Business
Optimism over arrival of IMF funds boosts CSE

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
It is said that from today onwards IMF representatives will review Sri Lanka’s progress and transfer the relevant funds in its EFF program during this month. The development has brought some confidence to investors, market analysts said.
“We have faced this programme rather successfully. We had agreed on nine conditions required to be fulfilled before the review, and we have done that. The IMF can see that our government is committed to this programme, a top government official told The Island Financial Review.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 84.37 points and S and P SL20 rose by 31.7 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.78 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in Melstacope, which crossed three million shares to the tune of Rs 258 million and its shares traded at Rs 86, RIL Properties 20 million shares crossed for Rs 130 million; its shares traded at Rs 6.50, HNB 615,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 109.5 million, its shares traded at Rs 178, NTB 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 56.6 million, its shares traded at Rs 113.25 and DFCC 227,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 90.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 162 million (861,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 116 million (1.2 million shares traded), Distilleries Rs 74.7 million (2.7 million shares traded), Hemas Holdings Rs 54.9 million (678,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 49.7 million (547,000 shares traded), Chevron Lubricants Rs 45.6 million (496,000 shares traded) and Melstacope Rs 45.1 million (522,000 shares traded). During the day 52.4 million share volumes changed hands in 11500 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys. Mixed interest was observed in Capital Alliance, JKH and CIC Holdings, while retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Tess Agro and Browns Investments.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys), while the sector index lost 0.62 percent. The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Capital Alliance), while the sector index decreased by 0.22 percent.
Yesterday, the US $ buying rate was Rs 316.77 and selling rate Rs 328.53.
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
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