Business
John Keells Holdings ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Respected Entity for a record 15th year
For a record 15th year, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), was ranked as the Most Respected Entity in Sri Lanka, in the recently released edition of LMD’s Most Respected Entities issue. In terms of the 10 attribute rankings, JKH has taken the lead in five categories, namely Quality Consciousness, Management Profile, Dynamism, Corporate Culture and Vision.
JKH retained its position as the Most Respected entity by garnering the highest number of votes (1,125) in a survey commissioned and conceptualised by LMD and conducted by Nielsen. The survey was designed to rank the ‘Most Respected’ entities in Sri Lanka based on the perceptions of respondents – and to evaluate why they’re perceived as such. The survey covered a sample of 800 respondents (managers and above) from listed companies.
John Keells Group which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020, has occupied the number one position in LMD’s Most Respected rankings for 15 years since the rankings were launched in 2005. JKH chairman Krishan Balendra in his interview in the August 2020 issue of LMD said, “Our strongest attribute is our commitment to live our core values – integrity, caring, trust, innovation and excellence. Our robust corporate governance structure, professional management, and sustainable development processes stem from these values and over our rich history of 150 years, has enabled us to do the right thing, always, foster a great place to work for our people, build strong relationships with our partners and empower our communities. We are humbled at being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Respected Entity once again in appreciation of the way we conduct our business and contribute to the nation.”
John Keells Holdings PLC is Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate on the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. In 2020 John Keells Group celebrates 150 years of being in business and contributing to the development of the country. JKH provides employment to over 14,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for
the last 15 years by the LMD Magazine. While being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of ‘Empowering the nation for tomorrow,’ through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing the plastic pollution in Sri Lanka. (JKH)
The total outstanding market liquidity surplus or excess funds available in Sri Lanka’s banking system for lending and transactions declined by Rs. 36.65 billion in a week, according to the Central Bank’s latest economic indicators report.
An economic researcher analysing the data noted: “Treasury bill and bond auctions likely drained liquidity. If this tightening persists, short-term interest rates could rise, raising borrowing costs and potentially slowing economic growth. The situation warrants close monitoring, especially as the manufacturing sector is already facing a slowdown whether due to seasonal or structural factors.”
The report also highlighted the following developments in Sri Lanka’s economy:
Fiscal improvements: The deficit has narrowed but remains elevated.
Sectoral trends: The stock market rallied, and the services sector showed slower expansion (tourism, retail and IT driving resilience).
Total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 1,301.9 bn during the three months ending March 2025 compared to Rs. 1,197.5 bn in the corresponding period of 2024.
During the three months ending March 2025, the overall budget deficit decreased to Rs. 234.5 bn compared to Rs. 281.3 bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024
The rupee value of T-Bills and T-Bonds held by foreign investors decreased by 2 per cent in comparison to the previous week.
“The April 2025 industrial slowdown points to weaker output, likely due to seasonal factors such as holidays or subdued demand. However, this was partially offset by an expansion in the Services PMI, offering some relief. The broader economic outlook for Sri Lanka remains uncertain, as these mixed signals unfold as Sri Lanka would receive a tariff letter from the US in the coming weeks. With market liquidity already tightening due to government borrowings from the banking system, policymakers face mounting challenges in balancing growth and stability,” the economic researcher noted.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
AIA Sri Lanka’s ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign, in partnership with animal welfare groups, inspired 500+ adoptions of stray pets. The initiative highlighted adoption, responsible ownership, and compassion, tackling Sri Lanka’s stray animal crisis. AIA thanks all supporters for their life-changing impact.
The campaign served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness like adopting a stray can make a big impact. It also provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and the importance of compassion toward all creatures.
Calton Sweet House Pvt. Ltd., a key part of Calton Group, was honored as the Best National Industry Brand in the Medium-Scale Food and Beverage Sector at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Industrial Development Board. Deshamanya Mahesh De Silva, Director of Finance and IT at Calton Group, accepted the award.
Established in 1991, Calton Sweet House has over 30 years of excellence, specializing in cakes, snacks, and frozen bakery items, with 20+ outlets across Negombo, Katunayake, and Colombo, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The company holds ISO, HACCP, and GMP certifications, ensuring top-quality standards.
Starting as a small store in 1983, Calton Group now employs 300+ staff and operates multiple businesses, including Calton Hyper Market and Calton Catering, while partnering with global brands like Unilever and Upfield. The group remains committed to serving customers with high-quality, safely packaged food products.
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