outreach Foundation to educate the public and eradicate the stigma attached to children with Down Syndrome: http://web.facebook.com/ekasesalakamu

AYATI National Center for Children with Disabilities is a partnership between theFaculty of Medicine of the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings PLC, MAS Holdings, Roshan Wijerama Foundation, Sri Lanka Army and the Rotary District 3220

Established under Hemas Holdings PLC, the Hemas Outreach Foundation has been leading the Group’s purpose of promoting ‘healthful living’ through transformative corporate social responsibility. The mission of the foundation is to champion ‘Healthful Living’ for a better life through holistic interventions for Sri Lankan Families where no child is left behind. The foundation operates as a Trust, managed by an eminent board of trustees.

All News Advertisement

Business

A Historic First: Sri Lanka’s capital market leaders bring investor forum to Saudi Arabia

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

Key dignitaries at the Saudi investor forum

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in association with the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, successfully convened an investor forum on Saturday 24th January 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center. Alongside the forum, the SEC and CSE facilitated a meeting with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) which is Saudi Arabia’s main sovereign wealth fund.

The forum was organized to engage directly with the vibrant Sri Lankan expatriate community in the Kingdom and international investors, highlighting compelling opportunities within Sri Lanka’s capital market following the country’s successful exit from sovereign default and restoration of macroeconomic stability.

The forum was marked by the presence of several senior level policy officials, market leaders and market regulators including; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL); Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Ameer Ajwad Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.; Senior Prof D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC; Ray Abeywardena, Director of CSE; and Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lynear Wealth Management.

In his welcome address, Ameer Ajwad stated, that a significant opportunity remains in broadening public participation in the capital market of Sri Lanka. As financial literacy and investment awareness among potential investors are limited, the investor forum would serve to bridge the knowledge gap. The forum offered an excellent opportunity for first-time investors, overseas investors, and those seeking to enhance their knowledge, to learn how to invest prudently, manage risk, and build wealth with discipline and confidence. Ambassador invited participants to make full use of the presence of high-level authorities from Sri Lanka’s key financial institutions, such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the SEC, and the CSE, and to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s capital market, not only as a pathway to financial growth but also as a meaningful contribution to Sri Lanka’s resilience and long-term prosperity.

Business

CIC Holdings’ 9MFY26 revenue reaches Rs.70 bn

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

Agriculture-rich diversified conglomerate CIC Holdings PLC (CSE: CIC) recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs. 70.28 billion for the nine months ended 31 December 2025 (9MFY26), reflecting an increase of 8.69% YoY compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

The Group’s gross profit increased by 10.11% to Rs. 18.42 billion, with the gross profit margin for the period under review improving to approximately 26%, supported by disciplined pricing and product mix optimisation. Profit after tax (PAT) increased to Rs. 5.97 billion from Rs. 5.70 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, despite losses incurred in parts of the Group’s agri operations following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which disrupted cultivation activity during the Maha season.

The Group’s Crop Solutions sector remained the largest contributor to consolidated revenue, accounting for approximately 44.7% of total revenue, followed by Livestock Solutions at 21% and Health & Personal Care at 20.18%. The remaining sectors, Industrial Solutions and Agri Produce, contributed 8.6% and 6.4% to Group turnover respectively. Health and Personal Care , particularly export-driven product lines, recorded improved performance during the period, alongside continued growth in feeds, poultry, and veterinary care solutions, which supported the Group’s overall operating results.

Despite cyclone-related disruption to cultivation cycles, the Group delivered a strong operating performance, with EBITDA and operating profit (EBIT) both recording year-on-year growth. Operating profit (EBIT) closed at Rs. 9.67 billion, compared to Rs. 8.62 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting the strength of the Group’s diversified portfolio and disciplined cost management.

During the period in review, key Group businesses across the five industry sectors, namely Crop Solutions, Agri Produce, Livestock Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Health & Personal Care, continued to perform resiliently. Crop Solutions revenue increased from Rs. 28.06 billion to Rs. 32.32 billion, while Livestock Solutions revenue grew from Rs. 13.35 billion to Rs. 14.60 billion. Health & Personal Care revenue improved from Rs. 14.29 billion to Rs. 14.46 billion, supported by herbal health product exports and steady domestic demand. Revenue from Agri Produce increased from Rs. 4.35 billion to Rs. 4.64 billion, while Industrial Solutions revenue rose from Rs. 6.07 billion to Rs. 6.28 billion.

Commenting on the performance, CIC Holdings Group CEO Aroshan Seresinhe said, “Despite the disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah to agricultural activity during the Maha season, the Group remained focused on supporting farming communities through well clean-up operations, field renovation, and the restoration of cultivation activity.

Business

CSE regains some of its bullish verve as turnover hits Rs.11 billion

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

CSE trading reflected a bullish trend yesterday due to positive quarterly corporate earnings coupled with lower Treasury Bill yields, market analysts said.

Further, institutional participation contributed more than 50 percent to the day’s turnover.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 63.67 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 12.58 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 11.1 billion with10 crossings. The top seven crossings were: JKH 189.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 4.2 billion; its shares traded at Rs 22.70, HNB 3.5 million shares crossed for Rs 1.48 billion; its shares traded at Rs 422, Hemas Holdings 11 million shares crossed for Rs 376.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 34 20, Commercial Bank 1.5 million shares crossed for Rs 336.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 224.50, Sampath Bank 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 93.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 156, Laugfs Gas 868,000 shares crossed for Rs 51.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 71 and Sierra Cables 1 million shares crossed for Rs 36.7 million; its shares sold at Rs 36.70.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Ceylon Land Equity Rs 385 million (20 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 373.9 million (1.7 million shares traded), Luminex Rs 247.2 million (26.7 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 152 million (one million shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 152 million (four million shares traded), Easter Merchants Rs 142 million (8.7 million shares traded) and RIL Properties Rs 116.9 million. During the day 441.3 million share volumes changed hands in 44406 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, led the market while the banking sector also performed well, especially HNB and Sampath Bank. Further, the capital goods sector too performed well.Yesterday the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 305.78 and selling rate Rs 313.32.

By Hiran H Senewiratne