Lanka Business TV successfully concluded another impactful edition of its flagship “Wiyawasayakaya” Business and Investment Summit at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Galle. The one-day event drew a highly engaged crowd of more than 250 attendees — comprising entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, investors, and members of the public keen to strengthen their economic and financial literacy.

The summit forms part of Lanka Business TV’s ongoing island-wide mission to democratize access to high-quality business education and investment knowledge.

Speaking at the event, Jayantha Kovilagodage, Founder and CEO of Lanka Business TV, emphasized the growing demand for such initiatives:

“We launched ‘Wiyawasayakaya’ with a clear purpose: to equip ordinary Sri Lankans with practical economic knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. The tremendous response we continue to receive — this being the seventh successful summit across different districts — clearly demonstrates the vital need for these accessible, high-value platforms.”

Key Highlights of the Galle Summit

Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Ranil Sugathadasa, renowned CEO Advisor and Trainer.

Guest of Honour Speech by Dudley Sirisena, Chairman of the Araliya Group.

Expert-led sessions featuring:

Ruwan Perera, CEO – NDB Wealth Management

Dr. Chaminda Weerasiriwardena, Senior Psychological Counselor and Therapist

N.A. Aruna Wijesiri, Deputy Director – Central Bank of Sri Lanka

The programme combined strategic business insights, investment guidance, psychological aspects of entrepreneurship, and macroeconomic perspectives — delivering well-rounded value to participants.

Adding to the excitement, attendees participated in engaging activities and lucky draws. A major highlight was the grand prize: a return air ticket to Bangkok, which was awarded to one fortunate participant.

Buoyed by the consistent enthusiasm across the country, Lanka Business TV has already commenced planning for multiple “Wiyawasayakaya” summits throughout 2026, with the goal of reaching even more districts and communities.

The CSE yesterday too struck a bearish note due to global tensions in West Asia, the fuel crisis and weak economic growth, market analysts were quoted saying.

The All Share Price Index closed down 2.41 percent, or 505.48 points, at 20,433.78 while the S&P SL20 closed down 1.94 percent, or 114.34 points at 5,770.59.

Turnover was Rs 5 billion with eight crossings. Top seven crossings were reported in JKH, where 222 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 422 million; its shares traded at Rs 19, Tokyo Cement 1.2 million shares crossed for Rs 114.7 million and its shares traded at Rs 89.80, ACL Cables one million shares crossed for Rs 86.6 million; its shares traded at Rs 86, HNB 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 79 million; its shares sold at Rs 395, Prime Lands Residencies 1.6 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 72.9 million; its shares traded at Rs 45, Lanka IOC 298386 shares crossed for Rs 42.9 million; its shares sold at Rs 144 and Access Engineering 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 34.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 68.50.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Softlogic Capital Rs 324 million (24 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 205 million (2.4 million shares traded), Prime Lands Residencies Rs 185 million (four million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 171 million (1.1 million shares traded), JKH Rs 169 million (8.9 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 160 million (13.2 million shares traded) and Access Engineering Rs 133.8 million (1.9 million shares traded). During the day 273.8 million share volumes changed hands in 51718 transactions.

It is said that mixed reactions noted throughout the day. Manufacturing sector, especially JKH, performed well while the banking sector, especially Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank, performed well too. Further, real estate sector stocks were also significantly traded, especially Prime Lands and Access Engineering.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were Commercial Bank (down Rs 5.50 at 193), Hayleys (down Rs 8.50 at 205), and Colombo Dockyard (down Rs 10.75 at 108.75).

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 311.40/60 to the US dollar in the spot market, from Rs 311.50/60 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly unchanged.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

In the article published in yesterday’s edition regarding the possible impact of Middle East tensions on travel flows, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority was incorrectly identified as Harsha Suriyapperuma. The reference should have been to Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The error is regretted.