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Kanrich Finance to merge with Nation Lanka Finance and increase capital base to over Rs. 3 billion

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Chairman/Director KFL Ravi Ratnayake

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Kanrich Finance Ltd (KFL) will merge with Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NFL) and will increase their capital funds to over Rs. 3 billion, chairman/Director KFL Ravi Ratnayake said.

“This is being done under the Master Plan for Consolidation of Non-Bank Financial Institutions, evolved by the Central bank, and we have received the approval for this merger, which is aimed at meeting the deficit of the Capital Adequacy requirements of Rs. 2.5 billion, Ratnayake told The Island Financial Review.

Ratnayake added: “As per directions of the CBSL, Kanrich Finance has already started to settle the public liabilities of their customers in full and this process will be completed before the end of February 2023. The company settles these liabilities as part of the regulations for the merger and we have adequate funds to settle all deposits and promissory notes.

“Kanrich depositors, after they receive their deposits, are welcome to join the newly merged entity. There is another advantage to them as they can benefit from the increasing deposit rates in the market. In addition, our staff can provide advice if needed on re-investing.

“The Central Bank plans to reduce the number of finance companies from 42 to 25. One condition of their plan is that the companies which cannot show a capital of Rs. 2.5 billion must merge with another company or become a non-licensed company. Though Kanrich fulfilled all other requirements, Kanrich is missing this threshold marginally. Therefore, Kanrich has to fill this capital gap or become a non-licensed company. Accordingly, Kanrich is in the process of finalizing a merger with another finance company.

Kanrich Finance is performing well and continues to make profits, recording high financial stability. Despite the C-19 and regulatory restrictions, we recorded Rs. 183 million in profits before tax and Rs. 113 million after-tax profits last year. Kanrich is also reaching Rs. 2 billion in capital and possesses an impressive capital adequacy ratio of 29%.

“Prior to this in 2019, Kanrich had a tough time and to overcome this they implemented institutional restructuring, cost reduction and increased efficiency and productivity which resulted in a positive turn around resulting in reducing overhead costs. Senior management even voluntarily agreed to cut their salaries and allowances.

“With regard to Micro Finance Business, the product of Kanrich is entirely different from what is available in the market as it is based on a sustainable financing concept.

“However we opted out of such loans mainly due to political interventions in the microfinance industry. Political leadership publicly declared in 2019 that they would write off rural masses’ micro-loans, resulting in the accumulation of extensive NPL portfolios by financial institutions, including Kanrich. The extensive NPL portfolio in the micro product area resulted in weak income statements and tight liquidities.

“The company was subject to severe lending and deposit restrictions by the regulatory authority.

“Kanrich will not exit from the finance business as it is not a failed or collapsed company and does not have any other financial problems as well.

“On the contrary, it is doing well in terms of all financial indicators and after the merger will continue to engage in finance as an even stronger merged entity.

“On the subject of the Central Bank going ahead with the consolidation of finance companies and undertaking reforms in the finance sector, we have a doubt about the timing of these financial reforms.

“President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently said that he does not want to implement any reforms because they cannot be undertaken in a crisis situation.

“Unfortunately, the economic crisis is still unfolding and it has an enormous adverse impact on the business sector, including finance. Therefore, I believe that the government could consider giving the distressed companies some time to recover before subjecting any reforms.

“With the amalgamation with Nation Lanka we will become stronger and as a standalone lending institution will provide a better service to customers.”



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Business

Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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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.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

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.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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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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