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SLT Group continues 2025 profitability with strong Q3 and 9-Months results

  • Group records Rs. 6.5 billion PAT in 9M 2025, heralding strong turnaround from 2024.
  • Group operating profit surges 64% YoY to Rs. 11.8 billion in 9M 2025, showcasing disciplined execution and sustained financial momentum.
  • Group finance cost down 21% YoY in 9M 2025, highlighting prudent financial management.
  • SLT company PAT rises 238% YoY to Rs. 4.1 billion in 9M 2025.
  • Mobitel delivers Rs. 1.7 billion net profit in 9M 2025.

The SLT Group has reported a robust financial performance for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025, continuing an upward trajectory with substantial improvements in profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic cost management. The Group’s disciplined execution and focus on financial resilience have resulted in a sustained turnaround from the previous year, strengthening its position as a key enabler of Sri Lanka’s digital economy.

In the third quarter of 2025, the Group advanced the strong performance achieving Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs 2.2 billion, compared to Rs 1.1 billion in Q3 2024. Reduced finance costs contributed significantly to the 100.2% surge in profitability.

At company level, SLT PLC witnessed similar traction, posting a sharp improvement in PAT of Rs. 1.4 billion, against Rs. 932 million Year-over-Year (YoY), signalling a 53% increase driven by lower interest costs. Mobitel delivered a surge in profits contributing Rs. 639 million, compared to Rs. 17 million in Q3 2024, denoting an exceptional 3,660% improvement.

For the first nine months, SLT Group posted a significant increase in PAT reaching Rs. 6.5 billion, up sharply from Rs. 770 million in the 9 months of 2024. At company level, SLT recorded a PAT of Rs. 4.1 billion, marking a 238% increase from Rs. 1.2 billion in 9M 2024. Mobitel carried forward its turnaround, delivering Rs. 1.7 billion in net profit compared to a loss of Rs. 1.1 billion a year earlier, reinforcing financial recovery and operational momentum.

Chairman, SLT Group, Dr. Mothilal de Silva, commented, “The SLT Group’s nine-month results demonstrate the strength of the organization’s strategic transformation and the resilience of the teams. Our profitability surge has created a financial milestone, a signal of renewed governance, sharper execution, and an unwavering commitment to national progress. We are proud to be powering Sri Lanka’s digital future with purpose and discipline.”

Strengthened profitability amidst steady growth

In Q3 2025, SLT Group built on its solid financial path, with a 18.6% YoY growth in operating profit at Group level. SLT company-level operating profit rose modestly by 0.1%, while Mobitel delivered a more pronounced improvement, with a 32% increase in operating profit from Rs. 897 million to Rs. 1,184 million, building on the turnaround momentum from earlier quarters.

The Group’s Profit Before Tax surged by 93% compared to Q3 2024, with net profit showcasing similar momentum, increasing by 100% over the same quarter last year. Mobitel's pre-tax profit alone surged 125% to Rs. 1,039 million.

Group revenue for Q3 2025 stood at Rs. 29.5 billion, heralding a 3.3% increase YoY. SLT company-level revenue rose by 1.7%, with key growth drivers being broadband, SME segment, and enterprise revenue services.

Mobitel’s performance remained a key driver of growth, with revenue increasing 4% from Rs. 11,651 million to Rs. 12,115 million. These gains indicate the continued strength of Mobitel’s market positioning and service delivery, particularly in data services and network quality.

Cost discipline and financial prudence

The Group’s cost optimization strategy remained central to profitability gains. For Q3 2025, direct costs declined by 3.8% at Group level and by 5.8% at SLT, while Mobitel maintained cost stability with operating costs reducing by 2.5% through efficiency measures.

Sales and marketing expenses rose by 14.5% at Group level, driven by SLT’s 27.4% increase during Q3 2025. Mobitel, in contrast, recorded a decrease in marketing expenditure. Administrative expenses increased by 8.2% at Group level, with SLT and Mobitel contributing proportionately to this rise in line with strategic growth initiatives.

Finance costs saw a notable reduction in Q3 2025, with Group-level interest expenses down by 24.2% and SLT achieving a 30.1% decline due to reduced borrowings and improved financial management. Mobitel’s finance costs rose slightly, due to increased borrowing directed on investments in network coverage and capacity. These shifts provide the Group’s continued focus on balancing investment with financial prudence, strengthening the position as a resilient and forward-looking leader in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications sector.

Imantha Wijekoon, CEO, SLT-MOBITEL added, “SLT Group’s nine-month performance is a direct result of disciplined execution and strategic clarity. We continue to invest in digital infrastructure and innovation, to shape the future of connectivity for the nation and as a driver of sustainable growth. These results reflect our commitment to delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”

Sudharshana Geeganage, Mobitel Chief Operating Officer, noted, “Mobitel’s impressive turnaround of Rs. 1.7 billion profits in the first nine months of 2025 compared to a Rs. 1.1 billion loss (YoY) is the result of focused execution and strategic agility. Our anchored growth in Q3 reflects the company’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver value. The company’s strategic focus on data services, network quality, and operational efficiency has translated into improved market positioning and financial resilience.”