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Notable share appreciations in Cooperative Insurance and hSenid

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By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Two newly listed companies, Cooperative Insurance and hSenid, saw their share prices appreciate significantly at the CSE yesterday, which is a notable occurrence, stock market analysts said.

Further, plantation sector companies were able to maintain their momentum as on the previous day. But there are notable activities happening in tourism/hotel sector counters due to the significant increase in tourist arrival to Sri Lanka from December 1 to 26th this year, amounting to 70000 arrivals, stock market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 104.5 points and S and P SL20 rose by 23.7 points. Turnover stood at Rs 6.5 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in Commercial Bank, which crossed 3.9 million shares to the tune of Rs 308 million, its shares traded at Rs 79, Melstacorp two million shares crossed for Rs 110 million, its shares traded at Rs 55, LOLC Holdings 32000 shares crossed for Rs 37.3 million, its shares traded at Rs 1165.75, Royal Ceramic 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 37.2 million, its shares traded at Rs 74.40 and Bukitdarah 50000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million, its shares fetching Rs 400.

In the retail market, seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 815 million (2.2 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 546 million (37.8 million shares traded), Cooperative Insurance Rs 407 million (92.5 million shares traded), hSenid Rs 410 million (12.4 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 179 million (2.5 million shares traded), Elpitiya Plantations Rs 179 million (1.2 million shares traded) and Richard Peiris Rs 161 million (6.4 million shares traded). During the day 509 million share volumes changed hands in 59000 transactions.

Price appreciations were noted in two newly listed companies. One was Cooperative Insurance, where the share price appreciated by 30 per cent or Rs 1.10. Its shares shot up to Rs 4.70 from Rs 3.60. The second was hSenid, whose share price appreciated by 16 per cent or Rs 4.50. Its share price shot up to Rs 32.80 from Rs 28.30. Further, Elpitiya Plantations share prices appreciated by Rs 21.25 or 16 per cent. Its share price shot up to Rs 156 from Rs 134.

Meanwhile, LOLC General Insurance, which oversubscribed 12 times, will be listed in the Divisavi Board today. The company will issue 1.2 billion shares, out of which 120 million will be offered to the public at Rs 7.90 a share to raise Rs 948 million.

It said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp, Commercial Bank and Sinhaputhra Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, hSenid Business Solutions and Browns Investments, while retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing voting and non-voting and Industrial Asphalts.

Sector-wise, plantation stocks witnessed more traction during the session and ended sharply higher while Food, Beverage & Tobacco, Diversified Financials, Capital Goods and Banks sectors led activity, collectively accounting for 72.7% of turnover. Activity continued strong while the breadth of the market turned positive with 124 gainers and 91 decliners.

Separately Kelani Valley Plantations, Haycarb and Singer Sri Lanka announced their interim dividends of 25 cents, 75 cents and 35 cents per share respectively.

Yesterday the US dollar was quoted at Rs 201.96, which was the Central Bank controlled price. The actual price of the dollar is now touching Rs 250, market sources said.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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