John Keells Holdings reports 26% EBITDA rise and expands investments

John Keells Holdings (JKH), one of Sri Lanka's largest diversified conglomerates, announced that its group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 26 % in the first quarter of FY 2026/27, reaching Rs 16.35 billion. The surge reflects strong performance across its leisure, retail, transportation, property and financial services businesses and is being seen as a bellwether for the island’s broader economic recovery.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global market headwinds, JKH said it is proceeding with a long‑term expansion plan. The group highlighted higher bunkering demand for Lanka Marine Services, full utilisation of the Colombo West International Terminal, and the upcoming launch of a Wendy’s franchise before year‑end. Retail expansion continued with the Keells supermarket chain reaching 150 outlets, while the automotive arm maintained a pipeline of over 2,200 vehicles and invested in electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure. These moves underscore JKH’s confidence in rising domestic consumer demand and a stabilising macro‑economic environment backed by IMF‑supported reforms.