Business

SLT Group Revenue recorded at Rs. 24.7 Bn in Q1 2021, Net Profit improved by 14%

Published

5 years ago

2021/05/16

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) Group released its financial results for the first quarter of 2021, with a remarkable 14.3% year-on-year growth in Profit After Tax (PAT) to Rs. 2.1 Bn.

The Group revenue went up to Rs. 24.7 Bn for the period with a 11.4% year-on-year growth, strongly underpinned by the growth in revenues of FTTH, 4G LTE, mobile broadband services, PEOTV services and carrier domestic services. International voice revenue reflected a de-growth while international revenues from global transit and global data soared compared to the same period last year.

The EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) of the Group improved to Rs. 9.7 Bn, a 13.6% year-on-year growth, lifting the EBITDA margin up to 39.4% from 38.6% in the same period last year. The surge in revenue largely contributed to the EBITDA growth. The growing capital expenditure in order to align with the global technological trends pushed the Depreciation and Amortisation of the Group up to Rs. 6.3 Bn, a 18.0% year-on-year increase.

The Operating Profit of the Group stood at Rs. 3.4 Bn, reflecting a 6.3% year-on-year growth resulting from the increase in Group EBITDA which was partly offset by the elevated Depreciation and Amortisation for the period. Interest expenses and finance cost charged to the Profit or Loss Statement increased to Rs. 0.8 Bn for the period under review while the FOREX losses declined to Rs. 0.3 Bn. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose to Rs. 2.8 Bn, up by 9.3% over the same period last year.

The growth in EBITDA coupled with the effective collection strategies of the Group almost tripled the Operating Cash Flow of the Group to Rs. 12.2 Bn for the period under review. Further, the Group managed to reduce the Long-Term Borrowings to Rs. 44.9 Bn as at the reporting date.

The holding company of the Group recorded an impressive 13.5% increase in revenue over the same period last year reaching Rs. 14.2 Bn. The PAT of the company went up to Rs. 1.4 Bn, reflecting a 16.2% year-on-year growth.

The mobile arm of the SLT Group, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd too improved revenue for the quarter by 8.1% year-on-year to Rs. 11.6 Bn. The PAT of Mobitel soared during the period to Rs. 1.5 Bn which is a 65.4% year-on-year growth resulting from the increased revenue and the effective cost management measures.

The Group paid a total amount of Rs. 3.7 Bn as direct and indirect taxes including levies to the Government in the first quarter of 2021.

SLT Group Chairman, Mr. Rohan Fernando announced:

“I am extremely proud of my management team and my staff for delivering yet another solid quarter. Our business continued to accelerate in the first quarter with a double-digit growth in revenues and profits and with a robust operating cash flow. Consolidation of our Group Sales and Marketing under the SLT-MOBITEL unified branding contributed immensely in achieving the success we report in the first quarter. While uncertainty related to Covid-19 remains, we will stay focused on driving growth, building on favourable market trends, improving operational performance and delivering value for all our stakeholders.”

SLT Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lalith Seneviratne remarked:

“Our first quarter financial performance represents a promising start to the year 2021. We commenced the year 2021 with the brand unification of SLT-MOBITEL which is another milestone in SLT Group’s legacy. The strategic journey of the SLT Group towards digital transformation has proven imperative with the present pandemic situation which has also demonstrated the critical role technology plays in everyday life. The Group remains resilient amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic owing to our robust business execution coupled with our attractive product portfolio.”

SLT Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kiththi Perera stated:

“We are successfully progressing with our accelerated fibre expansion programme with an aim to provide ultra-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections across the country. This year is pivotal to SLT since in mid-2021, SLT together with its mobile arm Mobitel aims at expanding and upgrading the present 4G network in view of providing an enhanced broadband experience and also to launch a pre-commercial 5G service using 3.5 GHz. In addition, SLT plans to invest in expanding its global network including the upcoming SEA-ME-WE 06 submarine cable system to connect to the world at the speed of Terra Bits per second. The domestic and global network expansions will be complimented by multiple digital initiatives in our efforts to continually improve customer experience and service levels.”

SLT Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Priyantha Fernandez commented:

“During this Covid-19 pandemic situation, SLT has provided an uninterrupted service to the nation and offered innovative yet affordable data packages to facilitate the shift towards work-from-home and study-from-home arrangements. Further, SLT in collaboration with Cisco and Millennium I.T.E.S.P. (Pvt) Ltd launched its new managed SD-WAN services to accelerate digitisation of enterprise and government customers in Sri Lanka. In addition, SLT-MOBITEL extended the PEO TV Go services to our mobile customers too to enjoy their favourite TV programmes.”

Mobitel Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chandika Vitharana added:

“As the world continues to go through a challenging era due to the ongoing pandemic, SLT-MOBITEL which provides an indispensable and critical service under the prevailing conditions was able to create value to all its stakeholders. As the National Mobile Service Provider, Mobitel, the mobile arm of the SLT Group is aggressively expanding the network to rural areas to ensure no one is left behind in these difficult and challenging times. Many initiatives were carried out during this period to make Broadband accessible to all. Affordable bundle device offers to help increase smartphone penetration, attractive application-based data plans, mobile and home broadband plans to facilitate work-from-home and learn-from-home conditions are a few of the initiatives devised to make Broadband affordable and accessible to all segments of the society according to their needs. While making broadband available to all, SLT-MOBITEL is committed to providing uninterrupted connectivity to the nation during these turbulent times.”

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Business

Financial literacy central to country’s development – CBSL Governor

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe: ‘Financial literacy vital’.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rate is approximately 58 percent. Such literacy is absolutely necessary for the inclusion of people in the country’s financial system which in turn is central to overall economic development, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.

‘One needs to have knowledge and skills of a financial nature to figure in financial inclusiveness. While 86 percent of Sri Lanka’s population has access to the country’s financial system, 82 percent of the public has at least a savings account in the country’s banking system, Dr Weerasinghe said.

The Governor made these comments recently at the inauguration of Financial Literacy Month 2026 at the Central Bank’s Centre for Banking Studies, Rajagiriya.

Dr. Weerasinghe added: ‘Suitable, affordable and quality financial instruments are needed to enhance financial literacy in the country.

‘Financial information has to be accurate, risk-free and accountable, thus creating confidentiality in the financial system, which would enable the sector to reach greater heights’.

Meanwhile CBSL sources said: ‘The Literacy Month opened with the two-day ‘FinLit Expo Colombo’. The expo gives the public the opportunity to engage with institutions, better understand financial services, gain practical insights into managing their finances and learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud and scams.

‘The CBSL is leading the program in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. It forms part of the Financial Literacy Roadmap for Sri Lanka, which is implemented under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), the national framework for widening access to and use of formal financial services.

‘The Colombo event will be followed by six regional ‘FinLit Expos’ aimed at direct engagement with local communities. Partner institutions will also run awareness activities. Together, the events are intended to provide financial education to communities and encourage people to apply financial knowledge in everyday life.

‘A public awareness campaign on television, radio, newspapers and social media will extend the program’s reach. The program also includes digital financial literacy activities and the promotion of QR codes and other online payment methods.

‘The public and stakeholder institutions are encouraged to take part in the month’s activities under the theme, “Towards a Financially Literate Sri Lanka”.

Business

HUTCH strikes five awards as the only telco honoured at SLIM DIGIS 2.6

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

HUTCH Sri Lanka strengthened its position as a leader in digital engagement by securing five accolades at SLIM Digis 2.6, emerging as one of the most recognized brands at this year’s digital excellence awards. The achievement was further highlighted by HUTCH being the only telecom operator to be recognized at the event.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), SLIM Digis is Sri Lanka’s premier platform celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the digital marketing industry. The recognition highlights HUTCH’s growing strength in digital-first, agile, and creative marketing, and its ability to respond to everyday moments, engage audiences, and deliver impactful digital campaigns.

The Gold Award for Best Use of Agile and Moment Marketing, a Silver for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign, and a Bronze for Best Performance Marketing were all awarded for “Keeping Sri Lanka Connected Through Ditwah,” HUTCH’s response to the cyclone that struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, recognised for the speed and relevance with which HUTCH kept customers better connected and informed.

HUTCH Roaming also earned two further Bronze awards for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Creative Content. Bringing together AI-led storytelling, the campaign was designed around distinct customer clusters, each characterized by unique travel behaviours, needs, and perceptions, delivering relevant content for different audiences within a single overarching campaign.

“These wins are a strong reflection of how HUTCH approaches marketing today, staying close to the moments that matter to our customers and responding with speed, relevance, and creativity. Being the only telco recognised at SLIM DIGIS 2.6, and across five categories, is proof that agility and thoughtful storytelling can go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the collective efforts with our strategic partners, whose collaboration, expertise, and shared commitment brought great campaigns to life,” said Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer, HUTCH Sri Lanka.

Business

Fairway Colombo named Official Accommodation Partner of Manhunt International 2026

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

(L-R): Gamunu Cooray, Ms. Tharushi Kulathunga, Avinga Wanigasekara, Arjuna Senanayake, and Jagath De Almeda at the signing ceremony held at Fairway Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s Smart Luxury Business Hotel to Host Delegates and Contestants from Over 40 Countries as the Island Nation Hosts Its First-Ever Global Pageant of This Scale

Fairway Colombo, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, has been appointed as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious male pageants, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.

The event marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka, as the country prepares to host a global pageant of this scale for the very first time. More than 40 contestants representing countries from across the world will arrive in Colombo, bringing together diverse cultures, international media attention, and a global audience — further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and hospitality.

As the official accommodation partner, Fairway Colombo will welcome and host international delegates and contestants throughout their stay in Colombo, delivering the exceptional hospitality experience and personalized service that the hotel is recognized for.

A Landmark Partnership for Sri Lankan Tourism

“We are truly honored to be selected as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026. This partnership is a proud moment not only for Fairway Colombo but also for Sri Lanka as a whole. Hosting an event of this global stature provides us with an opportunity to showcase our commitment to smart luxury, innovation, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to an international audience. We look forward to creating a memorable and seamless experience for all delegates and guests,” said Avinga Wanigasekara, General Manager of Fairway Colombo.

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s historic Fort district, Fairway Colombo is recognized as a Smart Luxury Business Hotel, combining modern comfort, advanced technology, and exceptional service. As part of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the property represents the group’s vision of delivering innovative, world-class experiences across the hospitality and leisure sectors.