Business
DFCC Bank rated AA- with Stable Outlook by ICRA Lanka
DFCC Bank was recently assigned an issuer rating of “[SL] AA- with Stable Outlook” by ICRA Lanka Limited. ICRA Lanka Limited (ICRA Lanka) is a Credit Rating Agency licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), and is a fully owned subsidiary of ICRA Limited, India. The ultimate parent company of the international credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, is the indirect majority shareholder of ICRA.
ICRA Lanka’s rating factors in DFCC Bank’s established track record as the pioneer development bank in Sri Lanka (the bank consequently became a fully-fledged commercial bank in 2015), healthy asset quality indicators, and the adequate capitalization profile. The bank has a strong corporate banking focus, with about 44% of the total portfolio comprising corporate lending as at June 2020. The rating also takes cognizance of the healthy asset quality indicators of the bank, with gross NPA (GNPA) of 4.8% as at June 2020, which was lower than the systemic average of 5.3%.The rating factors in the adequate capitalization profile of DFCC, with the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio at 11.1% as at June 2020, above the regulatory requirement of 8.5%. The report also highlights that DFCC bank comfortably meets the minimum core capital requirement set by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka with a reported net worth of about LKR 48 Bn as at June 2020, against the regulatory minimum of LKR 20 Bn by December 2020.
Speaking of credit strengths, the report further highlights that the bank has an established track record of long term financing, as the first development bank in Sri Lanka, having been established in 1955, and as one of the pioneering development banks in the Asian region. The bank has a strong corporate banking focus, with about 44% of the total portfolio comprising corporate lending, followed by the SME and retail segments, contributing to 33% and 18% of the overall portfolio as at June 2020. Some of the most established corporate groups in the country are DFCC’s top clients, as the bank has provided long-term funding for these groups since the inception. As at June 2020, DFCC Bank has a total market share of about 4% in terms of the asset size, with a total asset base of about LKR 435 Bn. Currently, the bank has 140 branches, island-wide.
Speaking on the rating, CEO of DFCC Bank, Lakshman Silva, states the following, “In these turbulent times, we at DFCC are glad that our hard work and commitment to our trade was reflected in the ICRA rating of AA- with Stable Outlook. DFCC Bank will undoubtedly continue to progress towards greater heights prioritizing our valuable customers, employees, shareholders and stakeholders who are the center of our business activities.”
(DFCC)
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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