Business
CSE trading halted due to circuit-breaker in the wake of massive selling pressure
CSE trading was halted yesterday after a sensitive index dropped 5.30-pct 20 minutes after resuming its trading activities following massive selling pressure. This was also mainly due to US President Donald Trump’s tariff increase on imports entering the US market.
The market halted or witnessed a circuit- breaker due to the S&P SL20 index dropping over 5 percent from the previous close. This practice was in accordance with SEC Directive dated April 30, 2020,market analysts said.
Further, Asian markets were sharply down as the impact from Trump tariffs continued to shake investors, with Shanghai’s SSE Composite Index down 8.98 percent, Taiwan’s TAIEX down 9.70 percent, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index down 8.1 percent, reports showed.
“Accordingly, the market had been halted for 16 minutes (from 9.51 a.m to 10.07 a.m) and the CSE will conduct an Auction Session for a duration of 14 minutes (from 10.07a.m to 10.21 a.m). Thereafter, the Regular Trading session was commence at 10.21 a.m., the CSE said.
The more liquid S&P SL20 which tracks the larger companies opened down 264 points, while the All Share Price Index down by 698 points. Turnover stood at Rs 6.74 billion with four crossings. Those crossings were reported in DIMO, which crossed 903,000 shares to the tune of Rs 948 million and its shares traded at Rs 1050, JKH 9.9 million shares crossed for Rs 191 million; its shares traded at Rs 18.8, TJ Lanka 1 million shares crossed for Rs 44 million; its shares traded at Rs 44 and Access Engineering 1 million shares crossed for Rs 37 million; its shares traded at Rs 37.
In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 737 million (39.3 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 625 million (6.1 million shares traded), HNB Rs 605 million (2.2 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 529 million (4.2 million shares traded), Digital Mobility Solutions Rs 230 million (3.2 million shares traded) and Browns Investments Rs 173 million (25 million shares traded). During the day 188 million share volumes changed hands in 35000 transactions.
Top negative contributors to the ASPI were Commercial Bank (down 8.58 percent at Rs 122.50), HNB (down 7.96 percent at Rs 269.00), Sampath Bank (down 5.9 percent at Rs 102.75), Melstacorp (ended 5.7 percent lower at Rs 120.25), and JKH (down 4.6 percent at Rs 18.70 ).
It is said that the manufacturing and banking sectors were the main contributors to the turnover. JKH was the top individual contributor to the turnover, which represents the manufacturing sector, while the banking sector was headed by Sampath Bank, followed by HNB and Commercial Bank.
Yesterday, the rupee opened at Rs 296.90/297.10 to the US dollar in the spot market , weaker from Rs 296.65/75 last Friday, dealers said, while bond yields were up.
A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 10.15/20 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2027 was quoted at 10.05/10 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 was quoted at 10.45/48 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 10.60/70 percent, up from 10.55/65 percent.
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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Sun directly overhead Nainamadama, Sandalankawa, Kundasale, Mahiyanganaya and Kalmunanai at about 12:12 noon today [08]
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