Business
ASPI hits all-time high of 8,920.71 points; market bullish

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading activities were bullish throughout yesterday and the benchmark All share Price Index (ASPI) hit an all-time high of 8,920.71 points, surpassing the previous record of 8,812.01 points on January 27, 2021. The ASPI surged 164.08 points (or 1.87 percent) to close at 8,920.71, stock market analysts said.
It is said that the market continued its rally during the first half of trading. The ASPI crossed the 8,900 level and recorded a new all-time high of 8,938 before witnessing a pull-back due to profit-booking at higher levels. The index commenced trading and declined to an intra-day low of 8,667 following a 117 point gap-up. However, subsequently it picked up on the back of buying support extended by retail investors in Expolanka Holdings PLC, which pushed the index to surpass the 8,900 level during the session.
The day’s trading recorded a turnover of Rs.10.49 billion. Here, Expolanka (Rs.3.79 billion), Hayleys (Rs. 1.11 billion) and LOLC Holdings (Rs. 652.44 million) made significant contributions to the turnover of more than Rs. 10 billion, market analysts said. The investor battle on LOLC and Expolanka extended further with just a mere Rs. 129 million difference between the two in terms of value.
The All Share Price Index went up by 164.8 points and S and P SL20 rose by 157.47 points. Turnover stood at Rs. 10.49 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in HNB (Non Voting) where 766,000 shares crossed for Rs. 96 million, its shares traded at Rs. 125, Hayleys 1,000,000 shares crossed for Rs. 93.5 million, its shares traded at Rs. 93.50 and Sanasa Development Bank 1,000,000 shares crossed for Rs. 50 million; its shares traded at Rs. 50.
In retail trading, five top companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs. 3.79 billion (27.2 million shares traded), Hayleys PLC Rs. 1.12 billion (10.9 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs. 652 million (1.2 million shares traded ), Browns Investments Rs. 570 million (74.2 million shares traded) and HNB 3.9 million shares traded. Expolanka contributed 150 points, Hayleys contributed 22.64 points and LOLC 19.73 points, were the main contributors to the All Share Price Index.
The Expolanka share price moved up by 23 percent or Rs. 27, where its price moved up to Rs. 146.75 from Rs. 122.75. Hayleys PLC shares appreciated by 18 points or Rs. 16.70, its share price increased to Rs. 109 from Rs. 92.30 and LOLC increased its share price by 4.5 percent or Rs. 22.75, its share price moved to Rs. 528 from Rs. 505 25. During the day 285 million share volumes changed hands in 63520 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sanasa Development Bank and Lanka Tiles. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Hayleys and LOLC Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Commercial Leasing and Finance, Browns Investments and Lanka Orix Finance.
Business
Pasans Rent a Car honoured at Iconic Awards 2025 in Thailand

Pasans Rent a Car (Pvt) Ltd was recently honoured as The Excellent Car Rentals and Tour Service Provider of the Year at the Iconic Awards 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand. Managing Director, Dr. Pasan Nalinda Hiripitiyage received the award. Established in 2002 as a modest vehicle rental service, Pasans Rent a Car has today grown into a national name in travel and transport. Headquartered in Malabe, they cater to a wide range of clients such as private customers, tourists, and private and Government institutions including Ministries.
Business
Medihelp Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals Group-India announce strategic clinical collaboration

Medihelp Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals Group-India have announced a strategic clinical collaboration during a grand ceremony at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo. The MOU outlines a framework for clinical collaboration, focusing on knowledge sharing, advanced specialty care, preventive health initiatives, and continuous professional development. This partnership aims to elevate clinical standards in Sri Lanka by introducing global best practices through joint programs, telemedicine, second-opinion services, and medical education.
The agreement was signed and exchanged by Nishantha Jayamanne, Chief Operating Officer of Medihelp Hospitals, and Jithu Jose, Vice President – International Division of Apollo Hospitals. Nishantha welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the importance of such collaborations in light of the escalating disease burden and changing disease patterns. Jithu Jose remarked, “At Apollo Hospitals, we are committed to the principle that access to high-quality healthcare should transcend geographical boundaries. We are proud to be part of this collaborative initiative to strengthen the ties between the medical communities of India and Sri Lanka.”
Business
Union Assurance leads fight against diabetes with nationwide ‘Suwamaga’ initiative

Union Assurance, a pioneering force in Sri Lanka’s private life insurance sector, is playing an increasingly proactive role in addressing the country’s rising diabetes crisis. As part of its commitment to corporate citizenship, the company has launched Suwamaga, an impactful CSR programme aimed at combating the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a particular focus on diabetes.
Senath Jayatilake, Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance, explained that the company’s corporate responsibility approach stems from its new brand vision, which is centered around empowering human progress by protecting what matters most. He emphasized that this vision is aligned with the company’s dedication to strengthening not only financial stability but also the emotional, physical, and community well-being of Sri Lankans. “As part of our strategic direction, we recognized the severe impact of NCDs, particularly diabetes, on the nation’s social and economic progress,” Jayatilake noted.
The Suwamaga programme launched in 2024, under the Ministry of Health’s collaboration, includes a Mobile Screening Unit, which has already screened over 26,000 individuals across Sri Lanka, from urban centers to rural communities. The mobile unit offers free diabetes screenings, followed by personalized medical advice, empowering the public to take charge of their health. Mahen Gunarathna, Chief Marketing Officer at Union Assurance, shared, “The screenings have revealed alarming results. Approximately 15% of participants were recommended for further testing, with 12% diagnosed with diabetes for the first time. These screenings have proven essential for early intervention.”
The gravity of the diabetes crisis in Sri Lanka was further highlighted by Dhanya Wijesuriya, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Diabetes Association. “Diabetes is a silent killer in Sri Lanka, affecting an alarming portion of the population,” she said, stressing that early detection is key to preventing the disease from progressing. “Pre-diabetes is reversible, but once diabetes is diagnosed, it’s a lifelong condition. Tragically, half of those affected remain unaware until complications arise.”
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