Business
‘Siyapatha Finance persistently grows into Q1, standing firm amidst the challenging environment’
Siyapatha Finance stands confident despite economic setbacks, reporting an outstanding performance during the first quarter of 2022 with favourable returns and increased revenue.The Company recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs.608.0 Million in 1Q 2022 compared to Rs.395.9 Million in 1Q 2021, a growth of 53.6%. Resilient performance and improved credit quality helped strengthen the Company’s performance in the 1Q of 2022.
Efficient and professional initiatives by the Company also witnessed an improvement in the Cost to Income ratio to 34.06% during 1Q 2022 from 34.45% recorded in 1Q of 2021.Effectiveness of the credit recoveries process is amply reflected in the improved NPL ratio of its key lending product “Leasing” which stood at 9.31% at the end of March 2022, in comparison with 12.06% at the end of 31 December 2021. The Company has also been meticulously monitoring overdue facilities with a view to identifying customers who face genuine difficulties.
Siyapatha Finance’s total assets grew by 6.7% to reach Rs.45.6 Billion at the end of 31 March 2022, an increase from Rs. 42.7 Billion at the end of December 2021. In spite of the prevailing challenging economic environment, the net loans and advances grew by 5.5%, reaching a notable Rs.38.7 Billion.The deposit base of the Company was maintained at a steady level of Rs. 16.6 Billion thus reflecting the trust and confidence inspired by the Company among fund managers, retail depositors and the corporate sector that continue to invest substantially in fixed deposits.Annualized return on average assets (ROA) after tax also increased to 3.81% in 1Q 2022 from 2.59% in December 2021, while Annualized return on average equity (ROE) after tax increased to 26.07% in 1Q 2022 from 19.16% in December 2021.
The capital adequacy ratios were reported well above the regulatory minimum requirements and recording 14.10% as the Tier I capital ratio and 20.43% as the total capital ratio as at 31 March 2022.Siyapatha Finance’s strong undisputed position was further reinforced by the rating of ‘A (lka)’; Outlook Stable, affirmed by Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd.
“These outstanding results achieved in the first quarter gives us the confidence to endure in performance going forward. We are grateful for the unwavering trust and support of our customers, investors and other stakeholders throughout this challenging period and will continue to deliver on our promises to our customers, community and shareholders as we grow from strength to strength,” stated Mr. Sumith Cumaranatunga, Chairman, Siyapatha Finance.Siyapatha Finance also marked a significant milestone in its journey with the construction of the new Corporate Headquarters in Colombo in order to facilitate the operations from a more centralized geographical setting. This state-of-the-art eighteen level building interlaced with modern technology will operate as the main hub aiming to enhance the overall Siyapatha experience for all stakeholders.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”