Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Ports & SEZ , has issued a letter to shareholders, addressing recent developments and highlighting the company's resilience and growth. The letter comes in the wake of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) dismissing allegations against the Adani Group that were raised in a report by Hindenburg Research on January 24, 2023.

SEBI's Verdict and Company's Response

Adani described SEBI's decision as an "unequivocal verdict dismissing the allegations" against the group. He emphasized that this regulatory clearance serves as a "powerful validation of the transparency, governance, and purpose" with which the company has always operated.

Financial Performance and Growth

Despite the challenges faced, Adani highlighted the group's strong financial performance:

The portfolio EBITDA showed a remarkable two-year CAGR of 25%, while the Gross Block expanded by nearly ₹2 lakh crores over the same period.

Key Infrastructure Projects

Adani outlined several significant projects completed during this period:

• India's first container transshipment port at Vizhinjam
• 6 GW of renewable capacity, including the Khavda project (world's largest single-location renewable project)
• The world's largest copper smelter and metallurgical complex
• 7,000 circuit kms of transmission lines
• 4 GW of new thermal capacity across India and overseas

Future Commitments

Looking ahead, Adani committed to:

1. Further strengthening governance standards
2. Accelerating innovation and sustainability efforts
3. Continuing investments in infrastructure to support India's growth

Chairman's Message

Adani expressed gratitude to investors, lenders, suppliers, and partners for their support during challenging times. He concluded with a message of resilience, quoting Shri Sohan Lal Dwivedi: "The boat that fears the waves can never reach the shore, But those who keep on trying will win forevermore....".

The Chairman's letter reflects a forward-looking stance, emphasizing the company's dedication to transparency, growth, and contributing to India's infrastructure development.

Adani Ports & SEZ , India's largest private multi-port operator, has announced plans to expedite the expansion of its container terminal capacity in Sri Lanka. This strategic move demonstrates the company's commitment to enhancing its international presence and operational efficiency.

Accelerated Expansion Plans

The company has agreed to boost the container terminal capacity at its Sri Lankan facility ahead of the originally planned timeline. This decision reflects Adani Ports & SEZ's proactive approach to meeting growing demand and strengthening its position in the region's maritime infrastructure.

Strategic Implications

By fast-tracking the expansion, Adani Ports & SEZ is poised to:

• Capitalize on increasing trade volumes in the region
• Enhance its competitive edge in the international port operations market
• Contribute to Sri Lanka's economic growth by improving port infrastructure
• Potentially attract more shipping lines and cargo to the facility

Operational Benefits

The accelerated capacity increase is expected to bring several operational advantages:

• Improved handling efficiency for larger vessels
• Reduced turnaround times for ships
• Enhanced ability to manage peak season demand
• Increased throughput capacity, potentially leading to higher revenues

While specific details about the capacity increase and investment figures have not been disclosed, this move aligns with Adani Ports & SEZ's broader strategy of expanding its global footprint and optimizing its port operations.

As Adani Ports & SEZ continues to strengthen its international presence, this development in Sri Lanka marks a significant step in the company's growth trajectory. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this accelerated expansion impacts the company's performance and market position in the coming months.