Business
Pan Asia Bank achieves a Post Tax Profit of Rs. 2 bn during first 9 months amid challenges – profit for the quarter soars by 89%
Net Interest Income – Rs. 6,669 Mn, up by 23% Net Fee and Commission Income – Rs. 1,256 Mn, up by 41% Other Operating Income – Rs. 274 Mn, up by 40% Operating Profits up by 42% to post Rs. 3,342 Mn Profit before Tax – Rs. 2,718 Mn, up by 46% despite increased prudential provisions.
Key Profitability Indicators are among the best in the industry
– Net Interest Margin improves from 4.41% to 4.81%
– Return on Assets (Pre-tax) improves from 1.70% to 1.96%
– Return on Equity (Post-tax) improves from 14.36% to 16.13%
Loans and Advances book reaches Rs. 143 Bn, up by 9%
Customer Deposits reach Rs. 149 Bn, up by 6%
Net Non-Performing Advances Ratio improves from 2.34% to 1.28%
Total Impairment Provision cover reaches 76.10% due to prudential provisioning
The Bank remains highly liquid and well capitalised – all Liquidity and Capital Ratios are well above the regulatory minimums
Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC reported an impressive performance for the 9 months period ended 30th September 2021 to report a Pre-Tax Profit of Rs. 2,718 Mn and a Post-Tax Profit of Rs. 2,008 Mn with growth rates of 46% and 61% respectively, while demonstrating the resilience amid challenging macro economic conditions. The Bank’s performance was characterised by strength and resilience despite the heightened uncertainty due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 impact on the Sri Lankan economy, the Bank’s Operating Profit before VAT on Financial Services reached Rs. 3,342 Mn with an increase of 42% reflecting the excellence in core banking performance and the success of cost containment measures evidenced by improvement in all key profitability matrices which now rank among the industry bests. This feat was achieved even after setting aside sizable provision buffers for the probable deterioration in credit quality due to COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank increased its provision buffers for loan losses during the 9 months period sensibly taking into consideration of increased risks and uncertainties due to COVID-19 pandemic through experience adjustments and management overlays. As a result, total impairment charge for the 9 months period ended 30th September 2021 increased by 17%.
The Bank’s Net Interest Income (NII) for the period witnessed an increase of 23% due to significant reduction in financial cost of funds at a rate faster than the drop in interest yields of interest earning assets although extension of debt moratoriums to sectors affected by the COVID 19 pandemic had an adverse impact on NII. Consequently, the Bank’s Net Interest Margin for the period improved to 4.81% from 4.41% reported 9 months ago.
In the meantime, the Bank’s Net Fee and Commission Income recorded a growth of 41% with the rebound in demand for credit due to revival of economic activities during the 9 months period amidst the low interest rate regime despite the adverse impact of lockdowns had and waiver of fees and charges mandated by the industry regulator. Meanwhile, the volatility in foreign exchange rates enabled the Bank to increase its Foreign Exchange Income substantially as reflected in Other Operating Income. On the other hand, the aforementioned currency volatility had a negative impact on the Bank’s Net Trading Income due to mark-to-market losses on forward foreign exchange contracts and currency swaps.
The Bank is committed to revenue maximisation and cost management despite sector vulnerabilities that prevailed since last year. The Bank’s Cost-to-Income Ratio improved from 45.66% to 42.19% within the 9 months period owing to the excellence in core banking performance which is reflected in the noteworthy overall growth in key revenue lines and various strategies and measures taken to contain the increase in overhead costs. The cost management culture embedded across the Bank assisted curtailing Other Operating Expenses by 8%. Meanwhile, increased allocations for staff performance bonuses, spending on development of human capital and staff welfare led to an increase in personnel costs during the reporting period compared to previous period despite the reduction in number of staff.
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) announced the appointment of Sarah Nasry as Director & Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
In her new role, Sarah will lead both the Finance and Human Resources functions at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and people agenda. She holds a distinguished track record across multiple business disciplines, including Supply Chain, ICT, Administration, Corporate Communications, and CSR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her most recent position as General Manager – Finance & Business Partnering at Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer.
Recognised for her strengths in business partnering, financial planning, and strategic decision-making, Sarah is also widely respected for nurturing inclusive, people-centric cultures that foster growth and high performance.
Thayalan Bartlett, Executive Chairman of MLG, commented, “Sarah’s appointment follows an extensive search for the right person to lead our finance division through the next phase of our journey. Her wide-ranging experience and strong leadership credentials give me every confidence that she will continue to strengthen the financial integrity and compliance standards we are known for, and the Board looks forward to working closely alongside her in this journey.”
Sarah also marks a significant milestone for the company, becoming the first female member of MLG’s Board of Directors. She will additionally serve on the MLG Executive Committee (ExCo), reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said, “I am honoured and excited to join MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka and help steer the company into its next chapter. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at MLG to drive financial strength, champion a people-first culture, and build on the company’s strong legacy of creativity and performance.”
Business
Sun Siyam Pasikudah Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Best of the Best Winner for 2025
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a boutique luxury resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, is thrilled to announce its recent win at the Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of resorts worldwide. This accolade reflects the resort’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
Reopened in November 2023 after an extensive transformation, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers 34 spacious one- and two-bedroom garden and beach pavilions, each featuring bold monochromatic interiors accented with golden tones. The redesign, led by Studio Sixty7, emphasizes a blend of contemporary elegance and local craftsmanship. The resort collaborated with local artisans, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich talent and cultural heritage.
‘‘We are thrilled to being recognized on par with some of the world’s best resorts. Under just two years since our reopening, this achievement couldn’t be possible with the tremendous effort and support of our world-class team and our guests that keep coming for the unique experiences we offer. We are proud to contribute to Sri Lanka, a destination that is on every traveler’s go-to list,’ said its General Manager, Arshed Refai who has been with Sun Siyam Resorts for over a decade.
OTTO Bathware has received Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). This certification confirms that OTTO’s sanitaryware meets the highest national standards for safety, durability, and performance. With over 30 years of experience, OTTO Bathware operates under the ADI Group (Art Decoration International Pvt. Ltd.- www.ottobathware.com) and runs a modern 435,000square feet manufacturing facility in Bandaragama. The company has grown to become; South-Asia’s largest decorative ceramic manufacturer/ exporter, Sri Lanka’s second-largest sanitaryware producer, supplying to over 500 retailers island-wide.
“We’re proud to offer sanitaryware that meets national safety and quality standards. We encourage all Sri Lankans to look beyond the price tag and choose products that are certified, tested, and built to last.” said its Chairman, S. H. B. Karunarathne.
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