
Ceylon Tobacco Company is a leading tobacco company in Sri Lanka, with a rich history dating back to 1934. The company was founded by a group of British investors who saw an opportunity to tap into the growing demand for tobacco in the country.
The company's early success can be attributed to its strategic partnerships, including a joint venture with the British American Tobacco (BAT) group in 1968. This partnership brought significant resources and expertise to the company, helping to drive its growth and expansion.
Today, Ceylon Tobacco Company is one of the largest manufacturers of tobacco products in Sri Lanka, with a diverse portfolio of brands and products.
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Business Operations
The Ceylon Tobacco Company has a relatively small workforce, with a total of 244 employees. This suggests a lean and efficient operation.
Their contact number, +94 11 249 6200, is easily accessible, indicating that they value transparency and communication with their customers and partners.
Their business description is not explicitly stated, but it's likely that they are a major player in the tobacco industry in Sri Lanka.
Business Description
Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC is a notable example of a business with a defined organizational structure. The company has 244 employees, indicating a relatively small but focused workforce.
The company's contact information is readily available, with a phone number of +94 11 249 6200.
Geographical Sales Breakdown
The geographical sales breakdown of Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC provides valuable insights into the company's sales performance across different regions.
Sri Lanka has consistently been the largest market for the company, with sales reaching 204 billion in 2024.
The company's sales in Sri Lanka have been steadily increasing, from 132 billion in 2020 to 204 billion in 2024.
Export sales, on the other hand, have been volatile, with significant fluctuations in sales from year to year.
In 2020, export sales were 74.49 million, but dropped to 51.2 million in 2021.
However, export sales rebounded in 2022, reaching 64.89 million, and then surged to 396 million in 2023.

The company's export sales continued to rise in 2024, reaching 614 million.
Interestingly, the company's sales have been declining in the unallocated category, with sales decreasing from -100 billion in 2020 to -142 billion in 2024.
Here is a breakdown of the company's sales in Sri Lanka and export sales:
Management and Governance
The management team at Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC is led by Fariyha Subhani, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since April 14, 2024. Fariyha Subhani has been at the helm of the company for a relatively short period.
Towhid Akbar serves as the Director of Finance/CFO, a role he has held since March 31, 2023. Lakshitha Rajendran and Kavinda Nanayakkara are also part of the management team as Corporate Officers/Principals, although their exact start dates are not specified.
The Board of Directors at Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC is composed of seven members. Suresh Kumar Shah has been the Chairman since February 15, 2021. The other directors include Rumana Rahman, Stuart Kidd, Kushan de Alwis, Gary Tarrant, Towhid Akbar, and Harin de Silva Wijeyeratne.
Here is a list of the current members of the Board of Directors:
Manufacturing and Products
Ceylon Tobacco Company has its roots in the stock market, specifically in equities, where its stock is traded under the ticker CTC.N0000.
The company's stock is a significant indicator of its financial performance and growth.
Its stock market presence is a testament to the company's commitment to transparency and accountability.
The company's name is Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, which is a clear indication of its origins and heritage.
Here's a brief overview of the company's stock market presence:
The company's stock market presence is just one aspect of its operations, but it's an important one that reflects the company's overall health and success.
Industry and Market
The Ceylon Tobacco Company has a significant presence in the industry and market.
The company is one of the largest tobacco companies in Sri Lanka, with a market share of over 90%.
Ceylon Tobacco Company has a strong distribution network, with its products being sold in over 80% of the country's retail outlets.
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Sector
The sector of an industry is a crucial aspect to understand when diving into the world of business. Consumer Non-Cyclicals is a broad sector that encompasses various sub-sectors.
One of the sub-sectors under Consumer Non-Cyclicals is Food & Beverages. This sub-sector is further divided into smaller categories.
Food & Tobacco is a specific category within Food & Beverages. It's worth noting that Tobacco is a sub-category within Food & Tobacco.
Cigars & Cigarette Manufacturing is a key player in the Tobacco sub-category. This industry is responsible for producing a wide range of tobacco products.
Here's a breakdown of the sectors and sub-sectors mentioned:
Sri Lankan farming
Sri Lankan farming has a rich history, particularly in the production of tobacco. In the 1980s, the amount of land used for growing tobacco in Sri Lanka grew a lot.
Many people worked as tobacco farmers during these years, taking advantage of the increasing demand for tobacco. Tobacco farming became a significant industry in the country.
The country's tobacco production skyrocketed, with thousands of tons of raw tobacco being produced by 2010.
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Government Taxes
The Sri Lankan government collects taxes on tobacco products, and these taxes help fund government services.
One of the taxes on tobacco is called an excise tax, which can be changed by the Minister of Finance.
Sri Lanka has been taxing tobacco since 1953, giving the government a long history of managing tax revenue from this industry.
The government uses different types of taxes on tobacco to manage how much tax is collected, and this helps them balance their budget.
Ownership and Structure
Ceylon Tobacco Company is majority-owned by British American Tobacco International, holding approximately 84% of the company's shares. This significant stake gives British American Tobacco International a substantial influence over the company's operations and decision-making processes.
The company's market capitalization is around US$1.5 billion, making it the most valuable company in Sri Lanka.
British American Tobacco International's ownership stake in Ceylon Tobacco Company is reflected in the company's shareholding structure, with the majority of shares held by this parent company.
Philip Morris International holds a smaller but still significant stake in Ceylon Tobacco Company, owning around 8.32% of the company's shares.
Here's a breakdown of the company's major shareholders:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Ceylon Tobacco Company?
Ceylon Tobacco Company was established in 1906 when British American Tobacco (BAT) opened its office in Ceylon. The company's early years were marked by trading activities in Colombo, buying and selling cigarettes from its Prince Street head office.
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