Business
LOLC retains the top spot in the LMD 100 as the Most Profitable Listed Entity, three years in a row
Having recorded a whopping post-tax profit of Rs. 53 billion, LOLC retains the No. 1 spot in the 28th edition of the LMD 100 as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Profitable Listed Company’ in 2020/21. LOLC, Sri Lanka’s most valuable and globally diversified financial conglomerate, shattered the corporate profit records in Sri Lanka for the 2020/21 financial year by achieving unprecedented bottom line results of Rs. 57Bn in Profit Before Tax (PBT). As a result of achieving profits on this massive scale in the history of Sri Lanka’s corporate world, the Group was able to consolidate its position as the topmost profitable diversified corporate in the country, three years in a row – carving out a name for LOLC as one of the largest Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) platforms in the world.
Speaking about the achievement, LOLC Group Managing Director/CEO, Kapila Jayawardena said, “To become Sri Lanka’s Most Profitable Listed Company for three consecutive years is a result of our strategic diversification, into different industries and across borders. This was possible due to our strong operational capabilities that gives us a unique competitive advantage. That is why, we were able to steer through a pandemic with extended periods of a least favourable business climate. Despite the global economic downturn, multilateral and bilateral funding agencies have continued to work closely with us and this reflects the confidence placed in us and the growth potential that LOLC has exhibited throughout, even during the most turbulent of times.”
During the FY 2020/21, LOLC successfully infused a significant amount of foreign exchange into Sri Lanka’s economy through the 1st tranche divestment of PRASAC in Cambodia. It was the largest ever transaction recorded by a Sri Lankan entity. The Group also sustained its credit rating of ‘SL A’ amidst a year engulfed by the many challenges posed as a result of the pandemic. LOLC also did not retrench or enforce pay cuts on any of its employees locally or overseas even during these turbulent times. Moreover, the conglomerate continued its sustainability initiatives through its various corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green initiatives. For instance, 76% of the electricity consumed by the Group in Sri Lanka was generated by renewable energy sources minimising LOLC’s carbon footprint.
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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