Diversified bluechip Aitken Spence PLC reported a pre-tax profit of Rs 918 mn for the first quarter, a growth of 25 per cent, over the previous year, while the Group’s revenue rose by 54 per cent to Rs. 8.61 bn.

Earnings per share for the quarter stood at Rs. 1.58, an increase of 16 per cent over the corresponding period in the previous year.

The leading conglomerate’s financial results for the three months ended 30th June 2012 released to the Colombo Stock Exchange on Friday, reported a growth of 16 per cent in profits attributable to the shareholders to Rs 640 mn.

“We are pleased to report a yet another quarter of sustained growth. The enhanced performance from our Tourism and Strategic Investments sectors contributed strongly to the Group’s performance”, said J M S Brito, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC.

Aitken Spence PLC is an industry leader in Hotels, Travel, Maritime Services, Logistic Solutions and Power Generation in Sri Lanka, while having significant interests in Printing, Plantations, Insurance, Financial Services, IT and Garments. Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, the leading diversified conglomerate has operations in six countries spanning South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Adaaran Resorts, the Group’s hotel arm in the Maldives performed exceptionally during the quarter. Aitken Spence is largest international resort operator in the Maldives with six award-winning resorts. With relatively higher occupancies than last year, Sri Lankan hotels posted an improved performance.

The Company’s beach resort in Kalutara which was rebranded as “The Sands by Aitken Spence Hotels” subsequent to significant expansions and refurbishments, commenced operations in May this year.



Aitken Spence Power’s plant in Embilipitiya was fully operational during the quarter under review. As an initial step in its commitment to significantly increase its interests in renewable energy, Aitken Spence has now commenced operations of a mini hydro power plant in Matale and a wind power plant in Ambewela.

The Group’s first quarter results includes income from Colombo International Nautical & Engineering College (CINEC), Sri Lanka’s largest private higher education institution. Aitken Spence made investment in CINEC during the third quarter of 2011/12.
Group benefited due to the devaluation of the rupee mainly due to its interests in hotels (in Sri Lanka and overseas), inbound travel and freight forwarding.

During the quarter under review, Aitken Spence PLC conducted a forum to inspire its top management and sustainability team to explore opportunities in a Green Economy. The event “Going Green: