Business
JKH records EBITDA of Rs.9.23 billion in Q1 2023/24
Summarised below are the key operational and financial highlights of our performance during the quarter under review:
Group PBT at Rs.1.40 billion in the first quarter of the financial year 2023/24 is a decrease over the Rs.14.80 billion recorded in the previous financial year. The first quarter of the previous year included Rs.10.12 billion of net exchange gains recorded on its US Dollar denominated cash holdings at the Holding Company, resulting from the steep depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar during the quarter, whereas the quarter under review recorded corresponding net exchange losses amounting to Rs.359 million. In addition, PBT was also impacted on account of the higher finance expenses due to the high interest rate regime and the interest charged on the convertible debentures issued to HWIC Asia Fund (HWIC) in August 2022.
During the quarter under review, Sri Lanka continued to witness normal day-to-day activities with all key macro-economic indicators showing sustained improvement, with inflation and interest rates recording a decline and the Rupee appreciating on the back of improved foreign exchange inflows and confidence.
Krishan Balendra_ Chairperson
Most of the Group’s businesses, particularly in Transportation and Leisure, had a negative impact on the financial performance due to the translation impact on account of the appreciation of the Rupee by approximately 15% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
Group EBITDA at Rs.9.23 billion in the first quarter of the financial year 2023/24 is a decrease of 31% over the EBITDA of Rs.13.33 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2022/23, mainly due to the lower EBITDA at the Transportation and Leisure industry groups.
The groundwork on the West Container Terminal (WCT-1) at the Port of Colombo is progressing well with the entirety of the dredging works for both phases completed in May 2023. The construction of the quay wall has been awarded and preliminary work has commenced.
The Beverages business recorded a growth in EBITDA given the decline in input costs which are now translating to positive margin impacts on account of the stabilising raw material prices and the appreciation of the Rupee. The volume decline in both the Beverages and Frozen Confectionery businesses have shown encouraging recovery compared to the steep volume declines witnessed in the two previous quarters.
The Supermarket business recorded a strong performance in revenue during the quarter, particularly in the seasonal month of April, with same store sales recording an encouraging growth of 23%, primarily driven by customer footfall growth of 15%. The increase in revenue, as witnessed during the quarter, is expected to drive an improvement in EBITDA together with the benefits accruing from various productivity and cost efficiency initiatives. (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.”
