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HNB to make non-binding offer to buy Bangladesh unit of Alfalah Bank

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Hiran H.Senewiratne

HNB has obtained the go- ahead from its Board to enter into talks and make a non-binding offer to buy the Bangladesh unit of Bank Alfalah.

A further communication will be made once the Board reaches a final decision after due diligence, negotiations and necessary regulatory clearances, CSE sources said.

Bank Alfalah is a multinational bank, which has a presence in UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the statement said.

Bank Alfalah is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Group, according to its sources, and entered Bangladesh in 2005 with the acquisition of Shamil Bank of Bahrain. Bank Alfalah has expanded its presence in a big way.

Amid those developments, the stock market yesterday experienced an extreme downward trend due to speculation that the IMF is going to recommend to impose a capital gains tax for share transactions created by the stock market, market analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went down by 106.1 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 34.3 points. Turnover stood at Rs 513 million without any crossings.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 47.3 million (270,000 shares traded), Ceylon Cold Stores Rs 30.4 million (574,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 26.1 million (290,000 shares traded), NTB Rs 23 million (199,000 shares traded), Pan Asia Bank Rs 20.8 million (1.1 million shares traded), Vallibel Power Erathna Rs 17.4 million (91.9 million shares traded) and Browns Investments Rs 16.4 million (3.2 million shares traded). During the day 30.1 million share volumes changed hands in 9000 transactions.

Yesterday, the buying rate of the dollar was Rs 296.36 while the selling rate was Rs 305.61. The inflation rate of the country is around 2.40 percent.



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Koaloo.Fi and Stredge forge strategic partnership to offer businesses sustainable supply chain solutions

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Paris-based Koaloo.Fi, an award-winning fintech specialising in supply chain performance, sustainability, and financing solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Dubai & Colombo-based Stredge, recognised for its strong local presence and hands-on expertise supporting companies operating in complex and fast-evolving markets.

Koaloo.Fi is an award-winning fintech helping corporates, financial institutions, and suppliers improve supply chain performance through data, AI-driven analytics, and financing solutions. Koaloo.Fi was named Fintech of the Year 2025 (Universwiftnet / L’AGEFI), ESG Fintech 100, and Most Innovative Fintech (Treasury Management International), and operate across EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

Stredge supports companies, both local and global, navigating complex markets with multiple-sector expertise, and hands-on advisory focused on transformation & growth, empowering people, optimising operations, accelerating with technology, strengthening financials, and leading responsibly.

The partnership brings together highly complementary strengths. Stredge has deep local market knowledge, operational expertise, and close relationships with corporates and their supply chains. When combined with Koaloo.FI’s advanced sustainability technology platform, powered by artificial intelligence and data analytics, the partnership enables companies to have robust risk management, gain immediate profitability and fund long-term resilience.

The partnership also addresses the demands of a rapidly changing global trade environment. Global supply chains are being fundamentally reshaped by geopolitical fragmentation, new tariff regimes, trade route reconfigurations, and increasing regulatory pressure for transparency. At the same time, companies face rising expectations around ESG performance, climate disclosures, and emerging carbon pricing mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Supply chains represent up to 90% of corporate ESG impact and around 40% of total profitability, yet remain structurally underfinanced, with an estimated USD 7 trillion global trade and supply chain finance gap. Addressing supplier performance, resilience, and access to liquidity has therefore become a strategic priority.

Together, Koaloo.Fi and Stredge help companies go beyond compliance to improve cash flow, protect margins, and strengthen supply chain resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment. Senior Consultant for Sustainability and Supply Chain Resilience, Prasanna Hettiarachchi is on board with Stredge, driving the sustainability pillar. He brings over three decades of hands-on leadership, strategy, and execution experience across corporate, industry, and national contexts.

“This partnership reflects our shared conviction that supply chain transformation must deliver immediate economic value, not just long-term compliance. By combining Stredge’s local execution capabilities with Koaloo.Fi’s advanced technology and financing solutions, we enable companies to act faster, finance smarter, and build more resilient supply chains,” said Koaloo.Fi’s Co-founder & CEO Mallika Mathur Lheritier.

“Our clients are seeking pragmatic solutions to today’s trade, cost, and regulatory challenges. Partnering with Koaloo.Fi allows us to complement our on-the-ground expertise with cutting-edge technology and innovative financing to deliver measurable impact across supply chains,” noted Stredge Consulting Middle East’s Director & CEO Chester Cruse.

“The strategic partnership with Koaloo.Fi will play a major role in creating value in supply chain transformation for our clients in all the markets we operate,” remarked Stredge Sri Lanka and Middle East Director Sumedha Wijesekera.

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Hayleys Mobility unveils Premium Delivery Centre

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Hayleys Mobility Limited has elevated premium automotive experiences in Sri Lanka with the opening of its state-of-the-art Delivery Centre at No.75, Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha, Colombo 10. The facility enables customers to view and collect fully electric and plug-in hybrid SUVs from the Hayleys Mobility portfolio in a centralised, convenient location, free from queues, extended wait times, or pre-order delays.

The Delivery Centre serves as a centralised space where customers can collect the vehicles or explore the brand’s advanced new energy vehicle lineup firsthand to make informed decisions. The facility has been purpose-built to make the purchasing journey more intuitive and enjoyable, reflecting Hayleys Mobility’s commitment to redefining customer engagement in the automotive sector.

The new Delivery Centre also reinforces Hayleys Mobility’s growing leadership in sustainable and future-ready transportation. The Centre features models including the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Doctor J, J8, Omoda E5, showcasing technology-driven mobility solutions to Sri Lankan professionals, entrepreneurs, families and even businesses seeking to upgrade to premium SUVs.

Hayleys Mobility, as the exclusive authorised distributor of OJ (Omoda&Jaecoo) and SRM vehicles in Sri Lanka, provides full manufacturer warranties, certified after-sales support, genuine parts, and 24/7 roadside assistance, while also expanding access to reliable EV charging through its partnership with StarCharge, a global leader in EV charging technology. The company has further strengthened its offerings by formalising partnerships with several leading financial institutions, giving customers greater flexibility when financing their vehicles. Hayleys Mobility aims to deliver a seamless and convenient vehicle delivery experience while supporting sustainable, future-ready mobility solutions in Sri Lanka.

For more information, contact the Hayleys Mobility expert team on 0112 222 222 or visit www.hayleysmobility.com

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Bourse trading reaches remarkable heights; turnover exceeds Rs. 9 billion

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CSE trading surpassed the 23500 points level yesterday with a very high turnover, touching more than Rs 9 billion, market analysts pointed out.

The reason was because market-friendly macro and micro environmental factors were vibrantly at work.

The All Share Price Index up by 100.90 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 63.65 points. Turnover stood at Rs 9.26 billion with 21 crossings.

Top seven crossings were: Dialog Axiata 49.6 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 1.6 billion and its shares traded at Rs 33, Sampath Bank two million shares crossed for Rs 323.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 156, Cargills Ceylon 300,000 shares crossed for Rs 240 million; its shares traded at Rs 220, Tokyo Cement 760,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 85.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 113, Lanka IOC 540,000 shares crossed for Rs 78.3 million; its shares traded at Rs 145 and Hayleys 334,000 shares crossed for Rs 69 million; its shares traded at Rs 207.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; ACL Cables Rs 470 million (4.6 million shares traded), RIL Properties Rs 322 million (8.5 million shares traded), Prime Lands Residencies Rs 296 million (7.4 million shares traded), Lanka Credit and Business Finance Rs 257 million (29 million shares traded), York Arcade Rs 223 million (18.3 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 217 million (1.5 million shares traded) and Sierra Cables Rs 170 million (4.7 million shares traded). During the day 326.2 million share volumes changed hands in 49537 transactions.

It is said that the banking and finance sector led the market, while the telecommunication sector, mainly Dialog Axiata, performed well.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.20/28 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from Rs 309.20/30 the previous day, having depreciated in recent weeks, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

For example;

A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 was quoted at 9.30/40 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.70/75 percent, down from 9.75/80 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 10.10/25 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.06.2033 was quoted at 10.70/75 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2035 was quoted at 11.20/25 percent, up from 11.15/25 percent.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 305.6000 buying, 312.6000 selling; the British pound was 409.2865 buying, and 420.6047 selling and the euro was 353.4570 buying, 364.8452 selling.

By Hiran H. Sevewiratne

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