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Sri Lanka, a window to larger markets of India & EU for agri products

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A programme to promote Sri Lankan agri products and processed food in the Indian market was launched in Mumbai a week ago to implement President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s export economic policy.

Accordingly, a webinar on “India – Sri Lanka Current Business Environment and Opportunities for Joint Collaborations for Agri and Processed Food Sector”, organized by the Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai in collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce [CCC] and IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IMC), Mumbai was held on September 29. This was the first online forum targeting to promote & diversify Sri Lanka’s agri products and processed food to the Indian market.

Addressing the webinar, Sri Lanka Consul General in Mumbai, Chamari Rodrigo said that the present business environment in Sri Lanka is conducive as Sri Lanka is successfully controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and the government is committed to facilitate & promote business climate in Sri Lanka. Highlighting the remarkable bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka, she urged the Sri Lankan agri & process food exporters to focus on non-traditional exports to Indian market and utilize the unique duty concessions offered to Sri Lanka for agri products under ISFTA. ‘Joint ventures between Sri Lankan agro industry & Indian post-harvest industry could yield many benefits for both the countries through technology transfers and advanced machinery’, she added.

The president of IMC Chamber Rajiv Podar in his remarks said that IMC Chamber has always encouraged healthy business relationships between India and Sri Lanka and feels that there are number of opportunities to create synergies between the two countries in the agri and processed food sector. He further said that India has improved its food processing technology & post – harvest technology and Sri Lankan business could benefit from it through joint ventures.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Manjula de Silva stated that Indian investors have vast experience in value addition activities and Sri Lankan agri sector, especially fruits & vegetables, can benefit from Indian investments. “Aqua culture, value added coconut products and confectionary are other potential sectors for value addition” he added.

Presentations on opportunities and strengths of the domestic agri & processed food sector were made by two Indian resource persons highlighting the fact that the demand for processed food has been growing substantially due to the increasing urban middle class in India and Sri Lankan exporters could utilize these untapped opportunities.

Chairman of Sri Lankan Agripreneurs Rizvi Zaheed, shared his perspective on diversified Sri Lanka’s agri & process food sector and the global recognition accumulated by Sri Lankan products through adherence to high manufacturing standards and innovation. Sri Lanka could be used as a window for Indian agri products to enter markets such as China, Japan and European countries by leveraging on the reputation of Sri Lankan agri products on a preferential basis. “Indian investment in value addition and storage facilities in the agri & processed food sector was welcomed”he said.

Q & A session and individual inquires on business opportunities were answered by representatives from each country. This webinar will be followed by B2B meetings between Indian & Sri Lankan companies in mid October.

Eighty two business representatives from Indian & Sri Lankan companies participated in the webinar.



Business

Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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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.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

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.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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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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