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Vehicle importers on their last legs seek meeting with President

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The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka gave a press briefing in Colombo recently to announce their survival plan to keep the industry going forward ‘making little adverse impact’ on foreign exchange reserves. Pix by Dharmasena Welipitiya

by Sanath Nanayakkare

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka has requested a meeting with President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to discuss the challenges facing the industry due to the ongoing ban on the importation of motor vehicles. The import ban, which has been in force since March 2020, has gravely impacted vehicle importers and all related industries.

VIASL wishes to present a number of proposals they have prepared that would allow importers to survive while controlling the outflow of foreign currency.

Vehicle importers as well as related service providers are presently facing severe difficulties maintaining their business premises and paying off bank loans, rent and the salaries of their employees. Currently there are a large number of importers in the country who are without a vehicle in their showrooms and are struggling to survive and to pay their employees. If the ban is to continue they will be forced to close down their business and make all their employees redundant. VIASL calculates that around 100,000 direct and indirect employees will have to be made redundant, while also placing the 350,000-400,000 dependants of these employees in dire straits.

Some vehicle importers as well as government permit holders have opened letters of credit prior to the import ban, and should be provided with the opportunity to import these vehicles. Since all circulars regarding clearing of imported vehicles from Sri Lankan ports were published on a retrospective basis, there are several permit holders as well as importers who are struggling to import the vehicles they have ordered and confirmed legally through a valid letter of credit.

“We have a survival plan that would save both the industry and the country’s foreign exchange reserves. We have made it after serious consideration of the foreign exchange outflow, maintaining the industry at a sustainable level for the benefit of our employees under a well-regulated system. We’d like to present our case to the President and Dr. P.B. Jayasundara. It’s been three months since we made a request to meet with them. We hope that they will lend us an ear at the earliest possible time”, they said.

 

 



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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