Business
Sarvodaya Development Finance, Sri Lanka’s first listed, impact investment company records historic year
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) made history in 2021, by becoming Sri Lanka’s first impact investment company to list on the Colombo Stock Exchange(CSE) and reported its best profits to date, for the financial year 2021-22.
SDF made its debut onto the Main Board of the CSE on November 23rd 2021, by raising Rs 1 billion in equity from its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO was over-subscribed by noon, indicating the high level of investor interest and trust in the Sarvodaya Movement’s financial services arm, despite the prevailing global economic uncertainty.
SDF has a tried and tested mechanism to channel funds into the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, a majority of which are located outside the Western Province. Over 80% of SDF’s branches are located outside the Western Province and SDF also works with 5,400 Sarvodaya Shramadana Societies to channel funds to the end user, provide savings options and other support services, including business training and market development activities, for rural entrepreneurs.
It must be noted that SDF’s lending activities are restrained by the Sarvodaya principles. SDF does not lend towards activities deemed anti-social and/or inhumane. These excluded sectors include butcheries, alcohol related businesses, drugs and gambling etc…
A historic financial performance
The Rs 1 billion in new equity has enhanced SDF’s capital base to Rs 3.1 billion, which is comfortably above the statutory minimum of Rs 2.5 billion. The core capital ratio has improved to 27.37% against the minimum statutory requirement of 7%, and the total risk weighted capital ratio is 28.62% against the minimum statutory ratio of 11%.
The new capital also made it possible for SDF to rapidly expand business activities in the last quarter of the year. Business growth was supported by Central Bank approval to upgrade 21 SDF Customer Service Centres into full-service branches, expanding the branch network to 51.
Fuelled by growth in the lending portfolio, SDF recorded a profit after tax of Rs 215.5 million, which is a 17.5% growth compared to the profit after tax of Rs 183.3 million reported in the previous year. Total lending grew by 25.03% while agriculture sector remained the largest recipient of SDF credit, absorbing 48% of total disbursements during the year, which was Rs 3.91 billion. This is an increase of 87% from the previous year.
“While SDF’s lending has surged following the IPO, it is noteworthy that over 90% of the Company’s total lending is asset-backed lending.
SDF concluded the financial year 2021-22 by demonstrating its true potential to support the country’s economic recovery in this challenging juncture. As the financial services arm of the Sarvodaya Movement, SDF is committed to do everything within its power to create wealth for the nation, and looks forward to supporting the country’s entrepreneurs in the new financial year” said by its Chairman Mr Channa de Silva.
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.
-
News7 days agoCreditor not yet paid
-
News7 days agoConsumers bearing 22% tax burden despite 18% VAT claim: Dr. Harsha de Silva
-
Features6 days agoNanda Pethiyagoda Wanasundara as three generations of family saw her
-
Features5 days agoSri Lanka developing independent hydrographic capabilities
-
Editorial6 days agoFuel crisis: Beyond price debate
-
Opinion4 days agoRanasinghe Premadasa: The man who would not take ‘No’ for an answer
-
Latest News5 days agoSooryavanshi thumps fastest List A fifty as India A win tri-series
-
News3 days agoUS Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs meets President


