Business

LOLC Holdings Group SL’s top profit earning listed entity for second year running

Published

6 years ago

2020/11/8

While group profits have grown, a loss posted at company level

LOLC Holdings PLC, the highly diversified conglomerate quoted on the Colombo Stock Exchange, has in its just published annual report told its shareholders that the publication of its results for 2019/20 was, in the words of its Deputy Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara, “an apt occasion to announce the good news……that LOLC has achieved the distinction of being the most profitable listed entity in Sri Lanka for two years in a row.”

While an after tax profit of Rs. 19.79 billion, up slightly from the previous year’s Rs. 19.64 billion, has been posted by the group, at company level there was a loss of 9.09 billion, up from a loss of Rs. 3.2 billion a year earlier. LOLC last paid a dividend of 50 cents a share in 2013 but its share closed the year at Rs. 88.90 and was trading at over Rs. 120 last week.

Nanayakkara said that LOLC had total assets of USD 7.083 billion “and a considerable footprint overseas.”

“Reflecting this strength, the audited financial statements I place before you for the year under review mirror the resilience of the group, which was able to record a marginal increase in profit after tax….notwithstanding the dismal economic and political climate that prevailed during the period,” he said.

He attributed his optimism to the fact that 80% of their profit before tax is derived from overseas. This will assure their partners and shareholders that their diversified business interests will always enable the group to achieve growth regardless of challenges in their Sri Lanka operations.

The LOLC group is into financial services, construction, agriculture and plantation, manufacturing and trading, leisure and renewable energy and is expanding overseas. It also has some other strategic investments in its portfolio.

The report said that the group had rapidly evolved into being the biggest non-banking financial institution in the country and one of its biggest and most diversified conglomerates.

“Our footprint in Sri Lanka spans every district, from the rural hinterland to major cities and we have enduring business partnerships with a host of financial and developmental organizations across the world,” the report said.

“We have significantly successful financial services investments in Cambodia,, Myanmar, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria and Zambia; business operations in Maldives and Sierra Leone as well as corporate offices in Singapore, UAE and Mauritius and we continue to expand our international presence by actively seeking new opportunities in the region.”

Discussing the financial services sector, Nanayakkara said they had performed to the best of their ability against the backdrop of multiple shocks including the Easter bomb, the presidential election and the Covid pandemic “which fortunately did not impact the year under review in any significant manner although it will cast a shadow on how the local and global economy will recover in the next financial year.”

The 2018 debt waiver by the then government had caused irrevocable damage to the country’s microfinance sector. The concession was granted only to arrears clients discouraging regular clients, adversely affecting the healthy recovery ratio of over 90% maintained up to that point.

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Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

58 mins ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

1 hour ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

1 hour ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.