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Bourse down to just two crossings as bearishness takes hold

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An escalation in Middle Eastern tensions yesterday underscored the CSE’s lingering bearishness and bred a dull sentiment among investors, market analysts said.

Brent futures were trading around US $ 115 a barrel, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels entered the West Asian conflict and additional US troops were deployed near Iran.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 254.78 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 82.74 point.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.19 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank, where 615,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 95.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 155.50 and JKH 2.6 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 2.6 million its shares traded at Rs 17.90.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 299 million (16.6 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 217 million (1.4 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 182 million (103 million shares traded), Brown’s Investments Rs 120 million (19.7 million shares traded), LMF Rs 107 million (1.3 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 98.9 million (806,000 shares traded) and Prime Lands Residencies Rs 94.6 million (1.9 million shares traded). During the day 100 million shares volumes changed hands in 25260 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, led the market while the banking sector, especially Sampath Bank, was active at the floor. Further, the consumer goods and real estate sectors also performed well.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 314.75/315.25 to the US dollar in the spot market, depreciating further from Rs 314.70/315.00 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields opened slightly higher with the market a bit quiet.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.95/10.00 percent, up from 9.80/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.03.2030 was quoted at 10.00/03 percent, up from 9.90/10.00 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 10.05/15 percent, up from 10.00/10 percent.

The rupee was quoted at 309.20/25 to the US dollar in the spot market on February 28, the day before the US and Israel bombed Iran.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 311.2500 buying, 318.2500 selling; the British pound was 411.4501 buying, and 422.7535 selling, and the euro was 355.8446 buying, 367.2640 selling.

By Hiran H Senewiratne



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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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