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Boost for for-ex strapped SL as Malaysian investor buys controlling stake in Ramboda Falls

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By Hiran H.Senewiratne

A high net-worth Malaysian investor recently purchased a controlling 52 per cent stake in Ramboda Falls PLC for a consideration of Rs. 279 million giving a boost to forex-strapped Sri Lanka via the CSE, market analysts said.The investor Yeoh Kim Leng bought 10.40 million shares at Rs. 26.80 each via a crossing. Sellers were founder shareholders L.S. Sigera and I.J.A. Karunarathna in equal quantities of 5.2 million shares (26 per cent) each.Post-deal the Ramboda Falls share price gained by 54 per cent or Rs. 8.20 to close at Rs. 23.40. Last week the share figured among top losers, down by 16.5 per cent to Rs. 13.70. The foreign acquisition was carried out at a premium of 76.3 per cent compared to yesterday’s closing price. The buying side was Almas Group’s new subsidiary Assetline Securities, in a major deal under the new ownership, and the selling side advisory was by investment banking firm Atarah Capital Partners.

Amid those developments, stock market indices reversed their early gains after mid- day trading as investors wanted some positive news. But the stock market reacted negatively in relation to high interest rates, imposition of a new tax regime and the anticipated food shortage in the coming months.However, bullish on the prospects for the export apparel sector, Browns Group is investing Rs. 15.3 billion to put up the country’s most modern and the largest textiles plant in the Kurunegala District.The Board of Investment (BOI) agreement to this effect was signed recently between Brown and Company PLC Group CEO T. Sanakan and BOI Director General Renuka Weerakone. This move would not change the mind- set of investors, stock market analysts said

“There is nothing to boost the sentiment. Higher interest rate is the main reason for the market fall,” a stockbroker said. Consequently, the main All- Share Price Index was down 44.74.62 points, while the most liquid S&P SL20 slipped 25.16 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.31 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Windforce, which crossed 29.4 million shares to the tune of Rs 462 million and its shares traded at Rs 15.70 and Sampath Bank 3.07 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 110.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 36.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Browns Investments Rs 136.2 million (14.05 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 116.7 million (1.8 million shares traded), Expolanka Rs 106 million (497,000 shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 37.9 million (4.4 million shares traded), TJLanka Rs 16.2 million (394,000 shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 14.3 million (24,100 shares traded) and Tokyo Cement Rs 12.7 million (491,000 shares traded). During the day 80.7 million share volumes changed hands in 11177 transactions.Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and Hela Apparel Holdings Ltd., while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Dialog Axiata and LOLC Finance. Yesterday the US dollar rate was quoted at Rs 365.09, which was the Central Bank announced rate.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

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.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the 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.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

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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