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Net foreign purchases of JKH stocks become highlight of CSE trading

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By Hiran H.Senewiratne

CSE trading was characterized by a degree of dullness but foreign investor participation reached a satisfactory level, garnering a net foreign inflow of more than Rs 3 billion a- year- to- date, yesterday. Net foreign purchases for JKH stocks became notable during the last few days, stock market analysts said.

Stepped-up foreign investor participation in Sri Lanka’s stock trading was due to the rupee devaluation against the US dollar. In that context, local valuable stocks/ blue chip shares are cheap when compared to stocks in the region, analysts said.

However, investors are worried over domestic debt restructuring issues, these analysts added.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All- Share Price Index went down by 23.89 points and S and P SL20 went down by 0.54 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.4 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 710,000 shares to the tune of Rs 101.9 million, its shares traded at Rs 143.50, Lanka Wall Tiles 1.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 99.9 million, its shares traded at Rs 53, Nations Trust Bank 351,000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares fetched Rs 57.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Softlogic Life Insurance Rs 186 million (1.4 million shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 159 million (one million shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 116 million (3.3 million shares traded), JKH Rs 106 million (702000 shares traded), Softlogic Capital Rs 78.4 million (4.8 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 65 million (339,000 shares traded) and Expolanka Holdings Rs 57.2 million (310,000 shares traded). During the day 40.28 million share volumes changed hands in 13000 share transactions.

Sri Lanka still needs adequate assurances from other bilateral creditors for its program to be approved, especially China, the IMF said, after Paris Club lenders said they will restructure debt.

“We welcome the recent statement by the Paris Club to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka following the assurances provided by India, an IMF spokesperson said.

“Sri Lanka continues to engage with official bilateral creditors to obtain financing assurances and also continues to advance domestic reforms. If the IMF bail- out is finalized the investor sentiment will improve, especially that of foreign investors, market analysts said.Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate against the rupee was Rs 359,07 and the selling rate Rs 370.24



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Business

Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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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.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

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.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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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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