Business
CSE hits intra-day high in the wake of US-Iran tensions
CSE closed after its broader index hit an intra-day high of 24,000 yesterday due to tensions in US-Iran relations and a dip in investor sentiment.
The All Share Price Index closed at 0.21 percent, or 49.77 points, at 23,870.07 while the S&P SL20 closed down at 0.28 percent, or 19.19 points, at 6,731.31.
Market turnover was Rs 4.9 billion with six crossings. Some of those crossings were reported in Hayleys, where 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 120 million; its shares traded at Rs 240, Distilleries 2 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 119 million; its shares sold at Rs 59.50, Dipped Products 1.4 million shares crossed for Rs 80 million; its shares sold at Rs 57, Dialog Axiata 2.25 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 73.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 32.70, JKH 2.4 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 55.4 million, its shares traded at Rs 22.80.
Market was driven by interest across diverse sectors with both heavyweights and penny stocks drawing attention, brokers said.
Top negative contributors to the ASPI were Sampath Bank (down Rs 1.75 at 162.25), Colombo Dockyard (down Rs 4.75 at 156.50), Dialog Axiata (down 0.60 cents at Rs 32.70 ), DFCC Bank (down Rs 2 at 157) and Commercial Bank (down Rs 1 at 233). During the day 276.9 million share volumes changed hands in 39867 transactions.
It is said that top contributors to the turnover were Dialog, JKH, Acme, Renuka Hotels, Colombo Dockyard, People’s Leasing and Finance and Asia Siyaka.
Manufacturing sector,especially JKH, performed well. The telecommunications sector, especially Dialog, also performed well.
Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.30/35 to the US dollar in the spot market , improving from Rs 309.35/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields edged up slightly.
The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 305.9000 buying, 312.9000 selling; the British pound was 411.8379 buying, and 423.2855 selling, and the euro was 358.4993 buying, 370.0205 selling.
By Hiran H Senewiratne
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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