Business
Local investor interest in share market leaving much to be desired
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The stock market reverted to bearish mood yesterday amidst low turnover as local investor interest remained lacklustre. However, the secondary market is at a standstill ahead of the weekly T-bill auctions, dealers said, while the Central bank’s guidance peg for interbank transactions remains unchanged.
Dealers said market activities were at a standstill as the bond auction proceeds. The Central bank has announced a Rs 90.0 billion bond auction for December 29, 2022, with Rs 30.0 billion expected to be raised from a 15.05.25 maturity and Rs 60.0 billion offered under the 15.05.26 maturity.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index rose by 20.55 points and S and P SL20 rose by 0.7 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.7 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Orient Finance, where 11.8 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 118 million; its shares traded at Rs 10 and JKH 450,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 60.9 million, its shares fetched Rs 135.50.
In the retail market, top seven companies that contributed to the turnover were; Softlogic Life Insurance Rs 382 million (4.5 million shares traded), Softlogic Capital Plc Rs 328 million (40.3 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 123 million (695,000 shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 84.3 million (466,000 shares traded), Browns Investment Rs 84 million (12.3 million shares traded), Janashakthi Insurance Rs 79.5 million (2.5 million shares traded) and LOLC Finance Rs 71.6 million (8.8 million shares traded). During the day 124 million share volumes changed hands in 20000 share transactions.
It said high net worth and institutional investor participation remained subdued for the day. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Expolanka Holdings and Softlogic Life Insurance, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing non-voting and Softlogic Capital.
The Energy sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC), while the sector index lost 0.33 per cent. The share price of Lanka IOC decreased by 75 cents to close at Rs. 210.The Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Life Insurance), while the sector index increased by 1 per cent. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance gained Rs. 5 (7.05 per cent) to close at Rs. 75.90.Yesterday the Central Bank announced the US dollar parity rate as Rs. 356.74.
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
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.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
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.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
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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