Colombo, Sri Lanka – August 25, 2026 – Gestetner of Ceylon PLC (CSE: GEST), a stalwart in Sri Lanka’s office automation and technology solutions sector, today announced its Annual Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The report highlights robust financial performance, significant strategic developments, and a resilient operational recovery, positioning the company for continued growth under new controlling ownership.
The detailed 25/26 Annual Report, filed with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), showcases the company’s ability to navigate a dynamic economic landscape while pursuing an aggressive diversification and expansion strategy.
Key Financial Highlights for FY 2025/26
Gestetner of Ceylon PLC demonstrated commendable growth across key financial indicators:
- Group Revenue: Increased by 11% to an impressive Rs. 1,947 million, up from Rs. 1,753 million in the previous year, underscoring strong market penetration and effective sales strategies.
- Profit from Operations: Rose to Rs. 185 million, compared to Rs. 181 million in FY 2024/25.
- Profit Before Tax: Stood at Rs. 154 million, a slight increase from Rs. 150 million previously.
- Profit Attributable to Equity Holders: Maintained a healthy Rs. 103 million.
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): Reported at Rs. 38.78, reflecting solid shareholder returns.
- Total Assets: Grew to Rs. 1,268 million as at March 31, 2026, from Rs. 1,196 million in the prior year.
- Net Asset Value Per Share: Significantly improved to Rs. 246.43 (from Rs. 208.23), indicating enhanced underlying value.
In a testament to its commitment to shareholders, the Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of Rs. 3.90 per ordinary share, amounting to Rs. 10.4 million, for the financial year ended March 31, 2026.
Strategic Milestones and Diversification
A defining moment for Gestetner of Ceylon PLC in the past year was the acquisition of a controlling interest (54.79%) by World Elite Limited, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based SiS International Holdings Limited, in late 2025. This strategic investment is expected to unlock significant opportunities, leveraging the SiS Group’s regional expertise and extensive technology distribution capabilities to strengthen existing operations and introduce new products, technologies, and brands to the Sri Lankan market.
The company also achieved notable successes in its diversification efforts:
- Production Printing: Achieved significant growth, driven by the successful introduction of high-end models, earning the prestigious ‘Top Solution Growth Award’ for the Asia Pacific region at the Ricoh Annual Conference in Osaka, Japan.
- Smart Board Solutions: Established itself as a market leader, successfully completing several large-scale government projects with GOC smart boards for both education and corporate sectors.
- Expanded Portfolio: The report highlights the strengthening of smart boardroom and classroom solutions through the expanded GOC brand and the introduction of MAXHUB. The EPSON brand’s inclusion is also set to broaden offerings and contribute meaningfully to business growth.
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The BPO unit continued to make encouraging progress, providing accounting and financial services to local and international clients.
Resilience in a Challenging Environment
The Chairman’s Review acknowledges a continually challenging but recovering operating environment in Sri Lanka, marked by movements in foreign exchange rates, financing costs, import conditions, and shifting customer purchasing patterns. Against this backdrop, Gestetner of Ceylon PLC maintained disciplined financial management, working capital control, and operational efficiency.
The company demonstrated remarkable resilience following a devastating fire incident on its business premises on May 10, 2025. Despite considerable operational hurdles, including the urgent need for alternate premises and infrastructure replacement, Gestetner successfully re-established operations within just 10 working days, matching its prior year’s profitability level.
Corporate Governance and Future Outlook
Gestetner of Ceylon PLC continues to uphold strong corporate governance practices, aligning with CSE Listing Rules and best practices. The Board remains committed to transparency, integrity, and responsible decision-making, ensuring effective oversight and strategic direction.
Looking ahead, the company is cautiously optimistic, anticipating a strengthening Sri Lankan economy and a normalizing business environment. The focus remains on disciplined growth, prudent resource allocation, and enhancing its competitive position across core and emerging businesses. Leveraging the strategic investment from SiS Group, Gestetner aims to further expand its IT solutions, smart technology offerings, and overall product portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
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