Business
‘Sampath Bank maintains a strong value proposition to all its stakeholders amidst ongoing economic challenges’
The Bank succeeded in raising Rs 10 Bn in Tier 2 capital via a debenture issue in February 2023. Despite the depressing economic outlook in the Country, the issue was oversubscribed – a testament to the investor confidence placed in Sampath Bank and widespread acceptance of the stability and prudent governance of the Bank. The newly obtained capital will enable the Bank to rise above and prevail as one of the Country’s pre-eminent Bank.
Sampath Bank registered a profit before tax (PBT) of Rs 4.5 Bn and a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2.6 Bn for the three months ended 31st March 2023, indicating a decline of 30.5% and 44.3% respectively from the figures reported in 1Q 2022. This decline was mainly attributed to the exchange losses recorded during the quarter as a result of the appreciation of LKR by Rs 39 against the USD on its foreign currency reserves. All other income lines recorded performance well above the previous period.
Key highlights of financial results declared by Sampath Bank and the Group for 1Q 2023 compared to 1Q 2022:
Strong NII buttressed by the higher AWPLR.
19% increase in net fee and commission income driven by trade-related operations
As a result of the appreciation of LKR against USD by Rs 39 in 1Q 2023 vs depreciation of Rs 93.75 in 1Q 2022, the exchange income declined by Rs 10.9 Bn.
27% increase in impairment provision on loans and advances.
The high inflationary conditions resulting in 22% increase in operational expenses.
The upward revision in Income Tax rate and the introduction of SSCL resulting in higher tax expenses.
Group’s PBT and PAT for 1Q 2023 was Rs 5 Bn and Rs 3 Bn respectively, reflecting a decline of 27% and 38% respectively.
Fund based income.
Sampath Bank reported a total interest income of Rs 50.2 Bn in 1Q 2023, up by 102% from the Rs 24.9 Bn recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year. The AWPLR moved up significantly from 9.85% at the end of the first quarter of 2022 to 21.4% at the end of the first quarter of 2023. Because of the higher interest rates that existed throughout the reporting period compared to the preceding period, the Bank was able to register a substantial increase in interest income.
Interest expenses too grew in line with the previously indicated interest rate hikes resulting in the Bank recording a total interest expense of Rs 32.1 Bn in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 183% over the figure reported in the first quarter of 2022. As a result, net interest income increased by 34% in the first quarter of 2023.
However, the Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 5.60% reported at the end of the quarter under review showed a decline of 6 basis points from the figure reported at the end of 2022. The downward trend in AWPLR reported since the end of 2022 was the primary cause of the decline in NIM.
Non-Fund based income.
The Bank’s Net fee and commission income (NFCI) increased by 19% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. NFCI includes income from a variety of sources, including loans and advances, credit cards, trade and electronic channels. First-quarter growth was mainly attributable to the increase in fee and commission income derived from trade and remittance related activities.
Sampath Bank posted a net other operating loss of Rs 4.4 Bn in the first three months of 2023, compared to a gain of Rs 8.7 Bn reported in corresponding period of 2022, denoting a decline of 151%. This was due to the reversal of exchange gain amounting to Rs 4.5 Bn, resulting from the 10.7% appreciation of the LKR against the USD. However, the Bank recorded a net trading gain of Rs 1.7 Bn for the period under review, compared to a loss of Rs 0.4 Bn in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, mainly due to forward exchange contract revaluation gains. On this basis, the Bank’s net exchange loss from foreign exchange operations for the period under review was Rs 2.8 Bn (1Q 2022: A gain of Rs 8 Bn)
(Sampath Bank)
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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