Connect with us

Business

Macro-economic constraints bring down CSE; fuel crisis a factor

Published

on

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

The CSE slipped within the first hour of trading yesterday after opening in green territory due to macro- economic constraints, stock market analysts said.

The ongoing acute fuel crisis has affected most economic and business activities. Further, the Fed Reserve (US Central Bank) has increased 75 basis points and another 50-70 basis points are to be increased by the US monetary regulator, market analysts added.

On the previous day the US Central Bank announced its biggest interest rate rise in 30 years as it fights to control rising consumer prices. The federal government said it would increase key interest rates by three quarter percentage points in a range of 1.5 per cent to 1.75 per cent. Further, the Chinese zero Covid-19 policy also affected the global supply chain in almost all the sectors in the world, stock market analysts explained. In the global scenario, supply side inflation is reportedly visible in a negative way.

With high global inflation most of the economies, especially European countries, are also tightening and adjusting monetary policies, which have negatively impacted the equity market/stock market globally, including the Sri Lankan stock market. Amid those developments, both indices moved downwards. The All- Share Price Index went down by 66.8 points and S and P SL20 declined by 24.6 points. Turnover stood at Rs 786 million with a crossing. The crossing was reported in JKH, which crossed 200,000 shares to the tune of Rs 25 million, its shares traded at Rs 125.

It is said the bourse closed in red territory for the second consecutive day with intensified selling pressure owing to the reiteration by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe that the next three weeks will be strenuous as the country is toiling to get adequate stocks of fuel and gas.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Browns Investments Rs 150 million (17.1 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 92.2 million (525,000 shares traded), Lanka Wall Tiles Rs 89.3 million (1.4 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 80.2 million (1.1 million shares traded), JKH Rs 43.3 million (349,000 shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 27.5 million (997.000 shares traded) and Hayleys Fabrics Rs 16.4 million (512,000 shares traded). During the day 41.7 million share volumes changed hands in11000 transactions.

It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in HNB, CT Holdings and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and LOLC Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Muller & Phipps and LOLC Finance. The transportation sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings). It is said the Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to market turnover (due to Browns Investments).

Yesterday the Central Bank US dollar buying rate was Rs 355.67 and selling rate Rs 366.49. The rupee quoted by commercial banks against telegraphic transfers fell to Rs 367 at yesterday’s trading, falling from Rs 366 on the previous day (Wednesday).The Central Bank’s interbank spot trade was at Rs 359.85 under a daily guidance rate, unchanged from Wednesday.



Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook

Published

on

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm's engagement with its growing client base.

Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.

The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.

The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.

Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.

Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.

The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.

Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.

Continue Reading

Business

Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund

Published

on

The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.

Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.

As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.

This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.

This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.

Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Continue Reading

Business

NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana

Published

on

Samitha Waidyasekera CEO - NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd

NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.

The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.

The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.

Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.

Continue Reading

Trending