Business
Strategic help from Germany for Sri Lankan exporters to win more European buyers
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Sri Lanka) recently launched a timely initiative in Sri Lanka named ‘Sustainable supply chains as driver for global competitiveness’.This initiative will help Sri Lankan companies to have broader and easier market access to the EU by adhering to EU’s strictly documented compliance with certain sustainability standards related to social and environmental aspects.
The programme is designed to raise awareness of Sri Lankan exporters on the need for sustainability related documentation in order to increase global competitiveness of Sri Lankan products and services to gain broader market access to not only the EU but to the US market as well.The initiative will comprise a series of training sessions, assessments and certification especially targeting the sectors of apparel/textile, rubber, and food/agriculture.
The Consultancy of former Human Rights Commissioner of the German government Markus Loening will train representatives of the Sri Lankan companies on how to comply with global and EU related sustainability standards. In fact, many Sri Lankan companies already comply with these standards but are unaware of the requirement of formal documentation.
MAS Holdings COO Shirendra Lawrence, the keynote speaker of the event explained how absolute compliance with sustainability standards helped MAS become the largest apparel company in South Asia as well as a global leader.Ambassador Denis Chaibi- Head of EU Mission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives speaking at the event underlined the importance of the ongoing regulation process on sustainability standards in the EU and its member countries. He said that Sri Lankan exporters can export a wide range of products to the EU duty-free under the EU’s GSP+ trade facility, subject to its human rights, environment, labour, social and other stipulated standards.German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenroether said, “Through this programme, we want to support Sri Lankan exporters to obtain broader market access to EU. Today sustainability standards are a top priority in the minds of the consumers in the EU countries. Maybe they are partially politically driven, but they are also more and more customer and industry driven. Besides the existing official legally binding standards, European importers require more and more consumer driven standards like Fairtrade, Compliance +, Good Manufacturing Practices, etc.”Hubertus von Welck, Head of Friedrich Naumann Foundation Sri Lanka emphasised the need to restart the economy and overcome the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
“For this we will support Sri Lanka. We will support your export-driven entrepreneurship to strengthen their compliance standards set out in the ‘UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights’. This will help Sri Lankan products and services to be well- accepted in the markets of advanced economies and thereby increase Sri Lanka’s export earnings,” he said.
Business
Aitken Spence continues its strong performance by recording 42% growth in PBT for first half of FY 2025/26
Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate, with an extensive presence across the region, recorded revenue of Rs. 40.7 billion for the six months, ending 30th September 2025, reflecting operational resilience across its diversified businesses. The Tourism sector accounted for 64.3% of Group revenue, while the Maritime & Freight Logistics sector and Strategic Investments sector contributed 19.4% and 13.9% respectively.
Sectoral Performance.
The Group’s Maritime & Freight Logistics sector reported profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 2.2 billion, making it the largest contributor towards the Group profits in the first half of 2025/26. However, the sector recorded a marginal dip in its operational profits, mainly due to lower contributions from its equity accounted investees in the South Asian region.
The profit from operations recorded by the Group’s Tourism sector for the first half of the year was Rs. 686.1 million, an 86.5% growth over that of the previous year. Strong occupancy recorded throughout the resorts in Sri Lanka coupled with increases in rates were the main driving force towards this growth in performance. Hotels in the international markets, including the Maldives, also delivered a steady performance, although pressure from intensifying competition has somewhat affected the growth in occupancy.
The Group’s Strategic Investments sector recorded profits from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 352.6 million. Within this sector, the printing segment delivered a robust performance with a two-fold increase in profits, reflecting the segment’s operational strength and market resilience. Conversely, the garments segment continued to face challenges due to ongoing global economic pressures affecting the industry. Despite these headwinds, the sector as a whole remains a vital component of the Group’s overall portfolio, encompassing the renewable energy and plantations segments and plays a significant role in the Group’s strategic objectives and future growth initiatives.
The Group’s Services sector achieved a profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 577.0 million, primarily driven by the recently commenced BPO operations in Port City Colombo.
(Aitken Spence)
Business
SLT-MOBITEL becomes first in Sri Lanka to achieve fastest 5G speeds exceeding 10Gbps
SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka’s digital journey achieving the highest-ever 5G speeds in the country, exceeding 10Gbps recently, on its advanced 5G Standalone (SA) ready network, under TRCSL 5G trial approval.
The milestone surpasses previous records and demonstrates SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to driving Sri Lanka’s digital evolution with cutting-edge technology and future-ready connectivity.
The trial showcased 5G Advanced technologies such as Massive MIMO, 5CC carrier aggregation in C band and mmWave spectrum, setting a new standard for mobile connectivity in Sri Lanka.
In addition to this record-breaking achievement, SLT-MOBITEL has expanded the 5G trial network to 18 districts islandwide, positioning a wider presence 5G network for commercial launch.
As the National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL is leading the way, advancing Sri Lanka’s digital future, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, can benefit from world-class connectivity through its superior network. The inclusivity also supports the country’s digital transformation agenda, enabling advancements in healthcare, education, enterprise, and daily lifestyles.
In 2019, SLT-MOBITEL showcased South Asia’s first 5G trial deployment over a mobile network, connecting a mobile smartphone to its 5G trial network with record speeds. SLT-MOBITEL was also the first to demonstrate 5G SA & NSA hybrid trial deployment in Sri Lanka indicating advancements in 5G technology.
Business
Nations Trust Bank delivers PAT of LKR 14.9Bn for 9 months
Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the 9 months ending 30th September 2025, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 14.9Bn, up 23% YoY. The Bank’s performance is underpinned by strong asset growth, steady Net Interest Margins (NIMs) and asset quality with a Net Stage 3 Ratio of 1.03%. A strong capital base continued to be the foundation of the Bank’s growth story with a Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.20%, highlighting the Bank’s success in implementing a well-structured strategy.
Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha D Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance in 3Q 2025 demonstrates NTB’s financial strength and the successful execution of a clearly defined strategy. Customer lending grew by LKR 131Bn, a 45% increase over the first nine months, significantly contributing to the growth of businesses and economic revival across customer segments. This demonstrates our focus on service excellence, digital empowerment and strategic planning that places our customers at the centre of everything we do. Our robust capital position and strong liquidity buffers continue to highlight our strength and readiness for sustained growth.”
As a result of efficient asset-liability management and prudent pricing strategies, the Bank was able to sustain a NIM of 6.15%. The Bank’s Earnings Per Share for the nine months ending 30th September 2025 increased to LKR 45.10, against LKR 36.80 recorded during the same period last year. Asset quality remained sound, with the Net Stage 3 Ratio contained at 1.03%, underscoring effective credit risk management.
Strong financial performance continues to bolster NTB’s capital base with a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 18.90% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 20.03%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.
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