Business
‘Expolanka Holdings records best-ever financial performance in 3QFY2021’
Propelled by the stellar performance of its Logistics Sector, Expolanka Holdings PLC delivered its strongest ever quarterly financial performance during the three months ended 31st December 2021 (3QFY2021).
Compared with the third quarter of the previous financial year (3QFY2020), Expo delivered a Group Revenue of Rs. 204.9 billion, representing an outstanding 254% year-on-year (YoY) growth. Similarly, group Gross Profit for the quarter stood at Rs. 38.7 billion, up 299% YoY, while Group Profit After Tax (PAT) rose by 405% YoY to Rs. 23.0 billion.
“This remarkable financial performance, our best-ever to date for a single quarter, is a resounding endorsement of Expolanka’s strategy, agility and sound fundamentals,” Expolanka Holdings PLC Executive Director and Group CEO, Hanif Yusoof said. “It is most noteworthy considering that this performance was achieved during a period of unprecedented and rapid change, in which our key markets have seen significant transformation.”
“The Group’s key consumer market, North America, performed well, while European and Asian markets are also opening up,” Yusoof added. “Markets are dynamic and continue to evolve and Expolanka will navigate these changes by continuing to pursue our proven growth strategy, while focusing on the fundamentals of the business, and honing our agility. The Group will also look to leverage on opportunities with the same singular focus in order to ensure continuous value creation for all our valued stakeholders.”
The Logistics Sector’s exceptional performance was the key driver of the Group’s growth during the period. The sector recorded a Revenue of Rs. 203.7 billion – a YoY improvement of 255% YoY, a Gross Profit of Rs. 38.4 billion – an increase of 303% YoY and a Profit After Tax of Rs. 23.0 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 384% YoY in 3QFY2021.
The Group’s outstanding results were driven by its uniquely customer-centric strategy, which enabled expanded volumes across both air and ocean freight products. This enabled the company to continue increasing its wallet share, as well as attract valuable new strategic accounts. The customer portfolio serviced by the company is now diversified, robust and includes a multitude of leading global brands across a variety of key verticals.
The performance was also an endorsement of the company’s regional expansion strategy. Notably, Far Eastern markets witnessed strong growth while established markets such as Sri Lanka and India too performed well.
Despite still recovering from the pandemic, the Group’s Leisure Sector consolidated its performance during the quarter, generating a Revenue of Rs. 298 million, a 243% YoY improvement. The proactive, resilient and long-term focused approach undertaken by the company has driven operational efficiencies across the business.
The Investment Sector recorded a Revenue of Rs. 917 million during the quarter, a growth of 92% YoY, with the export operation being the key contributor. Refocusing the company’s portfolio enabled the sector’s improved performance. Notably, Expolanka’s IT business gained significant traction during the year.
Together with improvements in its financial performance, during the period, the Group also recorded substantial progress in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. For instance, affirming the Group’s commitment to women’s empowerment, Expolanka initiated a project to uplift and empower deserving female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, by providing them with financial support and technical expertise.
Expolanka Holdings PLC is a multinational entity with strong presence in logistics, leisure and investments. The Group began moving into international markets in 1992 and now operates in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Its international presence now extends across 32 countries. In 2011, Expolanka was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, and underwent a significant restructuring process in 2013 to focus on its core business.
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
