Business
Reserve Bank of India sells $13 billion in August to hold the Rupee at 80
BY S VENKAT NARAYAN
Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, 17: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is estimated to have sold about $13 billion in the spot market in August to defend the rupee from falling further against the US dollar, The Economic Times has reported quoting top dealers who cited the depletion in the country’s forex reserves.This is the highest monthly currency market intervention so far in 2022-23 as the central bank is said to be defending the psychological mark of 80. Foreign exchange reserves plunged by nearly $21 billion to $553.1 billion in five consecutive weeks between July 29 and September 2, latest data from RBI show. A stable exchange rate is quintessential for foreign portfolio investors who are flocking back to India, experts said.
“If India wants to be a destination of choice for overseas investors, we need to have a stable exchange rate. Also, higher oil prices and a falling rupee will only stoke inflation fear in a country, which is now aiming for higher economic growth,” said Bhaskar Panda, Executive Vice President at the National Stock Exchange (NSE). “Such a combination of factors including global volatility may have prompted the central bank to stabilise US$-INR in the currency market,” he added.
The RBI did not comment on the matter. On record, the central bank always denies protecting at any level but acts to dampen high volatility.Panda said the forex reserves depletion “can well be replenished once India is included in the global bond index.”
“The RBI is clearly protecting the 80 level as we could see aggressive dollar selling over the past one month,” a chief currency dealer at a large bank said on condition of anonymity. The rupee plunged to a lifetime low of 80.13 against the US dollar on August 29.
A majority of India’s foreign exchange reserves is held in US dollar-denominated currency while the rest comes from investment in non-dollar assets. Out of $21 billion forex reserves’ depletion between July 29 and September 2, a chunk of $7 billion can be attributed to the devaluation of non-dollar assets, internal estimates show.
During the period, the dollar index, which measures the US unit against other major currencies, gained 3.6%. The remaining over $13 billion the central bank had likely sold in the spot market, cutting the rupee’s wild move while draining India’s US dollar stock, dealers said. “RBI’s intervention intensified since July end as we observed,” said Amit Pabari, founder and managing director of CR Forex, a Mumbai-based foreign exchange firm.
“The central bank is clearly defending the psychological level at 80 as it triggers more panic than actual reality.” He said the forex reserves depletion “can well be replenished once India is included in the global bond index”.
While a part of the rupee outperformance is attributed to speculation of Indian government bonds in the JPMorgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) index, it now turns out that the interventions also helped, banking insiders said.
In a related development, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on Tuesday that India is not defending the rupee. The RBI is taking steps to ensure that the movement of the rupee is gradual and in line with market trends, he added.
“India is not defending the rupee… I don’t think Indian fundamentals are such that we need to defend the rupee. The rupee can take care of itself,” he said at an event in New Delhi.
“The RBI is making sure that whatever direction the rupee is moving in line with the market trends is just gradual and doesn’t impose burdens either on the importers or the exporters,” Nageswaran added.
On declining foreign exchange reserves, he said, “Global risk aversion prevents capital from coming in. Naturally that is what (foreign) reserves are meant for.”
The fall in the reserves during the reporting week ended August 26 was on account of a dip in the foreign currency assets (FCA), a major component of the overall reserves, and the gold reserves, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement released by the RBI on September 2.
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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