Business
CIPM Discusses Developing HR for Sustainable Growth with Labour Minister
CIPM Sri Lanka – the Nation’s leader in human resource management, recently held a fruitful discussion with Minister of Labour & Foreign Employment – Manusha Nanayakkara, on Developing Human Resources for Sustainable Economic Growth of Sri Lanka at the CIPM Head Office “HR House” in Colombo 5. The discussions focused on enhancing human resources management in Sri Lanka, aligning with National HRM Standards, exploring the utilization of the Gig Economy, proposal on reforming labour, setting up a Ministry for Human Resources Management, and establishing a governing body for professional education in the country. CIPM President – Ken Vijayakumar, Immediate Past President – Jayantha Amarasinghe, Vice President – Priyantha Ranasinghe, Secretary – Priyankara Seneviratne, CEO – U. A. C. Obeyesekere, and Director of Professional & Academic Affairs – G. Weerathunga represented CIPM at the discussion.
“Our discussions with the Minister were fruitful, and we are confident that we will be in a position to implement the proposals that we have made to establish Sri Lanka along the lines of international best practices in human resource governance. This initiative aims to provide a systematic and accepted methodology for managing all people-related aspects of the economy, covering the entire cycle of identifying and training, hiring, promotion, rewarding, and retaining the workforce helping to lead Sri Lanka to join a handful of advanced economies who have succeeded in making a better tomorrow for their people,” said Ken Vijayakumar – President, CIPM Sri Lanka.
Amongst the tasks that CIPM Sri Lanka has already initiated in line with the above includes setting up national standards for human resource management together in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) and setting up a Committee for Developing National Standards on Human Resource Management. The committee comprises nationally and internationally acclaimed HRM and business professionals, academics, and SLSI experts. Existing ISO, British, and American standards will be benchmarked as part of this exercise in formulating country-specific National HRM Standards.
Since its inception in 1959, CIPM Sri Lanka has regularly and continuously introduced international best practices in the HR sphere, thus enabling and empowering a paradigm shift for HR practitioners in Sri Lanka.
CIPM is affiliated with the Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resources Management (APFHRM) and the World Federation of People Management Association (WFPMA). CIPM, a professional institute, is also a constituent member of the Organization of Professional Associations [OPA] Sri Lanka. Currently, CIPM comprises over 1200 professional members who serve in both public and private organizations and approximately 8000 students who follow diverse programs on human resource management that are delivered online and through its study centres in Colombo and regional study centres throughout the country. CIPM’s flagship HR qualification – Chartered Qualification in HRM, was recently accredited by CIPD UK.
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
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.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
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.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
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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