Business Today holds TOP 30 2017-2018 & Business Today

Special Recognition Awards Business Today recognised the TOP 30 best performing corporates in Sri Lanka for 2017-2018 on Monday, reflecting the steady growth in a country transforming on many fronts. 

Having introduced the Business Today Passionate segment in 2017, this year too the award ceremony, now in its 21st year, reasserted its vision to be a source of motivation to the private sector by presenting a distinct category – ‘Business Today Special Recognition’. This category honours four enterprising business leaders for their continued investment in the country’s future and confidence in the economy.

The Business Today TOP 30, 2017-2018 and Business Today Special Recognition award ceremony was held under the patronage of Chief Guest President Maithripala Sirisena. The event was also graced by Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero.

John Keells Holdings retained its number one ranking for the ninth consecutive year in the Business Today TOP 30, 2017-2018. JKH has constantly maintained its position with a resilient growth momentum and investment strategy. 

Hatton National Bank retained its position at number two with a focus on becoming a future ready digital bank. Commercial Bank of Ceylon once again ranked number three, reflecting decades of consistent growth. 

Diversification and a growing regional presence ensured Lanka Orix Leasing Company retained its position at number four. Steady progress and capitalisation on opportunity ensured Sampath Bank climbed to number five. Consolidating its position as the converged communications leader, Dialog Axiata ranked sixth. Ceylinco Insurance rose five positions to seventh, with a performance propelled by diverse business sectors. A momentous operating year saw Melstacorp retain its position at number eight. Central Finance Company climbed to nine with a strong performance through diversification. A robust balance sheet with greater investment drove Vallibel One eight positions to 10.

With consistent growth and performance, Seylan Bank rose nine positions to 11. Aitken Spence reaffirmed its stability by climbing to 12. Fuelled by new initiatives, People’s Leasing and Finance rose to 13. With capital strength and agility, DFCC Bank ascended to 14. Steady investments enabled CT Holdings to rise 11 positions to 15. 

Sri Lanka Telecom emerged at number 16, with a continued commitment to empower a digitised Sri Lanka. Bukit Dara leaped eight positions to 17 with exponential growth revenue. 

Strengthened by growth momentum, National Development Bank climbed nine positions to number 18. Stable performances enabled Nestlé Lanka to rank at number 19, Hemas Holdings emerge at number 20 and Richard Pieris and Company to rank at number 21. The first public listed company in Sri Lanka to surpass turnover of $ 1 billion, Hayleys emerged at 22. 

Powered by digitisation, Nations Trust Bank rose six positions to 23. Chevron Lubricants Lanka was resilient at 24. Strong turnover growth propelled Access Engineering five positions to rank at 25. With resilient performances, Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) ranked 26 while Commercial Credit and Finance ranked 27. Teejay Lanka ranked 28, re-entered the Business Today TOP 30 after a lapse of one year. At 29, Expolanka Holdings re-entered the Business Today TOP 30 after a lapse of five years. At 30, Sunshine Holdings entered the Business Today TOP 30 for the first time, with a well-distributed strategy.

The selection process is based on the published information of companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and social considerations for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 and 31 March 2018, and was compiled with the assistance of KPMG Sri Lanka.

Acknowledging the contribution made by visionary individuals to the economy, this year, Business Today presented special recognition to four eminent individuals. With an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to take Sri Lanka to the globe and perseverance to spearhead the country’s development, they are true business leaders.

Sohli Captain, a gentleman businessman and philanthropist, has consistently invested in the Sri Lankan economy. Never seeking the limelight, Captain and his companies are the largest shareholders of John Keells Holdings and Chemical Industries Colombo (CIC). He was recognised for continuously supporting the potential of the country’s corporate sector through investments in multiple sectors.

Renowned for his business acumen, Indra Traders Chairman Indra Kumara Silva is a pioneering major shareholder of Sampath Bank and also holds significant shares in Commercial Bank. He has entered into two joint ventures with John Keells Holdings, the country’s largest corporate entity. Despite rarely making a public appearance, Silva remains a prominent personality and philanthropist known for investing in ethical and compassionate endeavours.

Alexis Lovell, Group Chairman, Ben Holdings and Chairman of UB Finance and National Asset Management, has contributed to the Sri Lankan economy with much-needed investment and leadership. Lovell was recognised for his continued confidence in the Sri Lanka corporate sector, his guidance and for his determination to create new opportunities for the country.

DAMRO Founder and Group Chairman Damitha Ramanayake was recognised for his perseverance, innovative thinking and for creating a Sri Lankan brand that has an international outlook. He never seeks the limelight and continues to invest in diversified segments. The achievements of Damro, the largest furniture manufacturer in South Asia, offers testament to his vision and determination.

Business Today has annually recognised and awarded top corporate performers in the country since 1997 acknowledging them for their invaluable contribution towards reinforcing the country’s economy. BT Options has been in the industry for over 30 years. The company is the publisher of five monthly magazines including international titles Explore Sri Lanka, Business Today, Domus Sri Lanka, Time Out Sri Lanka and Serendib, the inflight magazine of SriLankan Airlines. 

BT Options owns and operates its flagship retail brand BT Store – the first ever Apple store in Sri Lanka. Leisure and hospitality ventures in Arugam Bay featuring novel concepts include the hotels Paper Moon Kudils in Whisky Point, Arugambay Roccos and Arugambay PodBay.