Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Group has reported a strong financial turnaround for the first half of 2025, achieving a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs. 4.3 billion, compared to a loss of Rs. 323 million during the same period last year.
In the second quarter alone, the group posted Rs. 2.3 billion in profit, sharply reversing the Rs. 479 million loss recorded in 2Q24. SLT PLC, the parent company, contributed Rs. 2.6 billion, marking an 873% increase from Rs. 272 million in 1H24. Meanwhile, Mobitel, the mobile subsidiary, delivered Rs. 1.1 billion in profit after recording a Rs. 1.1 billion loss in the previous year.
Chairperson Dr. Mothilal de Silva attributed the turnaround to “renewed strategic direction and sharper governance,” emphasizing that sustained profitability strengthens SLT’s ability to contribute to national development and the digital economy.
Revenue and Cost Discipline
- Group revenue grew 2.6% to Rs. 27.3 billion.
- SLT posted Rs. 17.7 billion (+2.5%), while Mobitel’s revenue rose 6.4%, driven by robust mobile operations.
- Group direct costs fell 13.5%, with SLT reducing costs by 10.3% and Mobitel by 4%.
- Finance costs declined 18.9%, largely due to reduced interest expenses at SLT, though Mobitel’s interest costs rose 23.5% from short-term financing.
Expenses
- Group sales and marketing spend increased 6.2%, reflecting SLT’s market expansion push.
- Mobitel cut marketing costs by 9.1%.
- Administrative expenses rose 7.8% year-on-year.
The results mark a decisive recovery for one of Sri Lanka’s leading digital and telecom providers, signaling stronger growth prospects after a challenging 2024.
