The CSE kicked off yesterday on a bullish sentiment, but by the middle of the session it turned negative due to heavy selling pressure. Later, though, it returned to positive territory, market analysts said.

There was satisfactory buying pressure latterly, both in retail and institutional entities, following the return to normalcy of economic activities driven by international support for rebuilding the country.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 60.33 points while S and P SL20 was up by 11.67 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.55 billion with nine crossings.

Top seven crossings were: Sunshine Holdings 13.6 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 462 million and its shares traded at Rs 35, JKH 9.5 million shares crossed for Rs 198 million; its shares traded at Rs 21, Laugfs Gas (Non-Voting) 1.2 million shares crossed for Rs 73.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 61 Tokyo Cement (Non-Voting) 730,000 shares crossed tfor Rs 66.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 87, Commercial Bank 185,000 shares crossed for Rs 37 million and its shares sold at Rs 200, Access Engineering 300,000 shares crossed for Rs 23.1 million; its shares sold at Rs 77 and Laugfs Gas 300,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.4 million; its shares sold at Rs 73.90.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Colombo Dockyard Rs 485 million (two million shares traded), JKH Rs 468 million (22.4 million shares traded), Dialog Axiata Rs 245 million (8.4 million shares traded), Sunshine Holdings Rs 198 million (5.7 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 122 million (481,000 shares traded) and Lanka Credit Business and Finance Rs 108.5 million (11.4 million shares traded). During the day 171 million shares volumes changed hands in 34388 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH and Sunshine Holdings, led the market while the banking sector also fared reasonably well, especially Commercial Bank. The telecommunication sector, mainly Dialog Axiata, also performed well.

Meanwhile, Cargills Bank is looking to raise Rs 2.5 billion through a rights issue of shares at Rs 8.50 each to support lending activities.

It also will issue 294,200,000 ordinary voting shares at a ratio of 14 new ordinary shares for every 45 existing ordinary shares. The issue is expected to raise Rs 2,500,700,000 in capital, CSE sources said.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 308.95/309/05 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from Rs 308.80/90 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields dropped significantly.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 9.05/15 percent, down from 9.15/20 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 9.50/52 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 9.55/65 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.20/30 percent, down from 10.25/30 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2035 closed at 10.63/70 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

HNB PLC, the leading private bank in Sri Lanka, has been awarded the title of Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka for 2025 by TAB Global. The recognition was confirmed following the release of the TAB Global World’s 1000 Largest and Strongest Banks Rankings, with the announcement made recently

HNB’s Managing Director / CEO, Damith Pallewatte, stated that the accolade underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustained financial strength and strategic resilience. “This honour shows the resilience and clarity of purpose that guide our institution. Our teams advanced through demanding cycles with discipline and accountability. The recognition confirms the trust placed in us by customers, investors and partners and it reinforces the duty we carry as a leading private bank. We remain fully committed to safeguarding long-term strength while contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic advancement with integrity and resolve.”

HNB achieves a landmark distinction in the 2025 rankings, establishing itself as Sri Lanka’s strongest bank. The assessment highlights HNB’s balance sheet quality, prudent risk discipline and the bank’s consistent ability to maintain stability through varied economic conditions. The ranking places HNB alongside leading global financial institutions acknowledged for sustained strength, institutional reliability and capacity to absorb external shocks.

Foo Boon Ping, President and Managing Editor at TAB Global, stated: “HNB demonstrated strong fundamentals and consistent delivery across multiple stress indicators. The bank’s performance placed it ahead of its domestic peers and aligned it with institutions recognised for structural strength. The ranking reflects measurable outcomes drawn from transparent criteria.”

ESOFT UNI (ESU) marked a major milestone in its national expansion with the inauguration of ESU Jaffna reinforcing ESOFT UNI’s long-standing commitment to advancing higher education in the Northern Province, where it has been a pioneer for more than 15 years.

Established in 2009 on Navalar Road, Jaffna, ESOFT Metro Campus Jaffna has supported thousands of students through Diploma and Higher National Diploma (HND) pathways in providing more accessibility for education in the region. Today, as it transitions into ESOFT UNI, the Jaffna campus expands its academic portfolio across Information Technology, Business Management, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and Languages, supported by modern labs, internationally aligned curricula, and strong global affiliations. As Sri Lanka’s only Pearson Platinum Partner, ESOFT UNI, in collaboration with London Metropolitan University and Kingston University, allows students in the Northern Province to pursue internationally recognised degrees without having to leave their region.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Group Managing Director of ESOFT Metro Campus and ESU, stated, “When I first started ESOFT Metro Campus in Jaffna over 15 years ago, I saw both the incredible potential of our youth and the heavy burden on parents who had to send their children away for advanced higher education. I believe that with ESU Jaffna, students will have the opportunity to pursue globally recognised, industry-relevant programmes close to home, without needing to relocate for such opportunities”.