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Share market under a bearish cloud following clamping of reciprocal tariffs by US

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The CSE was extremely bearish and dropped sharply yesterday after US President Donald Trump announced new reciprocal tariffs, with Sri Lanka among the countries charged the highest such tariffs. Consequently, selling pressure was witnessed because local firms are likely to be hit by these measures on account of their exposure to the US export market, the research arm of Capital Alliance Holdings Limited (CAL Group) said.

The reciprocal tariff rate on Sri Lanka at 44 percent was the 6th highest such imposed tariffs in the sweeping measures announced to be in effect from April 9.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 361 points, while the S and P SL20 was down by 122.95. The turnover stood at Rs 3.8 billion with four crossings.

Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 16.9 million shares to the tune of Rs 338 million and its shares traded at Rs 20, VallibelOne 1.8 million share volumes changed hands for Rs 110 million and its shares traded at Rs 51, Commercial Bank 560,000 shares crossed for Rs 78.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 138 and Sampath Bank 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 56.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 113.5.

In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Tea Small Holders Rs 395 million (11.3 million shares traded), JKH Rs 280 million (822,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 246 million (822,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 228 million (1.6 million shares traded), Dipped Products Rs 187 million (3.5 million shares traded) and Hayleys Rs 178 million (1.3 million shares traded). During the day 123 million share volumes changed hands in 22000 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing companies contributed mainly to the turnover, especially with JKH, while banking and financial sector counters were the second largest contributor to the turnover, especially on account of HNB and Commercial Bank.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka diversified conglomerate JKH said it sold its 37.62 percent equity stake in Tea Smallholder Factories PLC, a subsidiary of JKH, to a subsidiary of the LOLC Group.

JKH sold a share at Rs 35 for a total consideration of Rs 395 million. The stake comprised 11,286,000 ordinary shares, the company said in a stock exchange advisory, sources said. “Out of the total ordinary shares divested, 11,276,839 ordinary shares were purchased by Udapussellawa Plantations PLC, a subsidiary of the LOLC Group, the advisory said.

Meanwhile, the rupee was quoted at Rs 296.75/297.25 to the US dollar, to close weaker from Rs 296.02/07 the previous day, while bond yields were drastically up, dealers said. A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 quoted at 10.35/45 percent, up from 10.15/22 percent. A bond maturing on 15.06.2029 was quoted at 10.65/85 percent.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

 



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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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