By Hiran H. Senewiratne

The CSE yesterday continued to bounce back amid a gradual increase of buying pressure among local and foreign investors.Investors see the market as gradually stabilising, market analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went up by 227.05 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 48.74 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 1.14 billion with four crossings. Those crossings were; CIC Holdings 1.8 million shares crossed for Rs 47 million; its shares traded at Rs 26, Seylan Bank 400,000 shares crossed for Rs 35 million; its shares sold at Rs 86.50,Distilleries 450,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 21 million; its shares sold at Rs 51 and People’s Leasing and Finance 1.2 million shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 17.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were: CIC Holdings ((Non-Voting) Rs 127 million (5.8 million shares traded ), Commercial Bank Rs 113 million (58,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 28 million (127,000 shares traded), RIL Properties Rs 27 million (1.3 million shares traded), Prime Lands Residencies Rs 25 million (735,000 shares traded), Digital Mobility Solutions Rs 24 million (155,000 shares traded) and Sierra Cables Rs 23 million (709,000 shares traded). During the day 68 million shares volumes changed hands in 15619 transactions.

It is said that CIC Holdings led the market both in crossings and retail market trading. Further, banking sector counters, especially Seylan Bank and Commercial Bank, performed well. Sierra Cables also impressed.

Sri Lanka energy firm, Vidullanka, received a Letter of Acceptance for a 1.35 million US dollar mini hydro Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract in Fiji, a market sources said.

The contract was awarded by the Department of Energy under Fiji’s Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted flat at Rs 331.15/25 to the US dollar in the spot market while bond yields were steady, dealers said.

Ambewela, Sri Lanka’s leading premium fresh milk brand, has secured two prestigious recognitions at the Global Business Excellence Awards 2026, being named Most Iconic Brand and Best Dairy Brand.

The dual recognition marks a proud milestone for Ambewela, celebrating both its excellence within the dairy category and the enduring trust it has earned among Sri Lankan consumers over the past 2 decades.

The awards were presented on 6 October 2026 at the BMICH Exhibition Centre Main Hall in Colombo 07. Organized by London Business Consultancy, United Kingdom, the Global Business Excellence Awards recognise achievements and excellence across industries. The programme received institutional recognition from DEC under the Ministry of Industry, Sri Lanka, with business focused research and academic review by the SITC Campus Business Faculty.

Being named Best Dairy Brand recognises Ambewela’s strength and excellence within the dairy category, while Most Iconic Brand reflects the lasting connection the brand has established with Sri Lankan consumers.

Ambewela dairy products is a household name synonymous with freshness and quality. Originating from Sri Lanka’s lushest highland pastures, each Ambewela product is the result of a meticulous process that ensures the highest quality dairy delights, from farm to family. The product range, which includes fresh milk, cheese, and yoghurt, consistently offers superior value and quality, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved brands.

As a leading premium fresh milk brand, Ambewela continues to focus on freshness and quality while championing the value of locally produced dairy. Its journey is closely linked to the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry and its contribution to strengthening appreciation for the local dairy sector.

Sri Lanka’s digital innovation trailblazer Arimac secured three national honours at the National AI Awards 2026, recognising achievements across AI leadership, banking and finance, and Sinhala and Tamil AI innovation. Co-Founder and CEO Chamira Jayasinghe received the National AI Leadership Excellence Award, recognising his contribution to advancing AI-led innovation and technology transformation in Sri Lanka.

The company also received Gold for Best AI Solution in Banking, Finance & Insurance under the Industry & Sector Excellence Awards, while its work in local-language technology earned Silver for Best Sinhala/Tamil AI & Localisation Innovation under the Innovation & Future-Focused Awards.

The recognition follows a series of Arimac AI deployments that have delivered measurable business outcomes, including a 32% reduction in cost-to-serve per enquiry, lead response times reduced from four hours to three minutes, and the deployment of more than 100 AI agents across selected international operations. These outcomes demonstrate the practical application of AI across commercial environments, particularly in sectors where speed, accuracy and reliability are critical.