Business
Macroeconomic indicators positively impact CSE
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading indicated some positive sentiment throughout yesterday with macroeconomic indicators having an impact, including the inflation level declining, as per the Census and Statistics Department, and the appreciation of the rupee as against the US dollar, stock market analysts said.
A late rally on banking sector stock on the previous day propelled the Colombo bourse to positive territory with improved turnover. Therefore, the turnover level and investor participation improved, analysts said.
Until the last 20 minutes of trading the CSE was continuing on a negative trend experienced in the past three sessions. A sudden spike in interest in the banking sector made the CSE come alive. Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 119 points and S and P SL20 rose by 8.03 points.
Turnover stood at Rs 940 million with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in Piramal Glass, which crossed 2.8 million shares to the tune of Rs 57.2 million, its shares traded at Rs 20.30, Lanka IOC 200,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 26 million, its shares traded at Rs 130 and Windforce 1.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 25 million; its shares fetched Rs 16.70.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; HNB Rs 151 million (1.2 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 140.6 million (one million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 76.8 million (548,000 shares traded), Ceylon Cold Stores Rs 50.9 million (1.3 million shares traded), Access Engineering Rs 27.9 million (1.9 million shares traded), Piramal Glass Rs 22 million (1.1 million shares traded) and Browns Investments Rs 21.7 million (4.2 million shares traded). During the day 42.7 million share volumes changed hands in 10000 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in HNB, Standard Capital and Windforce. Mixed interest was observed in Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Lanka IOC and Expolanka Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and SMB Leasing nonvoting.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to HNB), while the sector index gained 1.85 per cent. The share price of HNB increased by Rs. 2 to Rs. 120.
The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover, while the sector index increased by 0.41 per cent.
The rupee opened at Rs 304.10/30 against the US dollar in the spot market yesterday, dealers said, while bond yields were unchanged.
The Sri Lanka rupee closed at Rs 304.30/90 against the US dollar in the spot market on Tuesday, stronger from Rs 306.30/50 a day earlier.
A bond maturing on 01.09.2027 was quoted at 26.80/27.00 per cent unchanged from Tuesday’s close. A bond maturing on 01.05.2025 was quoted closed at 29.00/30.00 per cent, down from 29.25/30.00 per cent at last close.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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