Business
Expolanka Holdings consolidates Q2 FY24 performance
Expolanka Holdings PLC have announced its financial performance for the quarter ending 30th September 2023, having successfully navigated through challenging market conditions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability while focusing on long-term strategy.
During the quarter under review, Expolanka Holdings reported a Revenue of Rs. 61.5 billion, with a Gross profit of Rs. 12 billion and a Net loss of Rs. 1.5 billion. For the first half of FY24, the company recorded a revenue of Rs. 117 billion, a Gross profit of Rs. 23.3 billion and a Net loss of Rs. 7.1 billion.
Persistent market challenges continued into the quarter, including high inflation, geopolitical tensions, protectionism, climate concerns and elevated energy costs, causing curtailed demand. The weakening in worldwide commerce due to uncertainty and inflationary pressures dampened consumer and business spending. The economic outlook remained clouded due to the complexity of issues weighing on global growth.
Performance for the quarter was driven by the logistics sector, having recorded a Revenue of Rs. 59.2 billion and a Gross profit of Rs. 11.3 billion. Air and ocean freight volumes declined due to low consumer demand and high retail inventory levels impacting the results. However, Expolanka’s strong customer relationships and network enabled it to maintain market share. The sector delivered a Revenue of Rs. 112.6 billion, a Gross profit of Rs 21.9 billion and a Net loss of Rs. 7.4 billion for the first half of the financial year.
In the period under review, low consumer demand and elevated retail inventory levels have led to reduced retail orders, impacting EFL’s volumes in both Air and Ocean portfolios. While freight capacity improved from its pandemic premium, the increase created excess capacity, causing a sharp decline in freight rates.
However, EFL Global has adapted to the challenging market conditions by maintaining close relationships with existing key accounts and actively pursuing new customers. Despite a decline in volumes due to reduced imports, the company’s strong network presence and customer-centric approach has enabled it to navigate the challenging times.
Expolanka’s strategic focus on enhancing the service portfolio and domestic logistics capabilities have also yielded positive results, with many customers benefiting from the offerings. Recent acquisitions, Trans American Global and the LEI Group, have met expectations, and integration efforts are progressing well.
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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