Business
People’s Bank achieves LKR 92.7 billion in Consolidated Gross Income in Q1-2024
The People’s Bank reported total consolidated operating income of LKR 20.4 billion and post-tax profit of LKR 2.5 billion, for Q1-2024. Excluding the impact of exceptional adjustments in view of greater prudence considering current macro-economic circumstances, these figures on a normalized basis were otherwise LKR 28.4 billion and LKR 6.6 billion, respectively, reflecting a growth of 18.2% and 35.8%, People’s Bank press release said.
The release added: ‘Consolidated net interest income rose to LKR 16.1 billion during the quarter from LKR 15.3 billion in the same period 2023. On a normalized basis, excluding the impact of any exceptional items, consolidated net interest margins improved to 3.0% from 2.0% during 2023 reflecting the reducing term deposit cost of funding. Consolidated net fees & commissions amount to LKR 3.8 billion – representing a 14.7% growth on a like for like basis. Total consolidated operating expenses amounted to LKR 17.6 billion (2023: LKR 14.4 billion).
‘Total consolidated customers deposits touched LKR 2,808.3 billion (end 2023: LKR 2,745.2 billion) whilst net loans amounted to 1,845.4 billion (end 2023: LKR 1,823.8 billion). The impaired loan ratio also showed improvement relative to end 2023. Total consolidated assets reached LKR 3,264.5 billion at period end (end 2023: LKR 3,208.2 billion).
‘The Bank’s total Tier I and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios were 11.5% and 16.1%, respectively at March 31, 2024 (end 2023: 12.4% and 17.4%) whilst, on a consolidated basis, it was 12.9% and 17.2%, respectively (end 2023: 13.7% and 18.2%). The Bank’s solvency levels continue to remain sound. Further efforts to bolster its regulatory capital, including for the purposes of additional contingency, is currently in process.
‘Commenting on the results of the Bank and the Group, the chairman of People’s Bank, Sujeewa Rajapakse, stated that: “We are pleased with the steadfast progress made by the Bank on many fronts even amidst interim pressures stemming from the yet ongoing – and likely to be soon concluded – debt restructuring initiatives of the government of Sri Lanka. We reasonably expect that these pressures will normalize in the near term with the support of all key stakeholders. Notwithstanding, the Bank has yet again demonstrated its strength, resilience and capacity to deliver positive growth across all core operating metrics even amidst such limiting circumstances.
‘Looking ahead, whilst navigating the challenges which naturally exists in a reviving macro-economic context – we remain focused on innovation, collaboration, and the drive for forward movement across all aspects of our business, ensuring that we continue to play our leading role in any and every way possible in the country economic revival”
‘Commenting on the results, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager Clive Fonseka, stated that: In the face of unforeseen challenges, our team has once again demonstrated its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. Our first-quarter not only show cases our ability to grow amidst challenges but importantly, the strength and resilience of our business.’
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
