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Bourse turns positive in the wake of CBSL’s February 2024, Monetary Policy Report release

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By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Stock market activities turned positive yesterday subsequent to the release of the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Report – February 2024, which revealed that Sri Lanka is heading for stability in the coming months, thus creating a bullish sentiment in the market, market analysts said.Consequently, both market indices moved upwards.

A crossing in National Development Bank shares contributed Rs 626 million to the day’s turnover and a share closed up at Rs. 65.10. The market was up mainly because of trades in the banking sector (Rs 769 million), a market participant said. “This is dividend season for the banks. So there is some interest there, market analysts said.

“Also with interest rates coming down, interest in the equity market is returning, market sources said. The bigger banks all closed up: Sampath Bank (Rs 73.20), Commercial Bank of Ceylon (Rs 89.50), DFCC Bank (Rs 78.80), and HNB (up at Rs 163.00).

All Share Price Index swent up by 17.86 points while S and P SL20 rose by 19.85 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.3 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in NDB, which crossed 9.7 million shares to the tune of Rs 626 million; its share price was Rs 64 and JKH 125,000 shares crossed for Rs 23.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 189.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 95.2 million (709,000 shares traded), Union Assurance Rs 71.6 million (1.6 million shares traded), HNB Rs 53 million (324,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 43 million (227,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 42.1 million (576,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 39.8 million (9.2 million shares traded) and Dialog Axiata Rs 31.8 million (3.2 million shares traded). During the day 41 million share volumes changed hands in 7000 transactions.

Other sectors that attracted investor interest were Capital Goods (110mn), and Food, Beverage and Tobacco (108mn). Companies that saw active volumes traded were Union Assurance PLC (71mn); the share closed up at 45.00. And Expolanka Holdings PLC (95mn), whose shares closed up at 134.75.Yesterday, the US dollar buying rate was Rs 307.70 and selling rate Rs 317.76.



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Business

Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.

The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.

The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.

The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.

To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com

Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.

Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.

The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.

Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”

Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.

Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.

As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”

Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.

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