John Keells Holdings (JKH) is entering Sri Lanka’s quick-service restaurant market with the American burger chain Wendy’s, the conglomerate announced alongside its first-quarter results.
Franchise agreements have been completed and the first outlet is expected to open by December 2026, JKH said. Subsequent expansion will be funded through debt and internally generated funds. It marks the first time the chain — one of the largest hamburger franchises in the world — will trade in Sri Lanka.
The announcement came as JKH reported group revenue of Rs. 141.65 billion for the quarter ended 30 June 2026, up 24% year on year. Group EBITDA rose 26% to Rs. 16.35 billion, profit before tax rose 31% to Rs. 4.08 billion, and profit after tax rose 8% to Rs. 773 million.
Transportation was the standout, with EBITDA up 223% to Rs. 5.01 billion. Lanka Business Online reported that the Colombo West International Terminal has reached effective full utilisation of its first-phase capacity ahead of the full terminal’s scheduled completion in December 2026.
Consumer Foods, the division that will house the Wendy’s business, lifted EBITDA 21% to Rs. 1.52 billion on double-digit volume growth in beverages and confectionery.
Retail was the weak spot, with segment EBITDA down 16% to Rs. 6.16 billion. Supermarkets grew on the back of same-store sales, but the motor and office automation businesses declined as buyers shifted toward lower-priced, lower-margin vehicles, even as handovers exceeded 2,400 units.
Property EBITDA jumped 358% to Rs. 680 million on the timing of unit sales at VIMAN, TRI-ZEN and Cinnamon Life. Financial Services rose 9% to Rs. 2.02 billion, helped by Nations Trust Bank’s completed HSBC retail integration.
Leisure posted a negative EBITDA of Rs. 53 million. City of Dreams Sri Lanka turned EBITDA-positive, but the rest of the leisure portfolio slipped into loss as Middle East conflict weighed on travel sentiment.
The group is chaired by Krishan Balendra.
