CSE trading activities indicated strong buying interest yesterday as institutional investors were very active in the market, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 160.82 points while the S and P SL20 rose by 37.12 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 4.81 billion with seven crossings. Those crossings were; CTC 1.3 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 2.39 billion and its shares traded at Rs 1780, Commercial Bank 1.25 million shares crossed for Rs 252.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 210, Sierra Cables 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 31.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 31.50.

Laugfs Gas 480,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 30.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 64, Asiri Hospital 600,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 25.8 million; its shares sold at Rs 43, Lanka IOC 150,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 21.3 million; its shares sold at Rs 141.75 and JKH 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 20.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Commercial Bank Rs 218.5 million (one million shares traded), Asiri Hospitals Rs 159.5 million (3.8 million shares traded), HDFC Rs 149 million (1.9 million shares traded), Janashakthi Rs 94.3 million (6.98 million shares traded), NDB Rs 78.9 million (683,000 shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 69.5 million (520,000 shares traded) Renuka Agri Rs 59 million (4.3 million shares traded). During the day 90.2 million share volumes changed hands in 24885 transactions.

It is said that CTC contributed more than half the day’s turnover. Further banking sector counters, especially Commercial Bank, performed well. The manufacturing sector, especially JKH, performed well.

The transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business into NTB has officially been completed effective May 1, Nations Trust Bank said. Nations Trust Bank has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations and absorbed HSBC Sri Lanka staff.

The stock was up 1.27 percent at Rs.318.75 during midday trading.

Beruwala Resorts PLC said it would temporarily close its hotel operations from May 1 to August 30 for a planned refurbishment and operational improvements.

The hotel is expected to resume its operations on September 1, the company said in a market filing, adding that it will keep the market informed of any further material developments.

Lanka Walltiles said shareholders had agreed to amend the articles of association. The stock was down 40 cents at Rs 48.50.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 319.20/320.00 to the US dollar in the spot market, after trades at 319.75/320.00 in the spot next last Thursday, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady across the yield curve.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 was quoted at 9.75/85 percent, up from 9.75/83 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.95/10.05 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 10.15/20 percent, down from 10.17/20 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.80/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 10.95/11.05 percent, up from 10.95/11.00 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is set to commence this week, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and development leaders from across Asia and beyond at a time of mounting global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing journalists ahead of the opening sessions, Bernard Woods, Principal Director of the Department of Communications, said the meetings were beginning at a pivotal moment for the world, with fuel markets, food security and fertilizer supply chains coming under strain due to tensions in the Middle East.

He noted that amid rising political and economic fragmentation, regional connections and stronger collaboration have become more important than ever. Against that backdrop, the key sessions and high-level discussions in Samarkand will focus on building collective resilience and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

Among the major themes expected to dominate the agenda are cross-border digital connectivity, cyber security, energy integration, capital market development, transport corridors and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to improve resilience and productivity in member economies. Woods also said discussions would examine how resources can be distributed more effectively to meet the unique development priorities of each country.

The official programme features a series of strategic seminars and media events over four days. The opening session of the Board of Governors will include addresses by high profile authorities and subject experts.

Other key sessions include discussions on how capital markets can drive development across Asia and the Pacific, scaling up investments for critical minerals and manufacturing value chains, digital highways for inclusive growth, and pan-Asia transport and power connectivity initiatives.

ADB President Kanda is also scheduled to hold a press conference to announce major new initiatives, while several technical briefings will examine global value chains, private sector operations, digital transformation and regional energy cooperation.

With global shocks increasingly spilling across borders, the Samarkand meeting is expected to underline a central message: that regional cooperation, practical partnerships and timely investment remain essential for sustaining growth and stability across Asia and the Pacific.

By Sanath Nanayakkare in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has announced that the transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business in Sri Lanka to NTB has officially been completed, with the acquired portfolio transitioning to NTB effective 1st May 2026.

NTB has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations, ensuring continuity of service and relationship management. The transition also includes the onboarding of HSBC Sri Lanka staff as part of the integration process. The transition has been carried out with a focus on operational stability and minimal disruption, with ongoing support in place as customers familiarise themselves with their banking arrangements at NTB.

The migration brings approximately 200,000 retail customer accounts under NTB, encompassing savings and current accounts, fixed deposits, credit and debit cards, retail loans and a high‑net‑worth customer segment that now joins Nations Trust Bank Private Banking. Through this transfer, Nations Trust Bank’s countrywide network expands to 96 branches. The transition adds seven branches to the network, with locations in Bambalapitiya, Flower Road, Union Place, and Pelawatte operating as dedicated Private Banking Centres, while three other branches are located in Nugegoda, Jaffna, and Kandy.

To support customers during the transition period, NTB has ensured that multiple access points and support channels remain available. Customers may continue to bank through the nearest NTB branch, contact NTB’s 24-hour Help Desk via +94 11 441 4151, and access digital banking services through the Nations Direct mobile app. Dedicated transfer‑related information and FAQs are also available at https://migration.nationstrust.com

Additionally, arrangements were made to extend branch support across two weekends as part of the transition programme.