Top corporate performers felicitated

The Business Today top twenty, recognising the crème of Sri Lanka's corporate sector, was held under the patronage of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. Twenty outstanding companies that have exhibited commendable performance during the financial year 2010-2011 were felicitated.

The Business Today Top Twenty Awards ceremony was held under the patronage of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe. Representatives of the top twenty companies – John Keells Holdings, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Bukit Darah, Hatton National Bank, Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka Telecom, Lanka Orix Leasing Company, DFCC Bank, Sampath Bank, Aitken Spence, Diesel and Motor Engineering, Richard Pieris and Company, Hayleys, Colombo Dockyard, NDB Bank, Cargills (Ceylon), Hemas Holdings, Chevron Lubricants Lanka and Seylan Bank – stand with their awards. Pic: Ranjith Asanka

Sri Lanka recorded an eight percent growth in 2010, and maintained this upward trend in the face of the global economic crisis posting a growth of 8.2 percent during the second half of 2011.

The Business Today top twenty ranking this year is a reflection of this performance.

It demonstrates the strength of leading corporate entities while highlighting the awakening of dormant businesses.

Based on published financial information of companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, the Business Today top twenty were selected on sales turnover, growth in sales turnover, profit, growth in profit, return on equity, growth in earnings per share, market capitalisation, value of shares transacted and value addition.

The points scored this year reflect a significant increase as opposed to last year, highlighting the unprecedented growth in the banking, telecommunication, service and retail sectors.

John Keells Holdings retained the number one position for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a corporate giant. Chairman, Susantha Ratnayake has contributed significantly to the growth of the Group.

Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka secured second position Chairman D.H.S. Jayawardena's dare to be different attitude and the Group's contribution to overall national growth is deemed to rise in the future.

At number three is Commercial Bank of Ceylon having surpassed Rs. 5 billion in profits, a first for domestic non-State financial institutions in Sri Lanka.