Business
JKH records EBITDA of Rs.8.06 billion in Q2 2023/24
Summarised below are the key operational and financial highlights of our performance during the quarter under review:
During the quarter under review, the Group’s businesses, except for Transportation and Property, recorded growth in profitability.
Group EBITDA at Rs.8.06 billion in the second quarter of 2023/24 is a decrease of 13% against Group EBITDA of Rs.9.29 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, mainly due to the lower EBITDA in the Transportation industry group. In the second quarter of the previous year, the Group’s Bunkering business recorded a substantial increase in profitability in its core ship bunkering operations driven by higher margins on account of the significant increase in global fuel oil prices.
The functional reporting currency of Waterfront Properties (Private) Limited (WPL), the project company of the Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, was changed from US Dollars (USD) to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) given the impending transition of the project from construction to an operational business next year. The depreciation of the LKR against the USD post-transition resulted in a non-cash exchange loss of Rs.2.14 billion on the USD 225 million term loan facility at WPL, which is recognised under Finance Cost in the Leisure industry group.
Excluding the impact of the abovementioned exchange loss recorded on the USD 225 million term loan facility, Group PBT stood at Rs.1.99 billion, a decrease of 23% against the second quarter of 2022/23. PBT was further impacted by the notional non-cash interest charged on the convertible debentures issued to HWIC Asia Fund (HWIC) in August 2022, amounting to approximately Rs.800 million compared to approximately Rs.460 million in the second quarter of the last year.
Further to the ongoing discussions with prospective gaming operators, WPL entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a leading international gaming operator. This MOU consists of the framework for investing into and operating of a casino at the Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort as well as the commercial framework between the parties. As originally envisaged, WPL will lease out space at the Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort for the operation of the casino. On finalising details of the fit-out and equipping costs and conclusion of the lease agreement, a detailed disclosure will be made.
The groundwork on the West Container Terminal (WCT-1) at the Port of Colombo is progressing well with all construction work relating to the first phase of the project (800 meters of quay length) being awarded.
In line with expectations and actions undertaken by the businesses, both the Beverages and Frozen Confectionery businesses recorded an improvement in margins on account of declining raw material prices together with the stabilisation of the Rupee. (JKH)
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.”
