Business
ASPI soars beyond 12,000, first time in 2 years

By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) crossed the 12,000 points mark at the end of trading yesterday for the first time since 21st February 2022, market analysts said.
The bullish trend extended due to the prevailing favourable outlook on Sri Lanka’s external debt restructuring exercise.
Further, the banking sector counters, especially Sampath Bank contributed more than 50 percent to the turnover, they said.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index up by 70.6 points while S and P SL 20 up by 33.8 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.96 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank which crossed Rs 80 worth share amounting to 15 million shares to the tune of Rs 1.2 billion,is considered to be major transactions for the day which contributed more than 50 percent to the turnover, LOLC Holdings, 250,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 101.8 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 410 and Hayley Fabrics 1.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 60.8 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 40.50.
In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributes to the turnover were Sampath Bank Rs 220 million (2.7 million shares traded),LOLC Holdings Rs 186 million (454,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 83 million (747,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 78.6 million (386,000 shares traded), Pan Asian Bank Rs 63.4 million (7.6 million shares traded) and Central Industries Rs 55.8 million (465,000 shares traded). During the day 88.7 million shares volumes changed hands in 13,135 transactions.
Meanwhile, the rupee opened at Rs 298.40/50 to the US dollar in the spot forex market , stronger from Rs 298.60/65 on the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were steady. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted stable at 11.30/40 percent.A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 was quoted at 12.10/15 percent from 12.05/15 percent.
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
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