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Market players wary of IMF board-level approval, monetary policy direction

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By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) kicked off with a positive note yesterday, but later turned negative with profit takings recorded on several stocks.

” Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe’s recent comments to Reuters that the country’s debt restructuring and IMF board level approval would likely be delayed by another six months was in part a reason for the market to fall, market analysts said.Therefore, the stock market fell in mid day trade, a day after the market gained on debt restructuring assurance feedback by India and China, an analyst said. “Although The market, although it’s in the red, still is on a positive sentiment, because the market gained in the past few sessions and is bound to slow down,” the analyst said.

Investors are waiting for the Monetary Policy Review by the Central Bank due today, which is another reason why the market is on slower sentiments, analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. All Share Price Index down by 88.55 points and S and P SL20down by 32.6 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.48 billion with a single crossing. The crossing was reported in Sunshine Holdings, which crossed 590,000 shares to the tune of Rs 23 million and its share price traded at Rs 39.

In the retail market, the top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were Browns Investments Rs 125 million (17.5 million shares traded), Softlogic Life Insurance Rs 120 million (1.1 million shares traded), Softlogic Capital Rs 101.5 million (6.9 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 94.7 million (2.2 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 80.7 million (412,000 shares treated). ACL Cables Rs 68.7 million (853,000 shares traded)) and LOCL Holdings Rs 56.5 million (131,000 shares traded). During the day 70.6 million share volume changed hands in 21000 transactions.

It said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, First Capital Holdings and Capital Alliance whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Industrial Asphalts and LOLC Finance.The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to First Capital Holdings, First Capital Treasuries and Capital Alliance) whilst the sector index gained 4.06 percent.

The share price of First Capital Holdings gained Rs. 3.10 (8.40 percent ) to close at Rs. 40. The share price of FirstCapital Treasuries recorded a gain of Rs. 1.50 (5.86 percent) to close at Rs. 27.10. The share price of Capital Alliance appreciated by Rs. 2 (6.45 percent) to close at Rs. 33.The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index increased by 2.09 percent . The share price of Browns Investments increased by 40 cents (5.97 percent) to close at Rs. 7.10.



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From import to export – Finch Foods expands international retail presence to Australia

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Finch Foods booth exhibiting at Foodex Japan in Tokyo

Finch Foods – pioneering Sri Lankan FMCG brand – is furthering its international expansion with the launch of its retail presence in Australia. The move marks yet another turning point for the homegrown company, following four international market launches under the Finch Foods brand within the space of just three years, a company news release said on Wednesday.

This milestone entry includes a dedicated e-commerce site, a listing on Amazon AU, and ongoing discussions with major supermarket chains, specialty stores, and distributors. Australian consumers can now access Finch Foods’ extensive portfolio of high-quality signature spices and seasonings, coconut products, gluten-free flours, ayurvedic and herbal products, and natural food colourings that showcase the rich variety and distinctiveness of Sri Lankan ingredients, it said.

“Australia has always been a key market for Finch Foods – one with immense potential to enter, develop, and scale,” says Fawaz Fassi, Founder & Managing Director of Finch Foods. “This expansion reflects the growing global demand for authentic Sri Lankan heritage ingredients, and we are excited to bring our unique offerings to Australian consumers.”

Founded in 2015 as a 100 per cent import-driven company, Finch Foods entered the food industry by becoming the exclusive agent for renowned international brands such as Bragg Live Foods (USA), The Berry Company (UK), Kewpie (Japan/Malaysia), Cornish (UK), Pokka (Singapore), and Nando’s Grocery; bringing superior flavours and ingredients from around the world to Sri Lankan consumers.

However, the global pandemic followed by local economic instability severely tested this business model, and in just a few years since inception, it was time for the company to rethink its operations. In 2022 Finch Foods set its sights outwards by looking inwards; having discovered that there was a wealth of incredible spices, herbs, and ingredients to be found right here in Sri Lanka – robust and nuanced flavours that would surely intrigue culinary tastebuds from around the world.

“As a pioneer in culinary innovation, our vision is to harness the rich and diverse culinary tradition of Sri Lanka while also bridging the growing disconnect between food and its heritage,” Fassi adds. “At Finch Foods, we recognized the need to add unique value to our products—offering new and exciting options for consumers while distinguishing ourselves from more traditional exporters in the market.”

In 2023, Finch Foods celebrated the opening of its first independent store in Havelock City Mall, Colombo, and expanded its international footprint; establishing a retail presence in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, and Canada, becoming a key supplier to Japan, and securing a partnership with global retail giant Lulu Group in the UAE. This shift to exports has allowed the company to adapt to different market requirements, leveraging its wide product range to remain flexible in catering to diverse consumer needs.

“As Finch Foods continues to expand its distribution network and strengthen its presence in Australia, the company is also poised to to focus on accelerating its global expansion, breaking into new markets, while also further diversifying its product portfolio,” the release concluded.

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The Residencies Kotte by ICC nears completion ahead of schedule

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The Residencies Kotte by ICC is making remarkable progress, moving ahead of schedule towards completion (December 2025). With ICC’s proven track record of on-time delivery and availability running low, this is a rare opportunity to invest in a home that blends modern luxury with a thriving community, said a release.

It said: Now in its final phase, key milestones are being completed at an accelerated pace. From the striking façade to the finishing touches within each apartment, every element is meticulously crafted to meet ICC’s highest standards.

As The Residencies Kotte nears completion, demand has surged. With all two-bedroom apartments already sold out, only a limited number of three-bedroom units remain available. This overwhelming response is a testament to the unmatched value, world-class amenities, and most importantly, the prime location. Nestled in the heart of Kotte, this development offers unparalleled convenience—situated in a highly sought-after neighbourhood that seamlessly blends urban connectivity with the tranquillity of a well-established residential area.

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Dearo Investment partners with Ceylinco General Insurance to enhance customer benefits

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Officials of Dearo Investment and Ceylinco General Insurance exchanging the MoU

Dearo Investment Pvt. Ltd. has signed an MoU with Ceylinco General Insurance to provide an insurance scheme for its customers. Under this agreement, every customer who transacts with Dearo from anywhere in the country will receive insurance coverage. The MoU was officially signed on 26 Feb, 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organisations. Dearo Investment was represented by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Prasanna Sanjeewa and Chief Operating Officer Niranjan Warnasooriya, while Ceylinco General Insurance was represented by General Manager S. Thilakesh, Assistant General Manager V.K. Gunathilaka, Area Sales Manager N.G.C. Gunarathna, and Senior Marketing Executive Keshara Hasun. Dearo Investment has flourished as a trusted name in the financial sector with its highly experienced Board of Directors, including Prabash Gunaratne, Upul Edirisuriya, Tharindu Dhananjaya Samarawickrama, Niranjan Warnasooriya, and Thilini Kalhari Ekanayake.

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