The weaker rupee currency trend as against the US dollar coupled with global uncertainty created some volatility in the stock market yesterday.

The All Share Price Index went down by 79.16 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 19.87 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.82 billion with six crossings.

Those crossings were: JKH 9.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 203.3 million; its shares traded at Rs 20.50, LMF 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 57 million; its shares sold at Rs 95, Distilleries 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 29 million; its shares sold at Rs 58.50, CCS 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 25.2 million; its shares sold at Rs 126, Citrus Leisure five million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 25 million; its shares traded at Rs 5 and Mercantile Investments 690,000 shares crossed for Rs 20.7 million; its shares sold at Rs 30.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; LOLC Holdings Rs 193 million (336,000 ,shares traded), LMF Rs 133 million (1.4 million shares traded), HNB Rs 120 million (290,000 shares traded), Agstar Rs 108 million (7.8 million shares traded), Prime Lands Residencies Rs 72.7 million (1.5 million shares traded), Lee Hedges Rs 71 million (233,000 shares traded) and Sampath Bank Rs 71 million (475,000 shares traded). During the day 142 million share volumes changed hands in 27990 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, led the market, while the consumer goods sector also performed well. Further banking and other sectors moderately performed.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted weaker at Rs 323.75/324.25 to the US dollar in the spot market from Rs 323.70/90 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields edged lower.

The rupee was quoted at 309.50/60 on December 30, 2025. A RS 80,000 million Treasury bill auction was ongoing.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 319.0000 buying, 326.0000 selling; the British pound was 430.9052 buying, and 442.3504 selling, and the euro was 372.0801 buying, 383.6199 selling.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) has once again reaffirmed its leadership in the insurance industry by being awarded the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka at the prestigious Global Banking & Finance Review Awards 2026. This marks the company’s fourth consecutive year receiving this esteemed recognition, underscoring its consistent performance and strength in bancassurance.

This achievement reflects HNBGI’s continued focus on building a robust and customer-centric bancassurance model, supported by a strong network of banking partnerships which include the long-standing relationship with Hatton National Bank (HNB) alongside other banking partners. Over the years, the company has strengthened its bancassurance capabilities by seamlessly integrating banking and insurance services, enhancing accessibility and delivering greater value to customers across Sri Lanka. This is driven by a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to deliver tailored insurance solutions that are both relevant and convenient.

Commenting on the achievement, Sithumina Jayasundara, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB General Insurance stated, “Winning this recognition for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to the strength of our bancassurance strategy and the dedication of our teams and partners. We have consistently focused on creating meaningful value for our customers through accessible and well-integrated insurance solutions. This milestone reinforces our commitment to innovation, service excellence and sustainable growth as we continue to strengthen our position in the market.”

The Global Banking & Finance Review Awards are recognised internationally for honouring institutions that demonstrate excellence, innovation and best practices within the financial services sector. HNBGI’s continued recognition highlights its ability to maintain high standards while adapting to evolving customer needs and market dynamics.

As the company looks ahead, HNB General Insurance remains committed to further enhancing its bancassurance proposition, expanding its reach and delivering superior protection solutions that support customers in navigating an increasingly complex risk environment.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced the first winners of its exciting ‘Debit Card Challenge 2026,’ with 250 debit card holders emerging victorious in the inaugural monthly draw of a promotion that is set to reward 1,000 customers with prizes worth a total of Rs. 45 million.

The campaign, which will run until 30th June 2026, is one of the Bank’s latest initiatives designed to provide greater value and rewarding experiences to its customers, further reinforcing its commitment to delivering superior benefits through everyday banking, transforming routine debit card usage into opportunities to win an array of exciting and practical rewards.

Open to all Commercial Bank debit card holders, the promotion rewards customers who spend Rs. 20,000 or more per month using their debit cards at Point-of-Sale terminals, for online transactions, or via the Bank’s Q+ Payment App. Each qualifying customer is automatically entered into monthly raffle draws, with winners selected island-wide.

The first of these draws which saw 250 customers walk away with valuable prizes, sets the tone for the remaining months of the campaign. Monthly draws will continue through to June, offering more customers the chance to win, the Bank said.

Adding further excitement, customers who spend Rs 100,000 or more throughout the promotional period and consistently meet the required monthly spending thresholds will also qualify for a grand draw, at which an additional 25 high-value prizes will be awarded.

The prize pool features a wide selection of sought-after household and electronic items, including refrigerators, televisions, washing machines and iphones, ensuring that winners receive rewards that bring real value to their daily lives.

The ‘Debit Card Challenge 2026’ has been launched as part of Commercial Bank’s strategy to further strengthen its leadership in the cards segment, while rewarding customer loyalty and encouraging greater adoption of secure, convenient digital payment methods.

By simply using their Commercial Bank debit cards for routine purchases, customers not only benefit from the ease and safety of cashless transactions, but also gain access to a rewarding experience that could see them take home one of over 1,000 prizes.

With more draws to come and bigger rewards on the horizon, the Bank has invited all debit card holders to maximise their usage and take full advantage of this limited-time opportunity to turn everyday spending into extraordinary wins.