Business
Singer Group FY 2020/21 performance ‘showcases dominant market leadership and brand equity’
The Singer Group announced a post-tax-profit of Rs.2.61 billion for FY 2020/21 from Rs.427.27 million achieved in the previous year. The Group also reported a profit-before-tax of Rs. 3.82 billion, a six-fold increase, compared to 2020/21.
Singer Group’s revenue increased by 23% to Rs.67.41 billion, reflecting a strong growth across key product categories across all channels. Top line growth coupled with continuous focus on driving operational excellence, digitalization and efficient working capital management resulted in Group’s operating profit increasing by 31% to Rs.5.38 billion during the year.
Group’s financial position also strengthened during the year, driven by a consistent growth in asset base and a considerable decline in borrowings.
The Group has been quick to respond to an unprecedented demand for digital adoption by expanding its range of digital devices including laptops, tablets and smart phones which were amply made available to the consumers by leveraging on the island-wide branch network. Group’s Consumer Durables, Home Appliances and Agro product portfolio also witnessed a steady growth specially during the second half of the financial year with the gradual opening up of the country. The Group’s e-commerce platform also performed exceedingly well during the year, in line with the exponential growth in online platforms.
During the year under review company was successful in augmenting its product offering and successfully uplifted the after-sales service standards whilst being able to improve the speed to market.
Group’s robust performance together with the sustainability of its future cashflows secured a multi-notch rating upgrade in Fitch Ratings. Accordingly, the Group’s credit rating was upgraded to AA (lka) from BBB+ (lka) and the outlook was rated as stable.
Commenting on Group’s performance, Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Chief Executive Officer said, “Despite the disruptions and unprecedented uncertainty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tenacity and enterprising spirit of Team Singer propelled the organisation to achieve excellent financial results.
‘As we move forward, we are excited about actioning the strategic initiatives which were crafted with lot of deliberation and looking forward for the rolling out of Group’s rebranding exercise which is expected to evolve us into a future-fit brand with a solid foundation in trust, partnership and stability.’
(Singer)
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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