Business
‘Seylan Bank records impressive Profit After Tax of LKR 2.29 Bn in Q1 2024’
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Profit before Tax increased 115% to LKR 3,704 Mn
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Profit after Tax grew 102% to LKR 2,295 Mn
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Overall Statutory Liquid Assets Ratio (SLAR) at 39.42%
Seylan Bank has announced an impressive growth in its Q1 2024 financial results as at 31 March 2024, with a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of LKR 3,704 Mn, marking a 115% increase compared to Q1 2023. The Bank’s Profit After Tax (PAT) also witnessed a remarkable growth of 102%, standing at LKR 2,295 Mn. Despite a challenging environment, Seylan Bank has reported a strong financial performance.
The Bank’s Net Interest Income decreased by 17.71%, from LKR 11,388 Mn to LKR 9,371 Mn over the previous year. While the Net Interest Margin also recorded a reduction from 5.76% in 2023 to 5.24% in Q1 2024. The Bank’s Net Fee-based Income recorded a growth of 3.62%, mainly due to an increase in Card Related Income, Commission on Guarantees, and Income from Trade.
The Bank’s Total Operating Income was at LKR 11,707 Mn, a decrease of 12.51% compared to the corresponding period of 2023, driven mainly by a reduction in Net Interest Income. However, other income captions comprising of net gains from trading activities, net gains from de-recognition of financial assets, and net other operating income, reflected an overall increase of 127.22% compared to the corresponding period of 2023.
The Bank recorded an impairment charge of LKR 1,555 Mn in Q1 2024, a reduction of 75.57% over the corresponding period mainly due to enhanced credit quality and strengthening of recovery initiatives.
Total Operating Expenses recorded an increase of 15.42% from LKR 4,441 Mn to LKR 5,126 Mn for the 3 months ended 31st March 2024. Personnel expenses increased by 21.49% from LKR 2,237 Mn to LKR 2,718 Mn mainly due to increases in staff benefits based on the recently concluded collective agreement. Other Operating Expenses and Depreciation and Amortization expenses also increased by 9.25% due to increase prices in consumables and services over the period demonstrating the Bank’s continued measures to curtail costs through various cost reduction initiatives.
Income tax expenses surged 140.67% to LKR 1,409 Mn from LKR 585 Mn in the comparative period due to higher profits. Value Added Tax on Financial Services increased by 57.77% from LKR 735 million to LKR 1,160 Mn for the first three months of 2024. Additionally, Social Security Contribution Levy rose by 37.35% from LKR 117 Mn to LKR 161 million during the same period.
The Bank’s Total Assets were recorded at LKR 712 Bn as of 31st March 2024. Loans and Advances net of Impairment were recorded at LKR 427 Bn. Deposits reflected a marginal reduction to LKR 590 Bn. Local currency deposits increased by LKR 15.46 Bn, while foreign currency deposits contracted by LKR 16.61 Bn mainly due to local currency appreciation.
The Bank’s performance metrics have also showed improvement during the period under review. The Bank’s Asset Quality Ratios indicated an Impaired Loan (Stage 3) Ratio of 3.89% and an Impairment (Stage 3) to Stage 3 Loans Ratio of 66.75%. Return on Equity (ROE) stood at 14.94% compared to 10.88% in 2023, while Earnings per Share for Q1 2004 increased to LKR 3.61 from LKR 1.79 in Q1 2023.
Key financial ratios and indicators of Seylan Bank PLC remained sound as of 31st March 2024. The capital adequacy ratios were well above the regulatory minimum requirements and recorded 12.69% as Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio and Total Tier 1 Capital Ratio and 15.84% as the Total Capital Ratio.
In addition to its financial achievements, Seylan Bank opened six (06) ‘Seylan Pahasara Libraries’ during the quarter, bringing the total number to 231 as of 31st March 2024.
(Seylan 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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