Business
M-E tensions continue to prove a dampener for stock trading; indices down
West Asian tensions coupled with bargain-hunting precipitated a downward trend in the stock market yesterday.
Both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 32.43 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 2.02 points. Turnover stood at Rs 4.31 points with nine crossings.
Top seven crossings were reported in Distilleries where two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 118 million; its shares traded at Rs 59, Commercial Bank 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 105 million and its shares sold at Rs 210.25, Prime Lands Residencies 1.8 million shares crossed for Rs 97.3 million; its shares sold at Rs 55.
Chevron Lubricants 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 76.3 million; its shares sold at Rs 190, Access Engineering one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 75.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 75.50, Lanka IOC 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 74.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 149 and Sampath Bank 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 40.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 156.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Lanka Credit and Business Finance Rs 279 million (30.5 million shares traded), Softlogic Capital Rs 275 million (20.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 260 million (22.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Finance Rs 242.5 million (31 million shares traded), HNB Finance Rs 201 million (19 million shares traded), Asia Siyaka Rs 133 million (7.5 million shares traded) and Singer SriLanka Rs 118 million (1.5 million shares traded). During the day 219.9 million share volumes changed hands in 31448 transactions.
It is said that the banking and financial sector performed well. Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank performed well. The real estate and real estate related counters were also active at the floor.
Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 310.95/311.10 to the US dollar in the spot market, from Rs 310.95/311.05 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.
An auction of Rs 130,000 million Treasury bills was ongoing.
A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 9.05/10 percent, up from 9.05/08 percent.
A bond maturing on 15.06.2029 was quoted at 9.40/50 percent.
A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.55/60 percent.
A bond maturing on 01.03.2030 was quoted at 9.63/68 percent, up from 9.60/67 percent.
A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted at 10.20/25 percent, down from 10.20/27 percent.
A bond maturing on 01.06.2033 was quoted at 10.47/53 percent, up from 47/52 percent.
The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 307.5000 buying, 314.5000 selling; the British pound was 412.4211 buying, and 423.7245 selling, and the euro was 355.1348 buying, 366.5542 selling.
By Hiran H Senewiratne
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
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