Business
News of USD 100 million hospital project boosts Asiri Hospital shares
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Asiri Hospital Holdings’ shares appreciated by five per cent yesterday following news of the launching of a US $ 100 million hospital project within the Port City Colombo premises by the company, market analysts said.
The Softlogic Group said a lease agreement was entered into for a hospital with a “500 plus bed capacity, with an estimated investment of US $ 100 million” within Port City, in line with the master plan of Colombo’s China- backed Port City Economic Commission.
“The proposed hospital will be one of the four main strategic and large-scale social infrastructure development projects identified within PCC, sources said.
Meanwhile, Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide PLC (BDJW), the only listed jewellery company at the CSE, has been able to lift the suspension on the trading of its shares after showing positive revenue growth and reduced losses for the nine-month period ending on December 31, 2022.
The CSE said the trading suspension imposed on Blue Diamonds has been lifted as the company has resolved the Emphasis of Matter on Going Concern in the Independent Auditors Report.
Amid those developments, the CSE indicated dull sentiments yesterday due to the festive season. Both indices, the turnover level and investor participation did not reach satisfactory levels. Therefore, shares edged- down in mid- day trade , with stable levels of turnover generated through selling pressures as the market continues amid fears of domestic debt restructuring, an analyst said.
Both indices were down. The All- Share Price Index went down by 60.37 points and S and P SL20 declined by 23.55 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.14 billion with one crossing. The crossing was reported in JKH, which crossed 430,000 shares to the tune of Rs 58.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 135.
In the retail market, top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 230 million (1.3 million shares traded), Dialog Rs 130.6 million (12.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 79.6 million (589,000 shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Non- Voting) Rs 65.3 million (1.3 million shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 63.3 million (487,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 34 million (5.6 million shares traded) and Tokyo Cement (Voting) Rs 31.1 million (616,000 shares traded), During the day 58.4 million share volumes changed hands in 13000 transactions.
“Banks are declining in value, scrip dividends and new shares are being listed, prices are being readjusted down, which is why the counter is running on a decline, an analyst said.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in JKH and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Expolanka Holdings and Asiri Hospital Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Marawila Resorts (rights) and SMB Leasing non-voting.
The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings), while the sector index gained 6.38 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 10.50 (6.39 per cent) to Rs. 174.75.
The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to JKH and Aitken Spence) while the sector index decreased by 0.62 per cent. The share price of JKH lost Rs. 2.25 to register Rs. 135.25. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a gain of Rs. 1.75 to reach Rs. 129.75.
Yesterday the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 312.41 and the selling rate Rs 327.46.
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
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.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
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.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
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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