Business
CSE bounces back; manufacturing sector stocks proving attractive for investors
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE bounced back yesterday, following its biggest fall in two months by the market heavyweight Commercial Leasing and Finance (CLC) on the previous day, with a very healthy record- breaking turnover level.
The main reason for the stock market to become so attractive, is that many investors believe that it is more profitable to invest in stocks rather than invest in government securities and fixed deposits due to the low interest regime.
Further, net foreign outflows amounted to Rs 46.8 billion to date.
Another reason for the stock market to be profitable is because import restrictions by the Central Bank have created the demand for certain products, such as, locally manufactured tiles and ceramic products. Their prices have gone up. Dollar earning companies in the stock market have also performed exceptionally well during the last few months, market analysts said.
Amid those developments the market was positive and showed an upwards trend due to Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons Ltd.’s shares heavily trading on the first day itself following its IPO. Its listing price was Rs 8.40 and at the end of the day its share price shot up to Rs 17.60, which was a 109 percent or Rs 9.20 gain. Both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index up by 192 points and S and P SL20 went up by 32.8 points.
Turnover stood at Rs 5.7 billion with two crossings. Those two crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 610,000 shares to the tune of Rs 89.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 147 and HNB 300,000 shares crossed for Rs 51 million, its shares traded at Rs 170.
In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons Ltd Rs 1.3 billion (75.8 million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 816 million (39.8 million shares traded), RIL Properties Rs 400 million (30 million shares traded), Shaw-Wallace Investments Rs 316 million (32.8 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 316 million (27.5 million shares traded). During the day 363 million share volumes changed hands in 56000 transactions.
During the day notable buying interest was noted in Shaw-Wallace Investments. Its share price appreciated by 25 percent or Rs 2. Its share price shot up to Rs 10.10 from Rs 8.10. Pan Asian Power share price also appreciated by 21 percent or Rs one. Its shares started trading at Rs 4.70 and at the end of the day they moved up to Rs 5.70.
It said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Vallibel One and JKH. Mixed interest was observed in R I L Property, Expolanka Holdings and LOLC Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Lanka Orix Finance and Pan Asian Power.
Separately, Lion Brewery and Lotus Hydro Power announced their interim dividends of Rs. 3.68 and Rs. 1 per share respectively. Yesterday, the US dollar rate was quoted at Rs 202.38, which was the Central Bank’s controlled price to prevent escalation of the prices of essential items.
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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