Business
SLT Group posts 3Q 2023 results with moderate growth
The SLT Group released its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2023, presenting moderate growth. SLT PLC reported a revenue of LKR 17,490 Mn with a growth of 3.7%, while Mobitel recorded 2.7% de-growth during Q3’23 compared to Q3’22.
The Group’s consolidated revenue for the quarter increased by 3.9% to LKR 27.7 Bn, compared to LKR 26.7 Bn in Q3 2022. SLT PLC revenue growth was driven mainly by growth in broadband, PEOTV and enterprise revenue streams. During the 3rd quarter, Mobitel regained its growth after several quarters of decline and revenue has begun to increase in Q3 with a 3% growth over Q2.
Compared to Q3 2022, SLT Group’s operational expenditure (Opex) increased by 13.3% in Q3 2023 to LKR 19.7 Bn. Major causes of SLT’s rising Opex are increased costs related to electricity, repair and maintenance. Despite the growth in revenue that was recorded, SLT was unable to match the increase in costs which has impacted SLT’s profitability.
For the 9 months ending September 2023, SLT Group’s Opex was LKR 57 Bn, a 14.9% increase from LKR 49.6 Bn in the same period last year. Cost surges are attributed to economic conditions such as higher electricity tariffs, LKR devaluation against USD, and import restrictions.
The SLT Group’s financial performance in Q3’23 was significantly impacted by a steep decline in profitability of its subsidiary, Mobitel. Group EBITDA decreased by 13.7% compared to the corresponding quarter in previous year, primarily due to decrease in Mobitel EBITDA. The drop in revenue and increase in Opex, have led the Mobitel EBITDA to decrease during Q3’23. Accordingly, Group Operating Profit also dropped by 81% during the quarter. Group PAT decreased by 208% mainly due to Operating loss in Mobitel as well as increase in finance cost of SLT PLC.
However, Mobitel profitability has improved notably in Q3’23 compared to Q2’23 as Mobitel records an increase in EBITDA by 36%, EBIT by 93% and NPAT by 44% due to the growth in revenue and optimization of business parameters. Tighter cost controls and revenue growth initiatives at Mobitel, along with lower finance costs, will be critical to restoring the Group’s profit trajectory going forward.
Janaka R. Abeysinghe, CEO of Sri Lanka Telecom said, “The third quarter of 2023 continued to be challenging for SLT Group due to the ‘country’s economic conditions.
However, through concerted efforts to optimise operations and carefully managed costs, SLT and Mobitel have been able to arrest further deterioration of the situation compared to the previous quarters, which appears to be stabilizing. Our persistent focus on delivering high-quality telecommunication services and arresting the high churn seen earlier has provided positive results. As a Group, we remain fully committed to overcoming the current challenges and providing seamless connectivity to all Sri Lankans.”
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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