Business
CSE reacts positively to debt moratorium time frame

By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE yesterday reacted in a very positive manner to a recent interview given by the Chief of staff to the President of Sri Lanka and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake, to a media organization that Sri Lanka may likely get a debt moratorium until 2028.
This was a major impetus to the stock market, which showed heavy buying interest, thus creating a bullish sentiment. Against this backdrop the market performed well and a strong rally on banking sector counters was noted throughout the day, market analysts said.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 130.4 points while S and P SL20 rose by 60.95 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.2 billion with five crossings.
Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank, where 3 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 243 million at Rs 81 per share, Hemas Holdings 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 41 million; its shares traded at Rs 82, HNB 150,000 shares crossed for Rs 30.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 200.50, Ceylon Cold Stores 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 27.5 million and its shares traded at Rs 55 and Commercial Bank 205,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.3 million and its share sold at Rs 109.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sampath Bank Rs 432 million (5.3 million shares traded), JKH Rs 207 million (1 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs167 million (1.5 million shares traded), Hemas Holdings Rs 150 million (1.8 million shares traded) and Lanka Aluminium Rs 123 million (1.8 million shares traded). During the day, 117 million share volumes changed hands in 20000 transactions.
Yesterday the rupee opened at Rs 298.80/299.00 to the US dollar in the spot forex market, stronger from 299.25/30 on Friday, dealers said, while bond yields were steady. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 11.35/45 percent from 11.40/45 percent, down from Friday. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 11.95/12.00 percent from 11.90/12.00 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 was quoted at 12.10/25 percent from 12.15/25 percent.
Business
Sri Lanka’s EWIS makes history: First homegrown laptops shipped to Zimbabwe

Company stresses ambition to surpass this milestone
Eyes markets across Africa and beyond
In a groundbreaking achievement for Sri Lanka’s IT and electronics manufacturing industry, EWIS Colombo Ltd, the country’s first and only local computer manufacturer, has successfully exported its first consignment of locally built laptops to Zimbabwe.
This landmark event not only positions Sri Lanka as an emerging force in global IT hardware manufacturing but also highlights EWIS’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence on the international stage.
This historic shipment, dispatched from EWIS’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Samajasewapura, Sooriyawewa, underscores the company’s dedication to delivering world-class technology solutions. With over 11 years of expertise in manufacturing and assembly, EWIS Colombo Ltd has played a pivotal role in driving Sri Lanka’s ICT sector forward. As a Board of Investment (BOI) Section 17-approved company, EWIS has established the country’s first and only local computer manufacturing plant, paving the way for the nation’s growth in high-tech exports.
Speaking on this momentous achievement, Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, Chairman of EWIS Colombo Ltd, said: “This milestone is not just for EWIS but for Sri Lanka as a whole. It proves that our country has the talent, capability, and ambition to manufacture and export high-quality IT products, competing confidently on the global stage. As we continue expanding beyond local markets, we take immense pride in showcasing Sri Lanka’s excellence in technology and innovation to the world. EWIS’s commitment to world-class quality is reinforced by its ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications, ensuring compliance with international quality, safety, and environmental standards.”
Speaking further he said:
“For nearly four decades, EWIS has been a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s ICT sector, delivering cutting-edge solutions for education, businesses, and government enterprises.
With over 11 years of local manufacturing and assembly expertise, EWIS has continuously refined its capabilities to produce high-quality, internationally competitive IT hardware. The successful export to Zimbabwe represents a bold step toward expanding EWIS’s global footprint, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s potential as a world-class technology and manufacturing hub.”
Business
Dialog Television and Emerging Media Introduce one-stop advertising solution

Dialog Television, Sri Lanka’s #1 Pay-TV service provider, has partnered with Emerging Media to enhance the convenience and effectiveness of advertising. This collaboration brings together Dialog Television’s world-class entertainment, featuring 18 advertisable channels across genres such as movies, edutainment, kids, music, sports, and local content, with Emerging Media’s expertise in digital advertising and targeted marketing. This synergy creates a seamless platform for businesses to maximize brand exposure across multiple channels.
With a reach of over 1.7 million households, Dialog Television provides advertisers with a powerful avenue to engage diverse audiences. Brands can place advertisements on leading international and local channels such as &flix, Star Movies, TLC, Animal Planet, AXN, Zee Café, Comedy Central, Star Plus, A+, Nickelodeon, Star Vijay, Zee Tamil, Star Sports, Ten Cricket, Sony SIX, ThePapare TV, Channel One, Citi Hitz and Channel C. Through this partnership, Emerging Media will facilitate advertising sales, allowing businesses to target specific viewer segments while simplifying the media buying process with a single point of contact.
Commenting on the partnership, Lim Li San, Group Chief Operating Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC, stated, “As Sri Lanka’s premier Pay-TV service provider, we serve more than 1.7 million households with over 6 million pairs of captive eyeballs across Sri Lanka. Today, we are excited to embark on this partnership with Emerging Media to avail our Dialog Television platform and brand strength to provide quality advertisement exposure and customer engagement to local businesses across Sri Lanka.”
Business
IIHS partners with University of Surrey to transform healthcare education

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), a pioneer in healthcare training for over 23 years, has partnered with the University of Surrey, UK, to revolutionise healthcare education in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. This will create a world-class academic pathway for aspiring nursing and healthcare professionals, as well as young individuals seeking careers in the field. Under this agreement, IIHS and the University of Surrey will introduce a series of academic initiatives to enhance healthcare training and accessibility.
These include delivering internationally recognised nursing programmes that allow Sri Lankan and regional students to earn globally competitive qualifications in Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the move, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO & Dean of Undergraduate Studies at IIHS, said: “This MOU marks a significant step in our mission to deliver world-class healthcare education to Sri Lanka and the region. IIHS remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare professionals and fostering global healthcare leadership.” Dr. Shelini Surendran, Associate Dean (International) at the University of Surrey, emphasised: “Sri Lanka is establishing itself as a regional education hub, and this partnership ensures students across Asia can access top-tier UK healthcare education at IIHS. By bridging academic excellence with accessibility, we provide students with a clear pathway to their professional goals.”
-
Foreign News2 days ago
Search continues in Dominican Republic for missing student Sudiksha Konanki
-
News5 days ago
Alfred Duraiappa’s relative killed in Canada shooting
-
Features4 days ago
Richard de Zoysa at 67
-
Editorial6 days ago
Ghosts refusing to fade away
-
Midweek Review5 days ago
Ranil in Head-to-Head controversy
-
Features4 days ago
SL Navy helping save kidneys
-
Features6 days ago
The Gypsies…one year at a time
-
Latest News3 days ago
Debutant Madara, Athapaththu fashion Sri Lanka women’s first T20I win in New Zealand