Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has become the first Sri Lankan company to receive the Client Protection Certification, awarded by MFR under the Cerise + SPTF methodology, marking a significant milestone in the country’s responsible finance sector and reaffirming the Company’s commitment to ethical, inclusive and client-centered financial services.

SDF was awarded the Bronze level of achievement in client protection, signifying that the institution meets all standards necessary for adequate Client Protection under the Universal Standards for Social and Environmental Performance Management.

The certification was awarded by MFR, a leading global rating agency that provides assessments, data and technical expertise to the sustainable finance industry. Headquartered in Italy, MFR operates through five regional offices across Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic and India, covering four continents and maintaining one of the widest global footprints among specialized rating agencies. With more than 2,800 assignments conducted across over 110 countries, MFR holds a leading position in the global responsible finance certification and assessment landscape.

The Client Protection Certification is widely recognized and valued across the responsible finance industry, particularly among investors, donors and development finance stakeholders. It reflects an institution’s ability to uphold the principle of “doing no harm to clients”, which is considered a minimum expectation within the responsible and inclusive finance sector.

For SDF, the certification further strengthens its position as a purpose-driven financial institution committed to serving underserved communities, micro and small enterprises, rural entrepreneurs and productive sectors that require accessible, responsible and sustainable financial support. It also reinforces the Company’s approach to balancing financial inclusion with sound governance, transparency and client welfare.

Cyril Rodrigo’s Restaurants (Pvt) Ltd (Green Cabin) has expanded its presence in Sri Lanka’s hospitality and events sector through a strategic partnership with Havelock City to manage and operate its banquet facilities, introducing ‘Havelock City Banquets by Green Cabin’. The collaboration brings together Havelock City’s premium event infrastructure and Green Cabin’s expertise in catering, hospitality, creating an integrated offering for weddings, corporate functions, private celebrations, and large-scale social events in Colombo.

The partnership represents a significant milestone in Green Cabin’s broader growth strategy as the company continues to diversify its hospitality portfolio beyond its traditional restaurant and bakery operations. Under the new arrangement, Green Cabin will serve as the exclusive catering partner for all events hosted at the venue, delivering end-to-end culinary and hospitality services supported by decades of operational expertise.

As demand continues to grow for professionally managed event spaces that combine convenience, quality service, and premium dining experiences, ‘Havelock City Banquets by Green Cabin’ aims to address an increasingly sophisticated market seeking seamless event execution under a single trusted provider.

CSE investor sentiment dropped yesterday amid what seemed to be an initial lack of clarity over the signing of the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved downward. The All Share Price Index went down by 88.08 points while the S and P SL20 declined by 4.35 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 1.86 billion with five crossings. NDB 796,000 shares crossed for Rs 87.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 110, Dialog Axiata 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 23 million; its shares traded at Rs 46, Singer SriLanka 300,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.8 million; its shares sold at Rs 76.10, Sampath Bank 150,000 shares crossed for Rs 21.8 million; its share s traded at Rs 145 and CIC Holdings 625,000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 32.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Hemas Holdings Rs 281 million (8.6 million shares traded), Dialog Rs 127 million (2.8 million shares traded), NDB Rs 101 million (916,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 62 million (three million shares traded), Lanka Realty Investments Rs 55 million (948,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 52 million (248,000 shares traded) and Central Finance Rs 40 million (177,000 shares traded). During the day 75.6 million share volumes changed hands in 18167 transactions.

It is said banking sector counters, especially NDB and Sampath Bank, performed well while telecom sector counters, especially Dialog, were also active at the floor. Manufacturing sector, especially JKH, performed well too.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 333.50/334.00 to the US dollar in the spot market from Rs 333.90/334.20 the previous day, while bond yields were down further as the market continued to rally, dealers said.

The telegraphic transfer rate for Sri Lanka’s rupee against the US dollar was 329.50 buying, Rs 338.50 selling; the euro was Rs 374.8506 selling, Rs 388.7676 buying; and the pound was Rs 433.7044 buying, Rs 447.7500 selling.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne