Business
SLT-MOBITEL hosts National Celebration of World Seagrass Day 2024 and UN Restoration Flagship Award ceremony
SLT-MOBITEL partnered with the Ministry of Environment to commemorate the National Celebration of World Seagrass Day 2024 and the UN Restoration Flagship Award held on March 1, 2024, at the Jetwing Blue Hotel in Negombo. The event acknowledged Sri Lanka’s achievements in the restoration of mangroves, emphasizing the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to safeguard these crucial blue-carbon ecosystems.
By hosting this landmark event, SLT-MOBITEL reinforced its position as a corporate leader in promoting environmental protection through environmentally friendly corporate policies and initiatives in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka received the prestigious UN Restoration Flagship Award at the United Nations Environment Assembly held on February 27, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, former Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, Chairperson of the National Expert Committee on Mangrove Conservation and Sustainable Use accepted the award on behalf of the nation. Prof. Jayakody ceremonially presented the accolade to the secretary of the Ministry of Environment at the World Seagrass Day event. The award recognizes Sri Lanka’s innovative restoration of mangrove ecosystems.
During the event, SLT-MOBITEL’s 2024 calendar themed ‘The Mangrove Ecosystems in Sri Lanka’, featuring 12 stunning artworks, each depicting a different aspect of the mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka, was unveiled. Anuruddha Suriyaarachchi, General Manager-Marketing Services, SLT, addressed the gathering.
At the ceremony, SLT-MOBITEL announced the disbursement of three research grants, each worth Rs. 250,000, to university students with special Mobitel data packages to support their education. Rohana Ellawela (Deputy Chief Marketing Officer/ SLT) , Charaka Perera ( General Manager Marketing /Mobitel) together with Anuruddha Suriyaarachchi (General Manager-Marketing Services/SLT) were present to award the grants.
Importantly, students from any university in Sri Lanka are eligible to apply for the scholarships via the SLT-MOBITEL website. The recipients will be chosen by a panel of experts following a thorough evaluation process. The scholarships aim to support the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s blue-carbon ecosystem. It also aligns with the company’s interests in supporting education and research related to environmental sustainability.
The keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Mike Van Keulen, a seagrass expert and former president of the World Seagrass Association. The event also featured addresses by dignitaries, including Prabath Chandrakeerthi (Secretary/Ministry of Environment), Janaka Wakkumbura ( State Minister of Environment) and Lasantha Alagiyawanna (State Minister of Transport). Foreign ambassadors,heads of stakeholder organizations, university students, and youth groups, also graced the occasion. Theatrical performances, music, art displays, and activities celebrating seagrass meadows contributed to a colourful evening.
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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