Business
CSE trading halts twice amid unfolding economic and political crises
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading halted twice yesterday after an index of sensitive stock dropped 7.88 per cent as an unfolding political crisis added to an economic crisis, stock market analysts said.
The Standard and Poor’s SL 20 Index fell 7.88 per cent and the All-Share Index fell 4.65 per cent. The move also came as the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal tendered his resignation letter.
Education Minister Dinesh Gunewardena said Sunday night that the Cabinet of ministers had given their resignation letters to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, which created a further deterioration of the situation because the Cabinet should hand over their letters of resignation to the President, stock analysts said.
Appointing former Justice Minister Ali Sabry as the new Finance Minister would not give any sustainable solution without a proper economic plan, analysts added.
Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All- Share Price Index went down by 226 points and S and P SL20 declined by 41.9 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.9 billion sans a single crossing. In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 899 million (5.6 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 152.9 million (367,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 146 million (22.8 million shares traded), Hayleys Rs 89.9 million (1.2 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 47.5 million (1.4 million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 45.1 million (4.5 million shares traded) and DFCC Rs 26.7 million (534,000 shares traded). During the day 98.3 million share volumes changed hands in 18000 transactions.
Given the short-term uncertainty prevailing in the capital markets as well as the power outages expected to continue during the month of April, the Board of CL Synergy has decided to postpone its Initial Public Offering (IPO) which was scheduled to open on April 7.
The new dates will be notified once the short-term uncertainties prevailing in the market subside, CL Synergy said in a statement.
The US dollar rate was quoted at Rs 297.95, which was the free- float rate decided by the Central Bank. In the kerb market, the US dollar fetched at Rs 350 to Rs 400.
Business
Seylan Bank launches Google Pay integration for Seylan Cards
Seylan Bank PLC recently announced a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s digital payments landscape through the integration of all Seylan Credit and Debit Cards with Google Pay, enabling customers to make seamless, secure, and contactless transactions directly from their Android devices.
This latest development positions Seylan Bank at the forefront of Sri Lankan financial innovation, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to enhancing customer convenience while driving the adoption of digital payment solutions across the country. The integration is supported by global payment networks Visa and Mastercard, further ensuring wider acceptance and reliability for local and international users.
The service enables faster, safer, and more convenient transactions for Seylan Cardholders, replacing the need for physical cards. The solution, in line with Seylan Bank’s promise of delivering value on “heartfelt essentials”, is designed to support everyday purchases, from groceries and dining to festive shopping, while also allowing customers to focus on what truly matters.
Business
Sri Lanka Society of Hypertension to hold Hypertension Summit 2026
The Hypertension Society of Sri Lanka,has announced Hypertension Summit 2026 in collaboration with Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine at a media conference held to raise public awareness of the growing burden of hypertension and the importance of early detection, regular screening, and timely treatment. Scheduled to be held from July 11 at Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo , the objective of it is to improve hypertension care in Sri Lanka. The summit will bring together researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death is still hypertension. Many people continue to live with the illness without symptoms and go undetected despite its serious health consequences.
The summit, under the theme “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Pressure, Protect Your Future,” will focus on strengthening prevention, enhancing diagnosis and treatment, and fostering collaboration within Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector.
Business
JAT Astera Residencies: Luxury living with panoramic views in Thalawathugoda
Design Consortium International has broken ground on JAT Astera Residencies, a Rs. 4 billion luxury apartment project in Thalawathugoda. This 12-storey development will feature 104 apartments and six penthouses, with units starting at just under 1,200 sq. ft. and priced from Rs. 49 million upwards. A standout design element is that every bedroom includes a private balcony, maximizing space and offering uninterrupted panoramic views over paddy fields.
For buyers, the rooftop is a major highlight—a 14,000+ sq. ft. landscaped communal haven featuring gardens, a calisthenics area, an amphitheatre, and dedicated relaxation zones. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym with sauna, a children’s playground, 100% backup power, comprehensive CCTV, 24-hour security, and rainwater harvesting with basement storage. Practical touches like a temperature-controlled garbage room with a separate lift add everyday convenience.
Developed by JAT Living with over four decades of expertise from Design Consortium, this project delivers premium resort-style living in a tranquil setting. With two- and three-bedroom configurations available, it offers a compelling combination of luxury, functionality, and serene surroundings for discerning buyers.
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