Business
Sumal upbeat despite revenue and profit decline at Access in 2019/20
“Despite economic headwinds, we remain optimistic about the immediate future”
Access Engineering PLC, the multi-billion rupee construction company which is by far the country’s biggest quoted engineering firm, recently concluded its annual general meeting covering the year ended Mar. 31, 2020, in which it suffered both a revenue and profit decline as a result of what its chairman, Mr. Sumal Perera, called “one of its most turbulent years” they had faced He attributed the downturn to external pressures including the Easter bomb, political uncertainty ahead of the presidential election and the Covid-related pandemic.
“Despite challenges stemming from the operating context, we remain optimistic about facing the ‘new normal’,” Perera said. “I am proud to say that (we) have faced these unprecedented challenges admirably and remain resilient as a leader in the industry due to our resourcefulness….”
Access remained profitable, both at group and company level, during the year though group revenue was down 25.56% to Rs. 24.03 billion and company revenue down 7.43% to Rs. 17.92 billion. The after tax profit too was down 54.47% and 1.78% for the group and company respectively with earnings of Rs. 979 million (group) and Rs. 1,93 billion (company) posted.
The previous year’s dividend level of 50 cents per share has been maintained on earnings per share of Rs. 0.98 (group) and Rs. 1.93 (company).
Perera said that every year since their listing, they had increased the net value of the company with the year under review being no different with Access’ net asset value running at 21.83 billion at company and Rs. 20.53 billion at group level.
Access which calls itself the most preferred partner in its industry had completed infrastructure projects of national importance and large scale projects both independently and in partnership with international companies. They have also taken steps to expand their core business while diversifying into automobiles and real estate.
He said they had taken tangible steps to build their future as a diversified vertically integrated corporate citizen and will follow strategies to become the most innovative construction company in its sector with a diversified customer proposition and portfolio.
“Thus, despite economic headwinds, we remain optimistic about the immediate future,” Perera declared.
Access MD Christopher Joshua and COO Rohana Fernando said in a joint statement that the future outlook for their business was secure with a full order book, They reported that the construction sector had from Jan. 1, 2020, returned to a preferential corporate tax rate of 14% from the previous 28%. This was expected to have a positive impact on their business.
Their overseas contracts for construction of substructures and related work for five bridges in Kenya, delayed because of Covid, is due to commence in the third quarter of this year, they said.
Mr. Sumal Perera with 25% of the company is its biggest shareholder. He is followed by Mr. J.C. Joshua (10.1%) and Mrs. RMN Joshua (7%), Mr. Shamal Perera (5.08%) and Mrs. DRS Malalasekera (4.5%) who are Mr. Sumal Perera’s children and Mr. RJS Gomez (a founder of the company along with Messrs. Sumal Perera and JC Joshua) who has been reducing his holding.
The directors of the company are Messrs. Sumal Perera (chairman), JC Joshua (MD), DAR Fernando (COO) SHS Mendis (executive), SD Munasinghe (executive), RJS Gomez (non-executive), Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, ND Gunaratne, SD Perera and DS Weerakkody who are non-executive independent directors.
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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