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Teejay ends 2022-23 with 70% revenue growth despite tough H2

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Teejay Lanka chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

Sri Lanka’s first multinational textile manufacturer Teejay Lanka PLC has ended 2022-23 with noteworthy revenue and gross profit growth demonstrating its resilience in the face of external challenges and higher taxation that pressured profits in the second half of the year.

In a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), the Group reported revenue of Rs 84 billion for the 12 months ending 31st March 2023, reflecting healthy growth of 70%. Revenue for the fourth quarter was up 28% to Rs 17.3 billion. The Group said revenue growth was the result of an increase of average selling prices on a YOY basis and the depreciation of the Rupee.

The Group posted gross profit of Rs 6.4 billion for the year, a 39% improvement over the previous year, but witnessed a drop in its gross profit margin from 8.1% to 6.9% in the fourth quarter when compared with the same quarter of the previous year, with capacity underutilisation in all three plants continuing from the third quarter due to the softness in the market, increases in fixed costs due to expansion, and higher operating costs.

The Group’s profit before tax for the year improved by 9% to Rs 3.1 billion, but declined by 54% to Rs 409.1 million for the fourth quarter. Income tax nearly tripled to Rs 984.4 million for the full year, and almost quadrupled to Rs 257 million in the fourth quarter as a result of an increase in the tax rate from 14% to 30%. Consequently, the Group’s net profit of Rs 2.1 billion for the year reflected a decline of 16%, while net profit for the fourth quarter was down 82% to Rs 152.4million.

Despite these challenges the Group ended the year with a noteworthy cash and cash equivalent balance of Rs 11.2 billion, an improvement of 36% over the preceding financial year as a result of liquidation of inventory.

Commenting on the challenges faced by the Group Teejay Lanka Chairman Mr Ajit Gunewardene said: “The volatility in the industry persisted throughout the financial year, with the second half of the year being worse than the first half. The Group remained resilient by implementing strategies and innovative solutions to buffer the effects of these external shocks. Although currently experiencing headwinds, we expect an improvement in the forecast year with a pick-up of momentum in the second half of the year.”

Teejay Lanka CEO Mr Pubudu De Silva said the Group views the upcoming financial year with an optimistic lens. “We have set up the necessary infrastructure and tools to consolidate our services. Digitalization, reduction of costs, new product development, improving synthetic capacity, and the upliftment and empowerment of our human capital will be our priorities going forward,” he said. “The immediate six months are expected to be faced with continuing volatility, but the Group is confident that it has deployed the necessary resources to remain resilient.”

Teejay Lanka was the first textile manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive membership of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, and is a public quoted company with 40 per cent public ownership. The company is backed by Sri Lanka’s largest apparel exporter Brandix Lanka which has a 32 per cent stake. Pacific Textiles of Hong Kong, whose key shareholder is the Tokyo Stock Exchange listed Toray Industries Inc., owns 27 per cent of Teejay Lanka.



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Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

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The number of infections with data-stealing malware, 2020-2024 (Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence)

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.

Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.

Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.

On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.

“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.

The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.

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ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

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Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar and members of the senior management accepting one of the ACCA awards.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.

The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.

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UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

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(From left to right) Deepthi Hewageegana (CEO - UTE), Mani Rajan (Director Distribution - India), Joe Moscato (Vice President - Distribution - Japan & Asia South (India & SE Asia) Caterpillar Inc), Raja Nanayakkara (Chairman / MD - NEM Construction), Prasan Fernando (Chairman - UTE), Priath Fernando - (Director - UTE), Duminda Perera (Senior General Manager - Operations)

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.

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