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Sharp pick-up in share trading; CSE turnover hits Rs. 3.35 billion

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By Hiran H.Senewiratne

The CSE yesterday saw a sharp pick-up in trade, in terms of turnover and volume, with indices staying positive following Foreign Minister Ali Sabry hinting on the IMF agreement, which is likely to be signed in early January. Assurances are likely to be given by main creditors, China India and Japan, for restructuring of debt, stock market analysts said.

Shares rose over 3 per cent within the first hour of trade, pushed up by strong positive sentiments, following last week’s Expolanka expansion news and speculation on interest rates to be eased in line with inflation, market analysts said.

“Since last week the market is moving on strong positive sentiments on Expolanka and interest rates to fall in line with inflation; this has also brought in some bargain hunting, analysts opined.

Central bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe also said market rates should eventually ease despite fears over domestic debt restructuring, as inflation falls, liquidity increases in dollar markets and inter-bank liquidity improves.

Prices in blue-chip counters also showed significant gains and both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index was up by 276 points and S and P SL20 rose by 81.2 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.35 billion with five crossings.

Those five crossings reported in Overseas Realty, where 98.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 276 million, its shares traded at Rs 14, Lanka IOC 250,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 47.5 million and its shares traded at Rs 190, Kelani Tyre 728,000 shares crossed for Rs 40.1 million, its shares traded at Rs 55, hZenid Business Solutions two million shares crossed for Rs 34 million and its shares traded at Rs 17 and CT Holdings 114,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20 million, its shares traded at Rs 175.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Browns Investments Rs 554 million (76.7 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 425 million (2.2 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 197 million (one million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 158 million (21.2 million shares traded), First Capital Holdings Rs 150 million (5.9 million shares traded), Capital Alliance Rs 143 million (6.7 million shares traded) and First Capital Treasuries Rs 122 million (5.2 million shares traded).During the day 281 million share volumes changed hands in 28000 transactions.

It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp and Ceylon Cold Stores. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and ACL Cables, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, First Capital Holdings and First Capital Treasuries.

The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings), while the sector index gained 3.97 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 7.25 (3.98 per cent) to close at Rs. 189.50.

The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments and Melstacorp), while the sector index increased by 2 per cent. The share price of Browns Investments moved up by 40 cents (6.56 per cent) to close at Rs. 6.50. The share price of Melstacorp appreciated by Rs. 2 (4.38 per cent) to close at Rs. 47.70.

Yesterday, the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 361.24 and the selling rate Rs 371.72. The Colombo Consumer Price Index showed some decline of 61 per cent in November, while in October it was 66 per cent. Therefore, the inflation has indicated some decline.



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Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

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The number of infections with data-stealing malware, 2020-2024 (Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence)

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.

Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.

Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.

On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.

“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.

The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.

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ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

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Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar and members of the senior management accepting one of the ACCA awards.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.

The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.

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UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

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(From left to right) Deepthi Hewageegana (CEO - UTE), Mani Rajan (Director Distribution - India), Joe Moscato (Vice President - Distribution - Japan & Asia South (India & SE Asia) Caterpillar Inc), Raja Nanayakkara (Chairman / MD - NEM Construction), Prasan Fernando (Chairman - UTE), Priath Fernando - (Director - UTE), Duminda Perera (Senior General Manager - Operations)

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.

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