Business
ComBank ends tough 2020 with ‘platform for growth’
Strong asset and other income growth combined with an emphasis on prudent provisioning in one of the most challenging years on record, have enabled the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group to end 2020 on a stable platform for growth, with better liquidity than most peers and adequate provision cover.
The Group, comprising of Sri Lanka’s benchmark private bank, its subsidiaries and an associate, has reported Gross income of Rs 151.966 billion for the year ending December 31, 2020, which although a marginal improvement over the preceding year, included net interest income of Rs 50.869 billion for the full year and Rs 14.073 billion for the last quarter alone, representing growths of 5.20% and 17.93% respectively.
This growth was attributed to interest expenses reducing by 9.53% to Rs 73.219 billion in a period when interest income declined by 4.02% to Rs 124.088 billion due to the reduction in interest rates and the modification losses incurred on interest concessions granted as pandemic relief to borrowers, that were recognised in the second quarter of the year. The Bank also achieved a creditable improvement to its CASA ratio from 37.10% to 42.72% helping to reduce interest expenses.
One of the noteworthy contributors to performance in the year under review was other income of Rs 16.039 billion, reflecting a growth of 86.97% from Rs 8.578 billion for 2019. This was made possible by net gains from trading improving by 38.01% to Rs 1.878 billion; a net gain of Rs 6.390 billion on derecognition of financial assets, which was an increase of 462.66% over the preceding year; and foreign exchange income growing by 27.87% to Rs 7.396 billion due to a 2.81% depreciation of the Rupee against the Dollar in the period under review, leading to net other operating income improving by 27.77% to Rs 7.771 billion.
Consequently, total operating income of the Group for the year grew by 13.36% to Rs 76.729 billion and by an impressive 17.61% to Rs 20.912 billion for the fourth quarter alone. The impairment charges and provisioning for other losses increased by Rs 10.088 billion or 89.03% YoY, taking impairment charges for the year to Rs 21.420 billion in consideration of certain identified risk-elevated sectors. (ComBank)
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
