Business
Ideal Finance further ramps up branch network in rapid expansion drive
Opens branches in Chunnakam, Nelliady, Ja-Ela and Kaduwela
Adding momentum to its expansion drive, a key component of the company’s growth strategy, Ideal Finance Limited (IFL) opened four branches in strategic locations in the Western and Northern Provinces, strengthening its network to 17 locations.
IFL, which earlier announced plans to more than double its branch network within the current financial year, by adding 16 new locations, opened the new branches in Chunnakam, Nelliady, Ja-Ela and Kaduwela. These branches will offer IFL’s comprehensive suite of financial solutions including Fixed Deposits, Leasing Facilities and Gold Loans.
“The timely expansion of Ideal Finance’s footprint in key rural, urban and semi-urban areas enables our customers to access our services more easily, while also positioning the company to benefit from economic transitions taking place within the country,” Ideal Finance Deputy Chairman, Aravinda De Silva said. “The strengthening of the branch network will support in achieving the company’s growth strategy, which we are confident will propel Ideal Finance to the next phase in its progression.”
The opening of the new branches enhances IFL’s presence in significant commercial centres with high-growth potential within the Northern and Western provinces.
IFL’s rapid expansion drive follows the company attracting LKR 2 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL). MMFSL is now Ideal’s finance’s largest shareholder with a 58.2% stake. This provides IFL the backing of a massive financial giant with over USD 11 billion assets under management, which far exceeds that of Sri Lanka’s entire banking industry.
Reflecting the enhanced stability of Ideal Finance following the receipt of the investment from MMFSL, Fitch Ratings upgraded IFL’s rating (from ‘BB-(lka)’ to ‘AA-(lka)’), with a stable outlook.
IFL also announced its best-ever annual financial performance in the last financial year (ended 31st March 2021), emphatically overcoming the impact of the pandemic. The company improved all key financial indicators from the previous year. Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 76% to LKR 288.4 million, on a year-on-year (YoY) basis. Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 74% to LKR 183.8 million YoY. Gross Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio improved to 3.3% for the financial year, from 5.2% in the previous year.
Ideal Finance Ltd. (IFL), a NBFI registered with Central Bank of Sri Lanka, commenced operations in March 2012 with a clear focus on the rural and semi-urban sectors. Its lending portfolio consists of gold loans, SME loans, personal loans, leasing facilities for motor cars, three wheelers, agriculture vehicles and commercial vehicles. IFL has developed a quality lending portfolio, while recording sustainable annual growth in profitability.
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
