Business
Aitken Spence records strong performance with EBITDA of Rs. 7.8 Bn for 3Q 2023/24
The leading blue-chip conglomerate, Aitken Spence PLC reported an EBITDA (earnings before interest cost, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) of Rs. 7.8 billion for the third quarter of 2023/24, a growth of 11.8% over that of the third quarter of the previous year. The Group’s EBIT (Earnings before total interest) for the quarter stood at Rs. 5.3 billion which was a year-on-year growth of 20.7%.
The Group achieved a Profit Before Tax (PBT) in the third quarter of 2023/24, nearly doubling that of the same period of the previous year, reaching Rs. 3.4 billion, while the cumulative first nine months PBT stood at Rs. 1.7 billion.
The rise in quarterly profits was primarily driven by a 15.0% surge in revenue, reaching Rs. 30.7 billion for the period September to December 2023. The notable growth was predominantly observed in the tourism sector, which experienced a year-on-year increase in revenue of 40.3%.
The Group’s Tourism sector was the highest contributor towards the overall EBITDA in the quarter recording Rs. 5.1 billion, with the Maritime and Freight Logistics sector following with an EBITDA of Rs. 1.3 billion. The Group’s Strategic Investments sector and Services sector demonstrated consistent performance throughout the quarter as well.
The Group’s Tourism sector experienced a marked improvement in performance, in Sri Lanka attributable to the surge in tourist arrivals to the country by 143%, resulting in an increase in occupancy rates in the local hotels and the number of tourists handled by the destination management company. The Maldives too witnessed an increase in tourist arrivals during the quarter enhancing the results of the Maldives resorts.
The Group’s Maritime and Freight Logistics sector though significantly contributing towards the bottom line; faced challenges as global freight rates declined, compounded by the adverse effects of the LKR’s appreciation. This situation affected a significant portion of the sector’s businesses, given that many of the sector’s business activities are conducted overseas or are linked to the USD and other foreign currencies.
In November-December 2023, Aitken Spence PLC joined the Sri Lankan delegation to COP 28 as private sector sponsors. For the first time, the Ministry of Environment opened the national delegation attending the conference of parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to include youth, NGOs and private sector sponsors as participants.
Accordingly, Aitken Spence supported this effort and made a presentation on private sector’s role to achieve Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and hosted a panel discussion on accelerating the private sector’s action towards climate ambitions in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, Aitken Spence is the first conglomerate in Sri Lanka to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to work towards net zero status of emission. During the quarter the company focused on building necessary capacity and awareness to develop their net zero pathway.
Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence is anchored to a heritage of excellence spanning over 150 years and driven by a team of more than 13,000 across 16 industries in 10 countries: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Fiji, India, Oman, Myanmar, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Singapore.
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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