Business
JKH shares appreciate with firming of SLPA West Container Terminal deal
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading activities became positive yesterday due to improved investor sentiment stemming from the opening of the country after the one month lockdown, proper administration of the vaccination programme for the people by the government , releasing of a road map for the development of the economy by the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and the firming of a strategic deal concerning the Colombo Port, the Adani Group signed on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis with its local partner JKH and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The aim of the latter is to jointly develop the SLPA’s West Container Terminal (WCT), stock market analysts said.
While the Adani Group has been in talks with JKH, one of the largest conglomerates in Sri Lanka, on aspects of design and a probable timeline for execution, Thursday’s agreement among all three stakeholders will bear details of the execution of the project, officials in Colombo, who are familiar with the negotiations, revealed to The Hindu newspaper. Owing to this US $ 700 million deal, JKH shares appreciated by Rs. 3.25 or 2.2 percent. Further, JKH became the second largest contributor to the All Share Price Index, which contributed 9.6 points.
Both CSE indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 49.3 points and S and P SL20 rose by 49.1 points. Turnover stood at Rs. 6.9 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed three million shares to the tune of Rs. 447 million and its shares traded at Rs. 149, Brown and Company 900,000 shares crossed for Rs. 180.6 million, its shares traded at Rs. 202, Expolanka Holdings 700,000 shares crossed for Rs. 140 million, a share traded at Rs. 200, Nation Development Bank 500,000 shares crossed for 38.2 million, its shares traded at Rs. 76.50 and Alumex 2.5 million shares crossed for Rs. 39 million, its shares fetched Rs. 12.
In the retail market, five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs. 1.95 billion (9.8 million shares traded), Brown and Company Rs. 918 million (88.7 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs. 515 million (824,000 shares traded), JKH Rs. 426 million (2.8 million shares traded) and Ambeon Capital Rs. 305 million (20.3 million shares traded traded). During the day 284 million share volumes changed hands in 39000 transactions. Hotel sector counters showed a bit of price appreciation due to positive external environmental factors. Jetwing Symphony Hotel shares appreciated and the entity announced that they do not possess any undisclosed price sensitive information.
A director attached to Browns Investments, Kamantha Amarasekera, gifted five million shares worth Rs. 9.90 per share to the charitable organization, Helpage, amounting to Rs. 49.5 million.
Several more Hayleys Group companies announced interim dividends. Dipped Products declared a 95 cents per share first interim dividend, Alumex announced a 10 cents per share first interim and for Hayleys Fabric it was a 40 cents per share first interim. Haycarb on Tuesday announced an 80 cents per share first interim dividend.
Yesterday 1 US dollar was equal to 199.87 Sri Lankan rupees. This is liable to change depending on the Central Bank policy announcement today.
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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