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People’s Bank reports consolidated profit after tax of LKR 4.6 billion

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Sujeewa Rajapakse, chairman, People’s Bank and Clive Fonseka, CEO/General Manager (Actg.)

People’s Bank announced the results for its quarter ended March 31, 2023 reporting total consolidated operating income and pre-tax profit amounting to LKR 24.0 billion and LKR 7.2 billion, respectively (Q1-2022: LKR 42.6 billion and LKR 11.0 billion).

Similar to 2022, the quarter continued to be characterized by higher interest costs; due to the high interest rate environment which prevailed. This saw consolidated net interest income dip by 49.7% to LKR 15.3 billion during the period relative to Q1-22. This, in part, also reflected the Bank efforts to defer re-pricing of some of its loans to its more sensitive customer segments. Consolidated net fees & commission income amounted to LKR 4.5 billion which, excluding one off items during Q1-22, represented over a 40.0% growth on a like for like basis.

Reflecting inflation pushed cost pressures, much of which originated in the period after Q1-22, saw consolidated total operating expenses rise by 10.1% to reach LKR 14.4 billion (Q1-22: LKR 13.1 billion). This compared well with the industry and, in part, also reflected Group efforts for greater cost control at every instance so reasonably possible.

Total consolidated customers deposits grew to reach LKR 2,513.1 billion – i.e., by 2.6%, whilst consolidated net loans contracted by 4.2% to LKR 1,835.1 billion. The dip in net loans reflected a conscious effort on part of the Bank and the Group to control lending more so in a yet contracting macro-economic context. Total consolidated assets stood at LKR 3,072.2 billion at period end (end 2022: LKR 3,133.1 billion).

The Bank’s Tier I and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios were 11.8% and 16.2%, respectively at March 31, 2023 (end 2022: 11.9% and 16.3%) whilst, on a consolidated basis, it was 13.0% and 16.9%, respectively (end 2022: 13.3% and 17.2%). The Bank’s solvency levels remain sound ultimately reflecting efforts made since the onset of Basel III on July 1, 2017. Further efforts to bolster its regulatory capital, including for the purposes of additional contingency, is currently ongoing. In addition, the Bank successfully met all key regulatory measures during the said period.

Commenting on the results of the Bank and the Group, the Chairman of People’s Bank, Mr. Sujeewa Rajapakse, stated that: “Whilst the sector has, and continues to reel with many headwinds over the last several years. our first quarter results remains testimony to our continued strength and resilience, and adaptability even in the most adverse set of circumstances. Over the last several years, the Bank has successfully met the needs of its diverse stakeholders, leading from the front in many instances so to ensure the country is first prioritized, customer interest are safeguarded, government endeavors are supported whilst, at the same time, the Bank’s commercial interests are also met. Our top line growth during the quarter attest to the growth of our core banking operations whilst the high interest rate environment which prevailed has naturally led to the inevitable earnings pressure as seen throughout the industry. The quarter was however witness to several accomplishments from an Institutional standpoint both from a quantitative and qualitative front. This included, amongst other, our ability to successfully drive identified strategic growth areas, ensure sustained improvements in liquidity both from a rupee and foreign currency standpoint and instill further improvements from a risk management perspective. In addition, our digital investments continues to bear fruit, which augurs well for the Bank’s future growth prospects!

Looking ahead, with several positive developments seen on a macro-economic front including those stemming from the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, we look forward to the future with a great degree of optimism. As we have done so over the last several years, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to play our role to safeguard national interest and those of our stakeholders. I take the opportunity to thank our loyal customers for their continued trust and confidence in the Institution!”

Commenting on the results, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager (Acting) Mr. Clive Fonseka, stated that: “Despite the many pressures, including those unique to a State-Owned Institution, we have continued to make noteworthy progress on several fronts and have addressed some of the most pressing matters within a short span of time. Our primary focus has, and continues to be, in further bolstering our liquidity, driving key areas of strategic importance, and managing our asset quality whilst supporting our customers navigate through these challenging times. We are currently also taking early steps to bolster our regulatory capital from current levels. The success of our delivery remains ultimately best reflected in the sustained improvements shown across several key performance indicators.

Relating to the recent news being circulated in select social media platforms on non-performing loan write-offs – I seek to confirm that there have been no such write offs. Our usual due process for recovering such loans are currently in process.

He further stated that: “The foundation of People’s Bank’s success primarily rests with our staff and that of our loyal customers. While the road ahead is likely to be filled with many more challenges, we look forward to facing them with confidence and vigor as we have done so over the last several years!



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Dialog delivers strong growth, stronger national contribution in FY 2025

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Dialog Axiata PLC announced, Friday 6th February 2026, its consolidated financial results (Reviewed) for the year ended 31st December 2025. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).

Group Performance

The Group delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line and Digital Pay Television businesses recording a positive Core Revenue growth of 16% Year to Date (“YTD”). Group Headline Revenue reached Rs179.6Bn, up 5% YTD, despite the continued strategic scaling down of low-margin international wholesale business. In Q4 2025, Revenue was recorded at Rs46.5Bn up 2% Quarter-on-Quarter (“QoQ”) and 2% Year-on-Year (“YoY”).

The Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) reached Rs86.0Bn up 30% YTD supported by Core Revenue performance and Cost Rescaling Initiatives. On a QoQ basis Group EBITDA demonstrated a modest growth to record at Rs23.0Bn up 2% QoQ with an EBITDA margin of 49.5% in line with the Revenue performance. Group EBITDA margin reached 47.9% for FY 2025, up 9.2pp.

Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) reached Rs20.8Bn for FY 2025, up 67% YTD mainly resulting from robust EBITDA growth, despite higher tax and net finance costs. Normalized for forex impact, NPAT growth was recorded at +>100% YTD to reach Rs22.1Bn. On a QoQ basis NPAT grew 3% to reach Rs5.9Bn resulting from strong EBITDA performance.

On the back of strong operational performance, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”)

of Rs49.3Bn for FY 2025 up >100% YTD.

Dividend Payment to Shareholders

In line with the dividend policy and financial performance of the Group and taking into account the forward investment requirements to serve the nation’s demand for Broadband and Digital services, the Board of Directors of Dialog Axiata PLC at its meeting held on 6th February 2026, resolved to propose for consideration by the Shareholders of the Company, a dividend to ordinary shareholders amounting to Rs1.50 per share. The said dividend, if approved by shareholders, would translate to a Dividend Yield of 5.0% based on share closing price for FY 2025. The dividend so proposed will be considered for approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company, the date pertaining to which would be notified in due course.

Company and Subsidiary Performance

At an entity level, Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) continued to be the primary contributor to Group Revenue (76%) and Group EBITDA (74%). Aided by sustained growth in the Data segment and cost-rescaling initiatives, Company revenue was recorded at Rs135.8Bn for FY 2025, up 18% YTD, EBITDA rose 32% YTD to reach Rs63.6Bn. On a QoQ basis, Q4 2025 Revenue was recorded at Rs34.8Bn, down 1% QoQ due to a reclassification of Hubbing Revenue, while EBITDA decline 1% QoQ to record Rs17.0Bn, largely attributable to network restoration costs and donations made in relation to the Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts. Furthermore, NPAT was recorded at Rs15.6Bn for FY 2025, up 41% YTD. Normalised for forex impacts, the company NPAT was up +>100% YTD to reach Rs17.0Bn. On a QoQ basis, Company NPAT was recorded at Rs4.5Bn, down 6% QoQ.

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Ceylinco Life’s Pranama Scholarships reach 25-year milestone

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Ceylinco Life has announced the launch of the 25th consecutive edition of its flagship Pranama Scholarships programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence among the children of its policyholders.

Under the 2026 programme, the life insurance market leader will present scholarships with a total cumulative value of Rs. 22.7 million, continuing a rewards initiative that has now been conducted without interruption for a quarter of a century. Since its inception, the Ceylinco Life Pranama Scholarships programme has benefitted 3,466 students across the country, representing a total investment of Rs. 240 million in nurturing academic achievement and outstanding performance in sports, arts and other extracurricular pursuits.

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Sri Lankans’ artistic genius glowingly manifests at Kala Pola ‘26

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The spirit of Sri Lanka as it was ably captured by an artist.

The artistic genius of Sri Lankans was amply manifest all over again at ‘Kala Pola ‘26’ which was held on February 8th at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha Colombo 7; the usual, teeming and colourful venue for this annual grand exhibition and celebration of the work of local visual artists.

If there is one thing that has flourished memorably and resplendently in Sri Lanka over the centuries it is the artistic capability or genius of its people. It is something that all Sri Lankans could feel a sense of elation over because from the viewpoint of the arts, Sri Lanka is second to no other nation. With regard to the visual arts a veritable dazzling radiance of this inborn and persisting capability is seen at the annual open air ‘Kala Pola’.

A bird of Sri Lanka created from scraps of iron waste.

All capable visual artists, wherever they hail from in Sri Lanka, enjoy the opportunity of exhibiting their work at the ‘Kala Pola’ and this is a distinctive ‘positive’ of this annual event that draws numberless artists and viewers. There was an abundance of paintings, sketches and sculptures, for instance, and one work was as good as the other. Ample and equal space was afforded each artist. Its widely participatory and open nature enables one to describe the exhibition as exuding a profoundly democratic ethos.

Accordingly, this time around at ‘Kala Pola ‘26’ too Sri Lankans’ creative efforts were there to be viewed, studied and enjoyed in the customary carnival atmosphere where connoisseurs, local and foreign, met in a sprit of camaraderie and good cheer. Many thanks are owed once again to the George Keyt Foundation for the presentation of the event in association with the John Keells Group and the John Keells Foundation, not forgetting the Nations Trust Bank, which was the event’s Official Banking Partner. The exhibition was officially declared open by Chief Guest Marc-Andre Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.

By Lynn Ockersz

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