Business
CSE hits Rs. 23 billion record turnover; Browns Investments transactions account for 73 per cent
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE recorded its highest ever turnover yesterday amounting to more than Rs. 23 billion, with crossings and retail tradings in Brown Investments shares contributing approximately 73 percent to the turnover. Companies belonging to Ishara Nanayakkara, namely Oxford Capital Pvt Limited and Churchill Capital Pvt Limited sold their shares in Browns Investments to Brown and Company, stock market analysts said.
It is said that Oxford Capital held 1.1 billion and Churchill Capital 985 million of Browns Investments shares and together they sold 2.6 billion shares to the tune of Rs. 16.85 billion, with each share being traded at Rs. 5.40. With the crossings Brown and Company which held a 46.06 percent stake in Browns Investments increased its shareholding to 60.64 percent, stock analysts said.
Amid those developments, in the early session of the day the CSE witnessed some selling pressure. However with the Browns Investments crossings or internal transactions, the market became normal, but both indices indicated a downward trend. All Share Price Index went down by 101 points and S and P SL20 went down by 77.57 points. Turnover stood at Rs. 23.75 billion with the crossing in Browns Investments.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, LOLC Holdings Rs. 1.37 billion (2.6 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs. 590 million (2.94 million shares traded), Expolanka Rs. 515.5 million (9.8 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs. 514 million (76.4 million shares traded) and Vallibel One Rs. 513 million (6.2 million shares traded). During the day 86 billion share volumes changed hands in 42246 transactions.
In terms of volume of shares and number of trades, the performance in January was unprecedented. Over 10 billion shares changed hands via 960,300 trades. In comparison just 84 million shares in January last year and 163 million in 2019. The number of trades in January of 2020 and 2019 were 19,790 and 22,854 respectively.
CSE saw rapid net foreign selling though analysts opined they can’t be blamed as they are making rightful capital gains exiting when the market was on the rise. This was evident by the fact that Sampath Bank, which rose on the share sub division move, saw Rs. 1.9 billion in net selling. JKH saw Rs. 891 million worth of exits.
Friday’s net foreign selling was Rs. 2.3 billion, highest in nine months and took the year to date figure to Rs. 8.5 billion. Foreign investors sold Rs. 4.57 billion net last week as opposed to Rs. 2.36 billion a week earlier.
Sri Lanka rupee quoted stronger at 191/192 levels in the spot market yesterday, while bond yields were flat in dull market trade, dealers said. The rupee closed around 191.25/192 to the US dollar on Friday.
Associated Motorways (AMW), Yamaha’s exclusive Sri Lankan distributor for over 75 years, celebrated the brand’s grand return after a five-year hiatus due to import restrictions. Marking the occasion, AMW hosted a groundbreaking fashion-themed launch event on 14th June 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, unveiling a new lineup of fuel-efficient motorcycles and scooters, including the standout Yamaha RayZR 125 (71km/l).
Beyond specs, Yamaha’s “Built to Ride” campaign highlights the passion and resilience of Sri Lankan riders, focusing on emotion over mechanics. Andre Bonthuys, AMW’s Group Managing Director, emphasized Yamaha’s commitment to redefining the riding experience. Backed by AMW’s service excellence and global “Kando” philosophy, Yamaha’s return promises to revitalize Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market with performance, innovation, and style.
In a historic move that redefines rural financial security, Pelwatte Dairy Industries has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.
Pelwatte Dairy, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost homegrown dairy brands, has long been a pillar in the push to replace imported dairy with locally produced milk, saving the nation billions in foreign exchange. Milk powder production is expected to increase by 80% upon completion of the new Kurunegala processing facility, supporting local demand and opening up new export opportunities.
This landmark pension initiative will benefit over 30,000 registered dairy farmers working with Pelwatte. Designed to offer financial stability post-retirement, the scheme ensures these vital contributors to Sri Lanka’s food security can live out their later years with dignity and peace of mind. Additional benefits will support health, education, and safety for the farmers’ families setting a new standard for agricultural welfare in the region.
“This is a defining milestone not just for Pelwatte, but for the entire Sri Lankan dairy sector,” said Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy. “It is our corporate responsibility to safeguard those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director, added: “We see this as more than a welfare initiative. It’s an investment in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and national economic resilience.”
CEEDECS Lanka Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a leading Sri Lankan construction firm, has been honored with the Best National Industry Brand Award in the Mining and Allied Industry Sector (Medium Scale) at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards, organized by the Industrial Development Board. The award recognizes their eco-friendly brand, Harithaweli Ready Mix, which offers sustainable alternatives to traditional sand-based construction materials.
Founded in 1999 and based in Mahara, Kadawatha, CEEDECS has over 20 years of expertise in construction, consultancy, and design. Harithaweli’s products—including Ready-Mix Plaster, Waterproof Solutions, and Tile Adhesives—are durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, gaining popularity among builders and contractors.
With 21 showrooms nationwide and multiple quality certifications, CEEDECS continues to expand its reach.
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