Business
LOLC Holdings, third $ 1 billion company at CSE

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Financial sector heavy conglomerate LOLC Holdings became the third and latest to be worth $ 1 billion on the CSE. LOLC Holdings headed by Ishara Nanayakkara will be the most valued company in the CSE, which is now worth more than Rs. 2 billion, stock market analysts said. This was following a sharp 19 percent or Rs. 66 gain in its share price this week.
It rose on the previous day by Rs. 36 or 9.4 percent to close at Rs. 417.25, putting LOLC’s market capitalisation at Rs. 198.3 billion. So far this year, LOLC market value has risen by a phenomenal Rs. 134 billion. Last week LOLC’s gain was 55 percent or Rs. 124.50 to Rs. 351.25 per share.The other two $ 1 billion-value listed companies are JKH (Rs. 227.8 billion) and Ceylon Tobacco (Rs. 206.6 billion).
It is said that stock market investors are now rallying round companies where business magnate Dhammika Perera is the head. LB Finance has announced a sub division of its shares where one existing share is to be subdivided into four new shares. Under this move, 138 million existing shares will be increased to 554 million shares. The purpose of this move is to increase the liquidity of shares in the stock market.. Its share price also appreciated by 36 percent or Rs. 85.50. Its shares started trading at Rs. 232 and at the end of the day they moved up to Rs. 320.50. Due to that Royal Ceramic shares also moved up, expecting a subdivision of its shares, stock market analysts said.
Amid those developments the market was bullish throughout yesterday. LOLC Holdings share price also increased by 25 percent or Rs. 104.25. Due to that, the All Share Price Index was 146.19 points. LOLC contributed 113 points at the end of the day. S and P SL20 was up by 3.96 points.
The turnover stood at Rs. 14.4 billion with four crossings. Those crossings were reported in LB Finance, which crossed 1.56 million shares to the tune of Rs. 359.9 million, its share traded at Rs. 230, CT Holdings 495,000 shares crossed for Rs. 94 million, its shares traded at Rs. 190, CIC (Non Voting) 500,000 shares crossed for Rs. 27.5 million and its shares traded at Rs. 55 and in NDB 250,000 shares crossed for Rs. 25 million, its shares trading at Rs. 100.
In the retail market top five contributors to the turnover were LOLC Rs. 2.46 billion (4.99 million shares traded), Expolanka Rs. 1.7 billion (30.4 million shares traded), JKH Rs. 1.26 billion (7.4 million shares traded), RCL Rs. 1,01 billion (2.4 million shares traded) and Vallibel One Rs. 990 million (14.8 million shares traded). During the day 487 million share volumes changed hands in 72880 transactions.
Sri Lanka rupee was quoted around 194.50/195.00 in the spot market in mid morning trade Wednesday, firmer from the previous day’s 195.50/196.50 levels, while bond yields were slightly higher ahead of a bond auction, dealers said. The rupee closed around 195.50/196.50 to the US dollar on Tuesday.
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
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