Business
LOLC Divi Saviya – reaches 100 days humanitarian efforts
High inflation, rising commodity prices, power shortages and a fuel crisis has had a crippling effect on the livelihoods of all Sri Lankans. As published by UNICEF, seven out of ten families in Sri Lanka are cutting down their food intake, reducing portion sizes, and eating cheaper but less nutritious food, causing a desperate need for nutrition assistance in the country.
100 days ago, LOLC Holdings was one of the first corporates to understand the need of initiating urgent measures to address the food crisis. Sustaining the efforts over a period of months, LOLC Divi Saviya distributed their unwavering constant support to the local communities for the 100th subsequent date on the 14th of September 2022, with their distributions made within the Galle district.
At a time that inflation hit a record high of 54.6 per cent while food inflation rose to 81 per cent, discussions were mounting on the spike in hunger and malnutrition within the country. United Nations reported that 6.7 million people in Sri Lanka are experiencing food insecurity. Whereas staple foods were unaffordable, Sri Lanka became the country with the highest rate of child malnutrition in South Asia. Particularly, children and pregnant women were forecasted to face a long-term impact of mal-nourishment.
In response to the human-need, LOLC launched ‘Divi Saviya’ an island-wide humanitarian relief programme in partnership with one of Sri Lanka’s premier broadcasting stations, to uplift the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities. Divi Saviya programme was curated specifically to assist the locals with emergency food supplies.
The initial stages of LOLC Divi Saviya also revealed the extent to which millions of people across the country were struggling. In succession, the continued humanitarian effort over the past 100 days essentially cushioned the knock-on effects on people’s lives to a certain extent.
The timely project donated ration packages (inclusive of essential staples and dry rations) island-wide. The first phase of the programme covered all 25 districts, within 30 days, covering 224 distribution centres island-wide. Whereas, the next phases of Divi Saviya distributed ration packs to a total number of 125,000 families valued at Rs.500 Million, covering all 25 districts over a period of 03 months in 03 different cycles and continuing. Further, the Divi Saviya phase two concentrated in organising direct provision of food resources to support elders’ homes, children’s facilities and visually impaired units in addition to the selected households. The Island wide journey also focused on the hard-hit urban living within and around the highly populated districts, moving to sub-urban and rural in a strategic sequence.
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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