Business
Agriculture sector counters drive share market
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading witnessed volatility throughout yesterday and until the middle of the session the market indicated negative but at the end of the session it turned positive. The market gained 0.96 per cent in mid- market trade and was pushed up by the retail and agriculture sectors, analysts said.
“Lanka IOC shares were reactivated due to global fuel prices being low and stable fuel prices in Sri Lanka. But profit- takings were noted throughout the day, analysts said.
The All- Share Price Index (ASPI) edged up by 10.4 points, while the most liquid All Share Price Index gained 1.37 per cent or 1.6 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.4 billion with four crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 636,000 shares to the tune of Rs 95.5 million, its shares traded at Rs 150, CIC Holdings 375,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 35.6 million, its shares traded at Rs 95, Lanka IOC 145,000 shares crossed for Rs 31.2 million, its shares fetched Rs 215.50 and C.W Mackie 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.5 million, its shares traded at Rs 90.
In the retail trade top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Browns Investments Rs 473 million (57.8 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 36.9 million (1.7 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 243 million (1.18 million shares traded), JKH Rs 144 million (965,000 shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 95.1 million (11.3 million shares traded), COC Holdings (Non-Voting) Rs 71.3 million (1.1 million shares traded) and LOLC Holdings Rs 65.2 million (138,000 shares traded).
It is said that food related agriculture counters were been getting activated, because there has been a spike in investor interest in the plantation segment, this is still on lower scales, analysts further stated.In the past sessions the market was carried on positive sentiments because of Expolanka’s plans on acquisition with an international logistics firm. During the day 119.7 million share volumes changed hands in 22000 transactions.
Yesterday, the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 361.30 and the selling rate Rs 371.71. Inflation is still at a high rate of 70.60 per cent, which is expected to come down gradually.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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