Business
Seylan Bank reports impressive 1H 2023 profitability and strong growth
Seylan Bank, has demonstrated exceptional resilience and growth in challenging market conditions, recording an impressive Profit before Tax (PBT) of LKR 4.2 billion, a 104.65% increase for 1H 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. In addition, the Bank achieved a commendable Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 2.6 billion, a 71.29% growth over the corresponding period in the previous year.
The Bank’s strong financial performance is highlighted by key indicators that underscore its pledge to excellence and sustainable growth. The Bank maintained a healthy liquidity position with adequate buffers in terms of liquidity and capital for future growth.
The Overall Statutory Liquid Assets Ratio was 32.30% as of 1H 2023, ensuring the ability to meet and exceed regulatory requirements and support operations effectively. Additionally, reflecting its commitment to maintain a robust financial foundation, Seylan Bank continues to be well capitalized, boasting a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.51% as of 1H 2023. Demonstrating a further prudent approach is the well-maintained Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio at 11.85%.
Notably, Seylan Bank’s Net Interest (NII) Income increased by 21.47%, reaching LKR 20.5 billion, while Net Interest Margin remained steady at 6%. The Bank’s net fee-based income also experienced robust growth of 26.72%, amounting to LKR 3.5 billion, driven by increased earnings from Debit and Credit Card Related Income, Commission on Guarantees, and remittances.
Seylan Bank’s total operating income recorded a notable growth of 13.31%, totalling LKR 24.6 billion for the first half of 2023. This impressive trajectory can be attributed to the Bank’s strategic focus on enhancing Net Interest Income, Net Fee and Commission Income, and other contributing factors.
While the Bank witnessed a reduction in certain income categories due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, Seylan Bank remained steadfast to optimizing its cost structure. The total Expenses have increased by 25.88%, reflecting measures taken to enhance employee benefits and adjust to changes in the economic landscape. Despite these challenges, the Bank remains steadfast in implementing cost-efficient strategies to maintain operational excellence.
A key highlight of Seylan Bank’s performance is the prudent management of impairment charges, which decreased by 15.88% from the previous year. The Bank’s commitment to maintaining adequate provisions to reflect changes in the global and local economy, customer credit risk profiles, and loan portfolio quality and expanded recoveries structure are part of its meticulous approach.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
