Business
Fuel price revision and electricity tariff hike among eight measures proposed by CBSL
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka’s inflation level is very high and has exceeded the 13- year single- digit inflation level this year and is now more than 25 per cent. The Central Bank is quite keen on addressing this issue. Revising fuel prices and increasing electricity tariffs are among eight policy measures the CBSL has proposed to the government to enable the country to face the current economic challenges, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.
” High food inflation of around more than 25 per cent and co-inflation have concerned the Central Bank in a major way and it has now introduced/recommended eight policy measures to the government to further tighten monetary policy to face these economic challenges, the Central Bank Governor told the media at the second monthly monetary policy review meeting for this year yesterday. The event was held at the Central Bank auditorium in Colombo.
Besides revising fuel prices and increasing electricity tariffs, the other policy measures in focus are; discourage supply of non- essential and non- urgent goods, incentivize foreign remittance inward funds, energy conservation, promote renewable energy, impose taxes to increase government revenue, mobilize foreign financing and non- debt inflow, monetizing non- strategic and under- utilized assets and postponing non- essential and non- urgent projects for the time being.
“These eight policy measures are much similar to the IMF recommendations, which sometimes could be worse than our recommendations, Governor Cabraal said.
Cabraal added: “It has been decided to increase both the deposit rate and the lending rate by 100 basis points each after carefully considering the current and expected macroeconomic developments both globally and domestically.
“The Monetary Board of the Central Bank at its meeting held on March 3, 2022, reinforcing its stance adopted in January 2022, has decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) to 6.50 per cent and 7.50 per cent respectively. Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR), meanwhile, remains unchanged at 4.00 per cent.
“It has been decided to revise upwards the caps imposed on interest rates applicable to credit cards to 20 per cent per annum, on pre-arranged temporary overdrafts to 18 per cent per annum and on pawning facilities to 12 per cent per annum. Directions to effect these regulated interest rates will be issued shortly.
“These measures will dampen the possible build-up of underlying demand pressures in the economy, which would, in turn, help ease pressures in the external sector, thus promoting greater macroeconomic stability.
“The Board is of the view that at the same time concerted efforts will need to be urgently taken by the government to complement the efforts taken by the Central Bank to overcome the present economic challenges.
“The CBSL will continue to closely monitor the emerging macroeconomic and financial market developments, both globally and domestically, and will stand ready to take further measures as appropriate with the aim of achieving stability in the fronts of inflation, the external sector and the financial sector, thereby supporting real economic activity on a sustained basis.”
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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