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Melstacorp
View on WikipediaMelstacorp PLC is a Sri Lankan diversified conglomerate. It is listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange.[2] Melstacorp PLC is one of the 10 largest listed companies. It has a market capitalization of approximately USD 450 million.
Key Information
Hasitha Jayawardena is the chairman of the company[3] while Jude Fernando functions as the group CEO.[4]
History
[edit]Melstacorp PLC was originally formed as Beruwala Distillery (Private) Limited in 1995. Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL) acquired the Company and renamed it Melstacorp Limited in order to subsequently make it the holding Company of the then DCSL group. All subsidiary companies of DCSL were transferred to the Company between 2010 and 2015. In 2016 through a 180-degree share swap, Melstacorp became the holding company of DCSL.[5]
After the share swap, Melstacorp was listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange on 30 December 2016.
Subsidiaries
[edit]Melstacorp subsidiaries are involved in industries such as Distilling, bottling and distribution of liquor, Insurance, Health, Manufacturing, Logistics, ICT, Telecommunications, Energy, Tea and Rubber Plantations, Hospitality, Property Development, Brand Management, and in Advertising.
It is the holding company of Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC.[6]
| Subsidiary | Holding | Market value/Cost LKR (mns) |
|---|---|---|
| Quoted subsidiaries | ||
| Aitken Spence PLC | 50.32% | 15,058 |
| Balangoda Plantations PLC | 58.61% | 241 |
| Browns Beach Hotel PLC | 41.88% | 488 |
| Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC | 92.44% | 57,831 |
| Madulsima Plantations PLC | 55.91% | 871 |
| Unquoted subsidiaries | ||
| Bellvantage (Pvt) Limited | 100% | 75 |
| Bogo Power (Pvt) Limited | 99.30% | 993 |
| Continental Insurance Lanka Limited | 100% | 1,164 |
| Melsta Health (Pvt) Ltd | 1,896 | |
| Melsta Logistics (Pvt) Limited | 571 | |
| Melsta Properties (Pvt) Limited | 1,590 | |
| Melsta Technologies (Pvt) Limited | 10 | |
| Melsta Tower (Pvt) Limited | 658 | |
| Milford Holdings (Pvt) Limited | 98.36% | 3,350 |
| Periceyl (Pvt) Limited | 100% | 7 |
| Splendor Media (Pvt) Limited | 51 | |
| Timpex (Pvt) Limited | 51.03% | 157 |
Source: Annual Report (2022, p. 152)[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Annual Report 2021/22" (PDF). cse.lk. Melstacorp PLC. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
- ^ Melstacorp, Corporate Information |. "Corporate Information | Melstacorp". melstacorp.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-03. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ "Hasitha Jayawardena appointed as Melstacorp Chairman". Daily Mirror. 2025-02-07. Archived from the original on 2025-02-17. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "Jude Fernando new Group CEO at Melstacorp". Daily FT. 2025-12-03. Archived from the original on 2025-12-03. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ^ "Transformation at Distilleries as Melstacorp takes over parent company | The Sunday Times Sri Lanka". www.sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 2018-11-23.
- ^ "Why? Melstacorp By Harry J?". Daily Mirror Online. 4 April 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
Melstacorp
View on GrokipediaOverview
Corporate profile
Melstacorp PLC is a public limited liability company domiciled in Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MELS.N0000 since December 30, 2016.[10][11] The company serves as a diversified conglomerate with operations spanning multiple sectors, including beverages focused on liquor production and distribution, plantations involving tea and rubber, financial services such as insurance, health, manufacturing, logistics, power generation, hospitality, and telecommunications.[7] Headquartered at 110 Norris Canal Road, Colombo 10, Melstacorp maintains a substantial presence in Sri Lanka's economy through its broad portfolio.[11] As of March 31, 2025, the Melstacorp Group employs approximately 28,000 individuals, reflecting its role as a major employer in key industries like plantations, which have accounted for about 37% of the workforce in recent years.[8] The company's market capitalization is approximately USD 725 million as of November 2025, underscoring its position among Sri Lanka's top listed entities.[12] A significant portion of core revenue is driven by its major subsidiary, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC.[13] Melstacorp's official website is melstacorp.com, providing resources on its operations and governance.[7] The current Executive Chairman is D. Hasitha S. Jayawardena, who assumed the role in February 2025 following the passing of his father, Deshamanya D. H. S. Jayawardena.[14][15]Financial performance
Melstacorp PLC's group revenue for the fiscal year ended March 2022 totaled LKR 182.99 billion, reflecting contributions from its core sectors amid economic challenges in Sri Lanka.[16] This figure increased significantly to LKR 247.26 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2023, driven by growth in the beverages segment and recovery in diversified operations.[16] By the fiscal year ended March 2025, revenue had further risen to LKR 260.93 billion, underscoring sustained expansion despite macroeconomic pressures.[8] Profitability metrics demonstrated resilience, with profit after tax reaching LKR 17.63 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2022 and climbing to LKR 22.97 billion the following year.[16] Profit before tax followed a similar upward trajectory, amounting to LKR 26.86 billion in 2022 and LKR 42.80 billion in 2023.[16] In the most recent fiscal year ended March 2025, profit before tax stood at LKR 40.28 billion, while profit after tax was LKR 22.27 billion, supported by operational efficiencies across subsidiaries.[8] Total assets expanded from LKR 311.95 billion as of March 2022 to LKR 334.48 billion by March 2023, reflecting investments in key assets like inventories and subsidiaries.[16] This growth continued, reaching LKR 376.5 billion by March 2025, bolstered by strong cash positions and equity-accounted investees.[8] The company's fiscal contributions were substantial, with LKR 87 billion in taxes paid to the Sri Lankan government during the fiscal year ended March 2023, marking a 2% increase from the prior year and highlighting its role in national revenue generation.[16] Fitch Ratings affirmed Melstacorp's National Long-Term Rating at 'AAA(lka)' with a Stable Outlook in May 2025, citing the company's strong market position in beverages and diversified portfolio as key to its financial stability.[17] Revenue sources are predominantly from the beverages sector, which accounted for approximately 52% (LKR 128.82 billion) of total revenue in the fiscal year ended March 2023 and rose to 56% (LKR 145.2 billion) by March 2025, with additional contributions from plantations (around 4-6%) and diversified operations including tourism and logistics.[16][8] Melstacorp was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in December 2016 through a 180-degree share swap that restructured Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC as its key subsidiary.[18] As of November 2025, the company's share price hovered around LKR 191.50, reflecting positive market sentiment toward its growth trajectory.[10] Subsidiaries such as Aitken Spence PLC have enhanced financial diversification by contributing steady revenue from tourism and logistics, comprising about 25% of group revenue in recent years.[8]| Key Financial Metrics (Group, LKR Billions) | FY Ended Mar 2022 | FY Ended Mar 2023 | FY Ended Mar 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue (Gross) | 183 | 247 | 261 |
| Profit After Tax | 17.6 | 23.0 | 22.3 |
| Profit Before Tax | 26.9 | 42.8 | 40.3 |
| Total Assets | 312 | 334 | 377 |
History
Origins and formation
Melstacorp PLC traces its origins to Beruwala Distillery (Private) Limited, which was incorporated in Sri Lanka in 1995 as a private company focused on liquor production and distillation activities.[19] The entity was established under the Companies Act No. 17 of 1982 and initially operated as a specialized distillery, contributing to the local beverages sector through manufacturing processes.[19] In the same year, the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL) acquired Beruwala Distillery, integrating it into its broader operations to strengthen its position in the spirits and liquor industry. This acquisition allowed DCSL to leverage the distillery's facilities and expertise, marking an early step toward consolidating production capabilities within the group. Following the integration, Beruwala Distillery's operations were aligned with DCSL's portfolio, with its premises later leased back to support ongoing activities.[20] On January 21, 2011, Beruwala Distillery (Private) Limited was renamed Melstacorp (Private) Limited, signaling a strategic shift toward broader diversification beyond core distillation.[19] Later that year, on August 10, 2011, the company transitioned to public status, laying the groundwork for expanded investments in manufacturing and distribution. Early ownership involved key group entities, including Milford Exports (Ceylon) Pvt Ltd, which played a role in the DCSL-affiliated structure.[19][2] Melstacorp was formalized as a public holding company in 2016 through a corporate restructuring involving a share swap with DCSL, enabling DCSL shareholders to exchange their holdings for Melstacorp shares on a one-for-one basis.[21] Approved by shareholders in September 2016, this 180-degree demerger transferred DCSL's diversified assets—primarily in beverages—to Melstacorp, positioning it as the group's conglomerate entity while DCSL focused on its core liquor business.[22] The initial emphasis remained on the beverages sector, supported by early forays into related manufacturing and distribution networks.[23]Expansion and key milestones
Following its formation, Melstacorp achieved a significant milestone in December 2016 when it listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange through a 180-degree share swap with Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL), establishing itself as a diversified holding company with DCSL as its primary subsidiary.[24] This listing marked the company's transition into a broader conglomerate structure, enabling strategic expansions across multiple sectors.[19] In the years following the listing, Melstacorp pursued key acquisitions to bolster its portfolio in tourism, logistics, and agriculture. It increased its stake in Aitken Spence PLC to 50.32% by acquiring additional shares in 2019, enhancing its exposure to hospitality and logistics operations.[25] Similarly, the company solidified its agricultural interests by raising its ownership in Balangoda Plantations PLC to 74.61% and in Madulsima Plantations PLC to 55.71%, primarily through share purchases from related entities starting in 2012 and continuing into the late 2010s.[26][27] A notable relaunch under its hospitality arm occurred in April 2016, when Browns Beach Hotel was rebranded and renovated as Heritance Negombo, integrating it into Aitken Spence's portfolio to drive tourism growth.[28] Entering the 2020s, Melstacorp diversified further into healthcare and renewable energy. Its subsidiary DCSL acquired Heineken Lanka Ltd. in 2023 for LKR 4.2 billion, rebranding it as DCSL Breweries Lanka Ltd. to expand beer production capabilities.[29] In June 2020, it launched Melsta Health, including Melsta Laboratories as Sri Lanka's first standalone reference lab network equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, alongside the acquisition and rebranding of Browns Hospital Ragama as Melsta Hospital Ragama in February 2020.[30][31] Concurrently, through its subsidiary Bogo Power (Pvt) Ltd—a BOI-registered hydropower facility generating 4 MW for the national grid—the company expanded its power generation capabilities, emphasizing sustainable energy under the Clean Development Mechanism.[32][19] Melstacorp's strategic expansions earned it recognition, including a No. 4 ranking in Business Today's top corporate recognition awards for 2021-22, reflecting its resilience and growth.[16] Its subsidiary DCSL was ranked No. 13 in the same awards cycle.[16] Amid Sri Lanka's severe economic crisis in 2022-23, which involved currency depreciation, inflation, and supply disruptions, Melstacorp navigated challenges by leveraging diversified revenue streams, maintaining its National Long-Term Rating of AAA(lka) with a stable outlook as affirmed by Fitch Ratings in October 2023, January 2025, and May 2025.[29][33][17][34] In early 2025, Melstacorp experienced a significant leadership transition following the death of its long-time Chairman, Deshamanya Harry Jayawardena, on February 3, 2025. Jayawardena, who had steered the company's growth since its DCSL roots, was succeeded in key roles, including the appointment of Stasshani Jayawardena as Chairperson of subsidiary Aitken Spence PLC in February 2025, ensuring continued strategic direction.[35]Corporate structure
Ownership and governance
Melstacorp PLC operates as a holding company with controlling interests in a portfolio of subsidiaries across diversified sectors, including beverages, plantations, and financial services. Its ownership structure is dominated by Milford Exports (Ceylon) (Private) Limited, which holds 42.80% of the company's shares as the major shareholder.[29] This stake provides significant influence over strategic decisions, while the public holding stands at 41.65%, ensuring broad market participation on the Colombo Stock Exchange.[8] The board of directors is chaired by D. Hasitha S. Jayawardena, who serves as Executive Chairman following his appointment in February 2025 after the passing of the previous chairman, Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena.[14] The 10-member board includes four independent non-executive directors to provide objective oversight, alongside executive and non-independent non-executive members such as Deputy Chairman C. R. Jansz and Managing Director M. A. N. S. Perera.[14] This composition supports balanced decision-making, with directors' remuneration totaling Rs. 998,701 for the fiscal year 2024/25.[8] Melstacorp's governance framework adheres strictly to the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, the Colombo Stock Exchange Listing Rules, and the Code of Best Practice on Corporate Governance issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. The board oversees key committees, including the Audit Committee (chaired by M. R. Mihular), Remuneration Committee, Related Party Transactions Review Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, and Risk Committee, which emphasize ethical practices, risk management, and sustainability reporting.[29] These structures ensure transparency in related party transactions and compliance with Sri Lanka Accounting Standards. The company's high corporate governance standards have contributed to its National Long-Term Rating of 'AAA(lka)' with a stable outlook from Fitch Ratings, reflecting strong creditworthiness and operational resilience.[17]Subsidiaries and investments
Melstacorp PLC maintains a strategic portfolio comprising eight listed subsidiaries that form the core of its value generation, alongside several unquoted subsidiaries focused on emerging sectors such as healthcare, energy, and logistics. These holdings span beverages, tourism, plantations, and diversified services, with the listed entities collectively contributing significantly to the group's financial performance. As of 31 March 2024, the total value of quoted investments stood at LKR 57,324 million, underscoring their importance in driving revenue and profitability.[29] The listed subsidiaries include the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC, in which Melstacorp holds a 92.44% stake valued at LKR 57,831 million, primarily operating in the beverages sector. Other key holdings are Aitken Spence PLC with a 51.33% ownership (as of March 2025) at LKR 15,058 million, focusing on tourism and maritime services; Balangoda Plantations PLC at 72.60% (as of September 2025) in agriculture valued at LKR 1,099 million; and Madulsima Plantations PLC at 55.71% also in agriculture valued at LKR 647 million. The portfolio further encompasses Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, Stassen Group, Melstacorp Properties, and Browns Beach Hotels PLC, each playing roles in hospitality, consumer goods, real estate, and leisure. These eight entities collectively generate the majority of the group's core value through established operations.[29][36][37]| Subsidiary | Sector | Ownership (%) | Investment Value (LKR million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC | Beverages | 92.44 | 57,831 |
| Aitken Spence PLC | Tourism, Maritime | 51.33 (as of Mar 2025) | 15,058 |
| Balangoda Plantations PLC | Agriculture | 72.60 (as of Sep 2025) | 1,099 |
| Madulsima Plantations PLC | Agriculture | 55.71 | 647 |
| Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC | Hospitality | Varies (group stake) | Included in portfolio total |
| Stassen Group | Consumer Goods | 32.02 | 1,057 |
| Melstacorp Properties | Real Estate | 100 | 1,200 |
| Browns Beach Hotels PLC | Leisure | 41.88 | 488 |
