1999 - 2000
The group became the largest local shareholder of South Asia Gateway Terminalsa massive infrastructure project to own, operate and develop the Queen Elizabeth quay of the port of Colombo. The project was the largest private sector investment in Sri Lanka and was launched in alliance with several international and multilateral organizations.

2000 - 2001
JKH was rated among the best 300 small companies in the world by Forbes Global magazine, the only Sri Lankan company to be among the list. JKH also became the first company in Sri Lanka; to obtain the SLAAA rating from Fitch Rating Ltd. Moreover, JKH was the only Sri Lankan company to be admitted as a full member of the World Economic Forum. During this period two international operations were launchedMatheson Keells Enterprises in Cochin, India (the shipping agent for PIL) and Mack Air Services, Maldives (the GSA for American Airlines, Gulf Air, Leisure Cargo and Jet Airways in the Maldives). Pizza Hut Sri Lanka was named the “Franchisee of the Year” for the Indian sub continent.

2001 - 2002
JKH continued to be the highest capitalized company on the Colombo Stock Exchange for the fifth successive year. JKH was ranked one of the “world's best 200 small companies”, the only Sri Lankan entity to be named in the list by Forbes global magazine.

2002 - 2003
JKH acquired Lanka Marine Services, the only bunkering facility at the port of Colombo. Nations Trust Bank acquired the local operations of American Express. During the year the group exited from its vegetarian food franchise Komala's. “Elephant House SuperPola” is added to the group's supermarket network.

2003 - 2004
In the largest ever transaction on the Colombo Stock Exchange, JKH acquired Asian Hotels & Properties, an acquisition that brought with it 40% of the five star room capacity in Colombo. The group sold its 50% stake in RPK Management Services (Pvt) Ltd.

2004 - 2005
In restructuring the Resort Hotel Sector of the group, John Keells Hotels Limited (KHL) made a voluntary offer to acquire the shares of all group resort companies. JKH acquired a controlling stake in Mercantile Leasing Limited (MLL). The John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation, the group's CSR arm, was established as a charitable company and registered as a voluntary social service organization.

2005 - 2006
The group entered into a MOU to develop a third resort in the Maldives on Alidhoo Island. JKH acquired 80% of Yala Village Hotel. With the sale of Keells plantations, the group exited from the ownership of plantations. JKH entered into the BPO space through a joint venture with Raman Roy Associates. The group also launched its new hotel brands “Cinnamon” and “Chaaya”. NTB merged with Mercantile Leasing Limited. John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle of the Group, obtained formal Charity status.

2006 - 2007
The group acquired a lease on Dhonveli Beach and Spa in the Maldives and Ellaidhoo Tourist Resort in the Maldives, further enhancing its regional presence. Furthermore, JKH acquired 20 per cent of Associated Motorways PLC. JKH increased its stake in South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Limited by 7.5 per cent to 33.75 per cent. The group exited its restaurant businesses with the sale of Keells Restaurants (Pvt) Limited and Crescat Restaurants (Pvt) Limited.

2007 - 2008
Please refer operating highlights in the “Profile and Discussion” section.