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US’ clamping of 100 percent tariffs on imports from China brings down share market

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CSE activities were yesterday negative, as was the case with other major Asian markets, due to the imposition of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports into the US market by the US government.

Sri Lanka is expected to lose more than 100,000 jobs in the apparel sector if the US’ reciprocal 45 percent tariff is not amended in Sri Lanka’ favour. At present, a considerable amount of exports, especially apparel, tea and cinnamon go to US market, which amounts to US $ 3 billion. So far no positive response has come from the US government, following the request letter from Sri Lanka. This had negatively impacted yesterday’s market, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 251.8 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 97.7 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 3.08 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 15 million shares to the tune of Rs 289 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.20, HNB 200,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 54.8 million; its shares traded at 274, Ambeon Holdings 2 million shares crossed for Rs 52 million; its shares traded at Rs 26, Commercial Bank 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 37.75 million; its shares sold at Rs 127 million and Sampath Bank 200,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.9 million; its shares sold at Rs 104.50.

In the retail market top six companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 592 million (30.6 million shares traded), Pickme Rs 381 million (5.4 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 238 million (1.7 million shares traded), HNB Rs 192 million (700,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 107 million (1 million shares traded) and CTC Rs 88.8 million (58300 shares traded). During the day 103 million shares volumes changed hands in 15816 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector was the main contributor to the turnover, especially JKH, while the banking sector was the second largest contributor to the turnover, mainly with HNB and Commercial Bank.

Hayleys PLC said it has purchased ordinary shares of Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), resulting in the conglomerate now owning a 10.83 stake in that company. CSE sources said.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 300.50/301.25 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from 299.75/300.25 on previous day dealers said, while bond yields were up.

Sri Lanka’s export earnings from the US may drop, but reduced incomes will also cut imports by the same amount unless the central bank prints money to create extra demand unrelated to dollar earnings, analysts say.

There is also excess liquidity in the money markets from last month’s inflows, which can trigger delayed demand if they are used as credit to provide loans.

Sri Lanka’s rupee usually weakens due to flaws in the operating framework of the central bank (conflicting anchors) when private credit picks up. Of late, however, the rupee has been kept stable with better policy reducing anchor conflicts.

Oil prices are also down, as are some other base metals commodities, amid tighter US policy and bad sentiment, though the same can happened to tea.

WTI crude dropped to 57 dollars a barrel and Brent to 61 dollars over the past week or about 10 dollars.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 9.50/60 percent, up from 9.40/55 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2027 was quoted at 10.05/15 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.05.2028 was quoted at 10.45/50 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 was quoted at 10.50/65 percent, up from 10.50/60 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 10.90/11.00 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 10.95/11.05 percent, up from 10.80/90 percent.

An auction of Rs. 80,000 million Treasury bills was ongoing. An auction of Rs.100,000 million Treasury bonds is due on Thursday.

By Hiran H Senewiratne



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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