Business
CSE records remarkable turnover of Rs. 5 billion

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The upward momentum at the CSE continued with indices gaining sharper to cross the 6500 points level a couple of days ago. Moreover, the market recorded a notable turnover of more than Rs. 5 billion yesterday, stock market analysts said.
The market overall was positive and with the profit taken by certain investors the market witnessed a drop to 20 points from 70 points but in the later part of the day it bounced bank to positive territory.
Both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 51.03 points and S and P SL20 by 3.74 points. The turnover stood at Rs. 5.3 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in NDB, which crossed 2.75 million shares to the tune of Rs. 225.5 million; its shares traded at Rs. 82, Hayleys Fabrics 1.4 million shares crossed for Rs. 37 million; its shares traded at Rs. 26.40 and JKH 200,000 shares crossed for Rs. 30.4 million; its shares trading at Rs. 152.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Browns Investments Rs. 1.57 billion (449 million shares traded), Hemas Holdings Rs. 332 million (3.6 million shares traded), Softlogic Life Rs. 327.5 million (9.3 million shares traded), JKH Rs. 209.4 million (1.4 million shares traded) and LOLC Rs. 203.6 million (1.44 million shares traded). During the day 5998 million share volumes changed hands in 36664 transactions.
Amid those developments one of the most sought after companies, Browns Investments, contributed more than 74 percent of the total shares that were traded during the day. Its shares also appreciated by 23 percent or 70 cents. Its shares started trading at Rs. 3 and at the end of the day it moved up to Rs. 3.70.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, DFCC Bank and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings (JKH), Royal Ceramics and Hemas Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Expolanka Holdings and HNB.
E.B. Creasy and Company PLC this week resolved to sub divide its shares on the basis of one existing share to 100 shares to improve liquidity.
The move will increase the number of shares in issue from 2.53 million to 253.5 million without affecting any increase to the Stated Capital of the company.
The increased shares will not be entitled to the proposed first and final dividend of Rs. 18 per share for the year ended on March 31 to be declared at the AGM scheduled for December 30.The sub division move is subject to shareholder approval at an EGM.
Sri Lanka rupee closed steady at 186.50/70 to the US dollar on Tuesday in the spot market while yields remained unchanged in moderate market trade ahead Wednesday’s Treasury Bills auction, dealers said. The rupee closed at 186.60/85 to the US dollar on Monday against the US dollar.
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
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