Business
Hela Apparel Holdings completes landmark year of growth and consolidation
Amidst a host of global and local challenges, Hela Apparel Holdings PLC recorded a landmark year of growth in FY 2021/22, with revenue increasing by 75% to LKR 56 Bn. Profits attributable to equity holders also increased to LKR 813 MN, compared to LKR 767 MN in FY 2020/21. In addition, the company’s successful listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange earlier this year has contributed to a significant strengthening in its balance sheet, positioning it well for further expansion.
On a quarterly basis, the Group continued in its strong growth trajectory into the fourth quarter with a 49% rise in revenue, when compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. That said, persistent increases in global commodity prices and freight costs weighed on profit margins during the quarter, while ongoing disruptions to global supply chains and a temporary labour dispute which led to an unplanned closure of the plant for over a week at the company’s Kenyan manufacturing facility also affected the performance.
“Despite a challenging final quarter, FY 2021/22 was a historic year for Hela with exceptional revenue growth reflecting the strength of demand in the Company’s key export markets, as well as its successful customer engagement strategies. We are also pleased to see the improvement in the Group’s balance sheet with the support of the IPO proceeds, which places it in a strong position for further expansion” said A.R. Rasiah, Chairman of Hela Apparel Holdings as he shared his thoughts on the results. The Group’s Debt-to-Equity ratio dropped to 2.4 as of 31st March 2022, compared to 4.0 at the close of the previous financial year, as it implemented the intended debt settlement funded by the IPO proceeds.
Dilanka Jinadasa, Group CEO of Hela Apparel Holdings said “Hela’s order book remains strong and our main focus during the coming months will be on navigating the current local and global challenges while also implementing comprehensive margin improvement measures. In this context, while we expect revenue growth to be more measured in FY 2022/23, profitability should continue to improve as external pressures ease and cost management measure take effect”. He further added, “we continue to hope for positive changes in Sri Lanka that will provide greater political and economic stability in the coming months. These factors remain crucial to ensure the uninterrupted operation and growth of the apparel manufacturing sector in the country.”
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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