Business
Union Bank posts steadfast performance, maintains strong liquidity position
Union Bank was able to continue a steadfast performance in the 9 months ended 30 September 2023 recording a notable improvement in the core banking performance with an overall income of LKR 17,314 Mn, a 36% increase over the comparative period.
Net Interest Income (NII) was a key driver for the increase in the Bank’s revenue, which increased by 19% to LKR 4,822Mn as a result of improved yields from the loan portfolio and treasury assets. The Bank does not hold any International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), and the Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDB’s) portfolio was exchanged for LKR denominated Treasury Bonds as part of the DDO. The Net Interest Margin (NIM) increased by 72 bps due to the timely repricing of the asset book along with prudent management of interest expenses.
Net Fee and Commission Income increased by 9% aided by credit cards, remittances, and increased activity from the trade business. The Bank’s Total Operating Income before impairments was LKR 6,185Mn., an increase of 11%. The Bank’s impairment charge for the period was LKR 1,200Mn. Despite the prudent cost management initiatives, the Bank’s Total Operating Expenses increased by 22% to LKR 3,838Mn mainly due to, significant increases in the utility tariffs, salaries and exchange impacted general expenses.
Consequently, the Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) including its equity accounted share of subsidiaries as of 30 September 2023, increased by 81% to LKR 717Mn and the Bank’s Profit After Tax (PAT) also increased by 65% to LKR 375Mn. Taxes and levies during the 9 months increased significantly due to the Social Security Contribution Levy ( SSCL) and the increase in the Corporate tax rate.
The Total Assets of the Bank stood at LKR 130,319Mn as of 30 September 2023. The Bank maintained a strong liquidity position during the period under review and the Liquid Asset Ratio stood at 39.16% whilst, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio was 878%, above the regulatory requirements. The Bank’s Loans and Advances were LKR 63,204Mn, whilst customer deposits were LKR 85,798Mn. The CASA ratio was recorded at 24.33% as of 30 September 2023, aided by macro-economic drivers backed by strong sourcing initiatives across all business segments. The Bank’s stage 3 loan ratio improved to 10.52%.
The Bank continued to maintain a healthy capital adequacy position, well above the regulatory requirements and the Bank’s Total Capital Ratio was 18.54% as of 30 September 2023.
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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