Business
Sunshine Holdings ups 9-month revenue by 60% despite challenges

Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings (CSE: SUN) reported a consolidated revenue of Rs. 38.6 billion for the nine months ending 31 December 2022 (9MFY23), an increase of 60% YoY compared to the corresponding period of last year.
Profit after tax (PAT) for the period in review rose to Rs. 3.8 billion, an increase of 5.6% YoY, despite contraction in volumes and higher interest cost. The gross profit amounted to Rs. 10.2 billion, up 25.3% YoY compared to the previous year, in line with the Group’s revenue growth. Gross profit margin for the period in review stood at 26.4%, which is a contraction of 730 basis points against the same period last year. Profit attributable to equity shareholders (PATMI) was Rs. 2.2 billion for 9MFY23, an increase of 21.2% YoY.
The Group’s Healthcare business emerged as the largest contributor to Sunshine’s top-line performance, accounting for 45.7% of total revenue. Consumer and Agribusiness sectors of the Group contributed 36.5% and 17.2% respectively of the total revenue. In April 2022, Sunshine Tea (Pvt) Ltd, which is a tea export business, was acquired by the Group and its performance is consolidated under Consumer Goods sector w.e.f. 1st April 2022.
Commenting on the performance, Sunshine Holdings Chairman Amal Cabraal said, “Amidst tough market conditions, the notable growth in revenue is attributed to strong contributions from all our business sectors on the back of well executed strategies. In the short to medium term, we expect the operating environment to remain challenging. Unprecedentedly high finance costs, soaring inflation along with significantly increased tax rates impacting disposable income and dampening consumption and key export markets experiencing recessionary conditions are some of the key challenges that need to be overcome. The effects of the economic crisis and consequent corrective measures are leading to talent migration and talent retention has become increasingly challenging. With sharper and more agile planning and operational excellence across all sectors, the Group will remain focused on adding value to its local customers and consumers and leverage its recently acquired export business to deliver growth outside Sri Lanka.”
Healthcare
Group’s Healthcare segment generated Rs. 17.6 billion in turnover during 9MFY23, representing a significant growth of 36.3% YoY on the back of improved performance in Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices segments. Lina, the Pharma manufacturing business of the Group, experienced revenue growth mainly due to price revisions together with the revenue earned from Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) sales to the government. The first MDI sale was made in the month of July 2022 marking the commencement of commercial operations in Lina Spiro. The Healthcare sector PAT decreased by 2.5% YoY.
Consumer Goods
Recording a 133.8% increase in revenue compared to the corresponding period of last year, the Consumer Goods Sector recorded a revenue close to Rs. 14.1 billion. Excluding the new addition of Sunshine Tea, revenue growth stood at 30.7%. Both tea and confectionary categories have seen a noteworthy increase in revenue during the period in review. The PAT of the sector amounted to Rs. 498 million (up 115.7% YoY) compared to the same period last year.
Agribusiness
The Group’s agribusiness sector, represented by Watawala Plantations PLC (WATA) and Watawala Dairy Limited (WDL), saw a revenue increase of 32.1% YoY to Rs. 6.6 billion. EBIT margin for 9MFY23 stood at 41.5%, against 56.2%in the corresponding period last year, owing to increased cost of bought crop and reduction in crop volumes by 6.32% YoY. PAT of the Agri sector closed at Rs. 2.6 billion for 9MFY23, down 2.8% YoY compared to the same period last year.
About Sunshine Holdings
Sunshine Holdings PLC is a diversified conglomerate contributing to ‘nation-building’ by creating value in vital sectors of the Sri Lankan economy – healthcare, consumer goods and agribusiness. Established in 1967, the group is now home to leading Sri Lankan brands such as Zesta Tea, Watawala Tea, Ran Kahata, Daintee Confectionary and Healthguard Pharmacy, with over 2,300 employees and revenue of Rs. 39 billion YTD 2022/23. The business units comprise of Sunshine Healthcare Lanka, Sunshine Consumer Lanka and Watawala Plantations PLC, which are leaders in their respective sectors and many of them certified as a “Great Place to Work” in 2021.
Business
Oil prices rise as Saudi Arabia pledges output cuts – Opec+

Oil-producing countries have agreed to continued cuts in production in a bid to shore up flagging prices.
Saudi Arabia said it would make cuts of a million barrels per day (bpd) in July and Opec+ said targets would drop by a further 1.4 million bpd from 2024.
Opec+ accounts for around 40% of the world’s crude oil and its decisions can have a major impact on oil prices.
In Asia trade on Monday, Brent crude oil rose by as much as 2.4% before settling at around $77 a barrel.
The seven hour-long meeting on Sunday of the oil-rich nations, led by Russia, came against a backdrop of falling energy prices.
Total production cuts, which Opec+ has undertaken since October 2022, reached 3.66 million bpd, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Opec+, a formulation which refers to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, had already agreed to cut production by two million bpd, about 2% of global demand.
(BBC)
Business
Manpower services agency wins accolades for its contribution to foreign employment sector

Its MD says. ‘go abroad only if you can work hard’
Siraj Manpower Services, one of Sri Lanka’s leading foreign employment agencies, was honoured with the Three-Star Award at the ‘Golden Awards’ 2023, organised by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). This award ceremony was organised to honour foreign employment agencies that have made a significant contribution to the development of the foreign employment sector, which is a major source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. Siraj Cafoor, Managing Director of Siraj Manpower Services, was presented with the award at the award ceremony which was held at the BMICH in Colombo under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Employment and Labour Manusha Nanayakkara.
Having been established in 2002, Siraj Manpower Services (www.sirajmanpower.lk) has earned a reputation in the field of foreign employment by winning the trust of customers for more than 20 years. It has been offering job opportunities in the Middle East countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia as housekeepers, drivers, sanitation workers, labourers and also jobs related to the apparel industry. All these workers are entitled to approved salary scales certified by the SLBFE.
“We always stand for the safety of workers who go abroad through our organisation. We work to solve the problems that arise in relation to the contracts that the workers have entered into. I must mention something special to those who go abroad for employment. That is, you should keep in mind that you go abroad only to work. Go abroad only if you can work hard. You have to remember that you are going abroad to earn some more money and achieve the advancement of your family.” said Siraj Cafoor.
Business
Direct flights between Istanbul and Katunayake to commence from August

A special discussion between Turkish Ambassador – Demet Sekercioglu and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva took place last week at the ministry office. The aim of the discussion was to seek authorization to commence direct flights from the Turkish Capital Istanbul to Katunayake, Sri Lanka. The Chief of Turkish Airlines’ South Asia Office Fathi Bozkurt was also present during the discussion.
Currently, Turkish Airlines connects with Sri Lanka through a route that includes a stopover in the Maldives, resulting in an additional travel time of one and a half hours. The delay caused by this routing is not favored by travelers, as emphasized by the Ambassador.
The Chief of Turkish Airlines requested for time and space to be allocated in order to initiate direct flights between Istanbul and Katunaike, thus providing convenience for Turkish tourists and travelers who prefer visit Sri Lanka.
The Minister announced that the request would be forwarded to the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited. The aim is to establish direct flights between Istanbul and Katunayake starting from August this year.
Turkish Airlines, a renowned airline with a fleet of over 100 aircraft, offers flights connecting Europe’s Vancouver and New York. The Chief of Turkish Airlines said that the new service would not only benefit European travelers but also encourage them to travel to Sri Lanka.
-
News6 days ago
Police looking for security guard of Sirisena’s brother
-
Latest News6 days ago
Jadeja’s nerveless hitting gifts Chennai Super Kings fifth IPL title
-
News7 days ago
Sri Lankans living abroad can apply for a new passport or renew their passport online from 01 June
-
Features6 days ago
Sri Lanka’s ignorance matches that of US – II
-
Features6 days ago
President’s efforts require parliamentary support
-
News6 days ago
Six Lankan victims of trafficking repatriated from Myanmar
-
Business6 days ago
Havelock City Mall to be launched
-
Features6 days ago
Excitement galore for Janaka