Business
Sampath Bank Posts Steady Results for the First Quarter of 2024
Sampath Bank posted a profit before tax (PBT) of Rs 6.2 billion and a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 3.4 billion for the three months ended 31st March 2024, notwithstanding an exchange loss of Rs 4.3 billion due to the appreciation of the LKR against the USD by Rs 23.70. These figures signify growth rates of 39.1% and 27.8% respectively, in comparison to the financial results reported in the first quarter of 2023. The Sampath Group also reported PBT and PAT figures of Rs 6.9 billion and Rs 3.8 billion respectively, reflecting growth rates of 38.0% and 26.0%.
Key Highlights for the Period Ended 31st March 2024:
A significant increase of 27.8% in the Bank’s PAT, reaching Rs 3.4 billion.
12.7% growth in Net Interest Income (NII).
17.1% decrease in net fee and commission income due to decreased trade-related operations.
An exchange loss of Rs 4.3 billion due to the appreciation of LKR against USD by Rs 23.70.
36.8% decline in impairment charges.
Robust LKR deposit growth of Rs 68 billion.
Tier 1 and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios stood at 15.18% and 18.22% respectively, as of 31st March 2024, comfortably above regulatory minimum requirements.
During the period, Net Interest Income (NII) reached Rs 20.5 billion, marking a growth of 12.7% compared to Rs 18.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year. This increase in NII primarily stemmed from a reduction in interest expenses which outpaced the decrease in interest income. The Bank’s prudent asset and liability management strategies played a pivotal role in driving the notable growth of NII, especially amid declining interest rates. Additionally, the Net Interest Margin (NIM) witnessed an increase, rising from 5.16% as of 31st December 2023, to 5.24% as of the reporting date.
In 1Q 2024, the Bank experienced a significant 75.3% decrease in its total non-fund-based income, declining from Rs 2.8 billion reported in the corresponding period of last year to Rs 0.7 billion in the current period. Net fee and commission income recorded a 17.1% decrease compared to 1Q 2023, primarily due to reduced income from trade-related activities. The decline was driven by several factors including lower commission rates for import-related transactions, decreased trade volumes, and the appreciation of LKR against the USD. However, fees generated from credit, electronic channels, cards, and remittance-related activities showed growth compared to the same period last year.
The Bank reported a net trading loss of Rs 4.5 billion in 1Q 2024 whereas there was a gain of Rs 1.7 billion recognised in the previous period. This was primarily due to revaluation losses incurred on forward exchange contracts. The Bank managed to mitigate the impact of this loss through realised exchange gains reported under net other operating income as opposed to the loss of Rs 4.5 billion recorded in 1Q 2023. Consequently, the Bank’s net exchange loss from foreign exchange operations for the period under review amounted to Rs 4.3 billion, compared to the Rs 2.9 billion loss reported in the corresponding period of the previous year.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Bank reported a total impairment charge of Rs 4.4 billion, a 36.8% decrease compared to the charge for the comparative period in the previous year. Of this total, Rs 2.4 billion was attributed to loans and advances (1Q 2023: Rs 6.2 billion), while Rs 0.9 billion related to other financial instruments (1Q 2023: Rs 0.4 billion). In addition, an impairment charge of Rs 1.1 billion was recorded for commitments and contingencies (1Q 2023: Rs 0.4 billion).
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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