Business
Aitken Spence achieves 33% growth in 2Q PBT from non-tourism sectors
Aitken Spence PLC non-tourism sectors reported a Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) of Rs 1.13 Bn in 2Q, a growth of 33% compared to the previous year in the midst of challenging economic conditions. These sectors also reported an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest Expense, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) of Rs 1.59 Bn prior to the impact of forex compared to 2Q of previous year.
The Group’s non-tourism sectors continued their positive performance since commencement of full operations after the lockdown in May 2020. The non-tourism sectors include companies in the plantations, renewable energy, maritime & freight logistics, apparel, insurance, elevator agency, printing & packaging, money transfer and maritime education & management segments.
The Group’s new iconic venture, Sri Lanka’s first waste-to-energy project with an investment of Rs. 13 Bn will commence operations by the end of the year, overcoming all setbacks experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This project will provide a sustainable solution to the Colombo city’s waste management problem whilst adding renewable energy to the country’s energy profile.
The Group’s plantation segment recorded an excellent performance during the quarter with a profit growth of over 140%. The maritime & freight logistics sector also performed remarkably to record a 17% increase in profits for the period. The apparel manufacturing segment delivered a six-fold growth in profits whilst the printing & packaging segment recorded a turnaround during the quarter. Further outstanding performances were seen from the insurance, elevator agency, and money transfer segments in the services sector that recorded a profit growth of 35%.
The Group’s tourism sector EBITDA for 2Q was a loss of Rs. 940 Mn since it was largely affected by curtailments in international travel that impacted the Group’s destination management, hotels and airline GSA. However, these companies commenced operations post-lockdown by serving the local customers and introduced new and exciting experiences to serve this clientele. By offering customised excursions with unique experiences to the local market, the destination management segment of the Group handled nearly 9,000 local clients during the quarter.
With the easing of the lock down restrictions, Aitken Spence Hotels in Sri Lanka commenced operations in the second quarter catering to the local clientele. All hotel properties were highly patronised and recorded satisfactory occupancy levels throughout the quarter. Due to the second wave of Covid-19 in October, operations have once again been curtailed; however, it is hoped that a new-normality will prevail with the implementation of all required health protocols.
Most of the hotels and resorts representing the Heritance and Adaaran brands in the Maldives commenced operations and are seeing an upward trend in the bookings. Maldives as a destination has attracted over 40,000 tourist arrivals since the opening of the country to international traffic post Covid-19 lockdown. Turyaa Chennai and Al Falaj Oman, remains operational throughout the period recording moderate occupancy levels and food and beverage revenue through the domestic traffic secured by these hotels. Aitken Spence Group recorded an EBITDA of nearly Rs. 600 Mn for both tourism and non-tourism sectors for the Quarter.
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
