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Lanka IOC: Ceaselessly depreciating LKR and Russia-Ukraine war behind gasoline price hike

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‘Licensed commercial banks are not able to provide USD even at the LKR rate of 300’

‘Suppliers quote high premium for supply of gas-oil and gasoline due to uncertainty in global market and Sri Lanka country risk’

‘Even after the increase, there would still be losses on gasoline’

Impacted heavily by unwanted conditions due to currency depreciation and high global prices, Lanka IOC was forced to increase its retail selling prices of gasoline by Rs 49/ltr, but diesel prices remain unchanged, Lanka IOC says.

“Consequent to floating of Sri Lankan rupee by the Central Bank since 7th March 2022, rupee is ceaselessly depreciating against the dollar, from initial level of 203 to more than Rs 290 per USD during last 15 days making fuel import more costlier. Despite this exorbitant upward revision in exchange rate by more than 40%, the banks are still struggling to sense the liquidity in the foreign exchange inflow in the banking channels even over and above the official rate,” the Company says.

“Besides the domestic economic crisis, the global tension amidst the Ukraine-Russia war neared to one month with no conclusion in sight, causing concern over supply scarcity of oil, leading to intense unforeseen rise in the international fuel prices setting a new high record in the last 14 years,” it further says.

Manoj Gupta, Managing Director LIOC informs that ” Oil companies are severely affected due to these unprecedented situations from all the corners, and they were compelled to increase the prices of gasoline for sustainable business operations. However, regardless of huge losses in selling of gas-oil, LIOC has not revised the gas-oil prices this time as a concern of the impact on the public. Even after this increase there would still be losses on gasoline at the prevailing international prices and exchange rates. The last fuel price revision by LIOC was done on 11th March when the exchange rate was prevailing at 260 against USD. The currency has depreciated further and while the CBSL TT selling rate is 285, licenced commercial banks are not able to provide USD even at the LKR rate of 300.”

“Unstable currency rates and steep depreciation against USD has had direct impact on the landed cost of gas-oil & gasoline making them costlier by an equivalent amount per litre. The global oil prices has also been pitched into turmoil by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the US and Europe imposing penalties on Moscow and crude buyers shunning the country’s cargo. In view of uncertainty in the global market coupled with Sri Lanka country risk, the suppliers are quoting high premium for supply of gas-oil and gasoline.”

Gupta further says, “We are very much optimistic that the situation will improve, and we shall be more than happy to pass on the benefits of reduced prices to give relief to our valuable customers under this economic hardship.”

He emphasised that LIOC does not receive any subsidy from the government of Sri Lanka and its losses are calculated based on landed cost of the product after considering payment of applicable duties, taxes and other statutory levies including handling charges.

“Being the only public limited energy company and accountable to its more than 10,500 local shareholders, Lanka IOC has always remained committed towards the economic and social upliftment of Sri Lanka even under these adverse circumstances,” Lanka IOC says.



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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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