Business
Seylan Bank perseveres through macroeconomic challenges to retain momentum in Q1 2022
Seylan Bank PLC recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 1.1 Bn in Q1 2022, maintaining its forward momentum in a period of volatile macroeconomic challenges. The Bank capitalized on its strong fundamentals with capital adequacy ratios well above regulatory requirements; whilst ensuring its liquidity position remained above the required minimum ratios during the quarter, maintaining the Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio (SLAR) for the Domestic Banking Unit and the Foreign Banking Unit at 23.32% and 22.65% respectively. This, along with a strong Net Interest Income (NII) of LKR 6.8 Bn, recording a growth of 22.51% in the period under review, ensured that Seylan Bank perseveres through macroeconomic challenges to retain its forward momentum in the first quarter of 2022.Seylan Bank recorded a total operating income growth of 21.80% amounting LKR 9.1 Bn during the period under review compared to LKR 7.5 Bn in the correspondent year. The Bank’s net gain from trading recorded LKR 3.6 Bn in 1Q 2022 mainly due to an increase in Net Gain on Derivatives Financial Instruments.
Net Fee and Commission Income recorded a notable growth of 24.20% to LKR 1.437 Bn from LKR 1.157 Bn mainly due to increase in Card Related Income, Trade Finance Related Fees, and Other Financial Services Related Income such as commission income and E-banking. The Loans and Advances portfolio of the Bank recorded a growth of 4.56% to LKR 462.1 Bn during 1Q 2022 which also reflects the inflation of the book by currency deprecation. The growth in credit was driven primarily by Term loans, Overdrafts and Packing Credits. Seylan Bank’s overall deposit base recorded a growth of 5.52% to LKR 515.6 Bn in the period under review with the Bank’s CASA ratio (Current and Savings) at 34.24%.Commenting on Seylan Bank’s performance in the first quarter of 2022, Kapila Ariyaratne, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Seylan Bank PLC stated, “Sri Lanka underwent massive upheavals in the quarter under review. As the country seeks to stabilize its position amidst an unprecedented crisis, Seylan Bank has done well to maintain its momentum despite the challenges it faced, achieving LKR 643.1 Bn of Total Assets as of 31 March 2022, resulting in 5.85% growth compared to 31 December 2021. We have managed to keep expense growth at a minimal level by focusing on lean initiatives and automation across the Bank and rationalizing expenditure on key controllable cost lines. Team Seylan is to be lauded on leading by example during times of crisis and adapting a culture of working smarter across all the functions, leading to increased efficiency.”
The Return on Equity (ROE) stood at 8.18% for the period under review, compared to 9.07% recorded in 2021. The Return on Average Assets (ROAA) recorded as 0.94% in 1Q 2022. Earnings per Share (EPS) in 2021 stood at LKR 1.82, a slight increase compared to the LKR 1.74 recorded in the comparative year, while Net Assets Value per Share recorded at LKR 88.31 (Group LKR 91.46).Seylan Bank remained adequately capitalized in Q1 2022, with the key capital adequacy ratios above the regulatory minimum requirements. The Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) Capital/ Total Tier 1 Capital Ratio was recorded as 9.78% and the Total Capital Ratio as at end March 2022 was 12.78%.The Bank recorded impairment provision of LKR 3.4 Bn for 1Q 2022 compared to LKR 2.2 Bn for the correspondent year as a result of the increase in additional provision accounted for foreign currency denominated instruments due to the current situation. Income tax expenses stood at LKR 413.2 Mn which is a 5.36% increase from the comparative period which stood at LKR 392.2 Mn.
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
