Business
Commercial Leasing & Finance PLC posts historic profits in FY2020/21
Says key factor for this was the two-pronged strategy adopted to navigate the unprecedented year
Profit Before Tax up by 34% over previous year to record Rs. 2.67 Bn
Profit After Tax soars by 43% to reach Rs. 2.2 Bn
60,000 moratoriums granted to support customers
Gross Portfolio growth of 15%
Deposit growth of 32%
NPLs at 6.49% against industry average of over 13.87%
Provision cover of 107% over NPLs
In its most impressive performance yet, Commercial Leasing & Finance PLC (CLC) recorded its best-ever financial year despite the severe challenges arising from the COVID-19 global pandemic through the year, achieving a growth of 34% in Profit Before Tax over the previous year to record Rs. 2.67 Bn, while Profit After Tax rose by as much as 43% over the preceding year to reach Rs. 2.2 Bn. Meanwhile, Cost of funds decreased by as much as 23% to record Rs. 4,737 Mn in the year under review.
The key factor for CLC’s success was its two-pronged strategy to navigate the unprecedented year: strengthening customer relationships and helping customers to plan their financial commitments as reflected in the 60,000 moratoriums granted by the Company, which accounts for approximately one-third of its loan portfolio in 2020/21. The Company’s support and guidance was highly appreciated by customers who responded positively by servicing their commitments thereafter in a timely manner. Deposits grew by 32% during the year under review. CLC remained mindful of the fact that that it needed to partner SMEs and micro business customers especially in times of such crises. In contrast, with the downturn in the Non-Banking Finance Industry (NBFI), CLC recorded a gross portfolio growth of 15%.
Another impressive achievement by the Company during 2020/21 is the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio of 6.49% which is less than half of the industry average, thus reflecting the healthy portfolio of the company. Despite the strong portfolio, CLC has 107% provision cover over the NPL portfolio which is almost 100% asset backed. This reflects not only the Company’s financial stability but also its potential to sustain such a performance in the future as well.
CLC Executive Director/CEO Krishan Thilakaratne said, “Delivering the highest profitability amidst one of the most disruptive years in the nation’s history is a testimonial to the people and processes at CLC. More importantly, this milestone was gained while supporting customers whose businesses were badly affected by the pandemic through which we earned the trust of our customer base. The confidence placed in CLC by the regulator is also at its highest as the Company achieved a capital base of Rs. 21 Bn, which amounts to a capital adequacy ratio of 19.44% as against the minimum regulatory ratio of 6.5%. What excites us the most is the fact that we achieved growth in profits in a sustainable manner.”
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”