Business
Date extension in domestic debt restructuring talks continuing to prove a dampener
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The gloom that had descended on the stock market due to the extension of the date for the conduct of talks between the government and domestic bondholders continued to prevail yesterday, market analysts said.
Initially this deal was scheduled for August 27, but due to unavoidable circumstances it was extended to September 11. The domestic debt restructuring exercise is a prime recommendation of the IMF.
However, banking sector counters were a bit active and attractive yesterday due to the Central Bank policy rate decision. Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. All -Share Price Index went down by 61.42 points and S and P SL20 declined by 16.2 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.6 billion with four crossings. Sampath Bank 1.8 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 126 million and its shares traded at Rs 70, TJ-Lanka 2.6 million shares crossed for Rs 90.7 million and its shares traded at Rs 34.70, Asian Hotel and Properties 1.2 million shares crossed for Rs 64.5 million; its shares traded Rs 53.50 and Hatton Plantations 750,000 shares crossed for Rs 21 million; its shares traded at Rs 28.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Samapth Bank Rs 163 million (2.3 million shares traded), JKH Rs 84.9 million (475,000 shares traded), CIC Holdings Rs 70.5 million (1 million shares traded), Hayley Rs 59.6 million (662,000 shares traded), Asian Hotel
Properties Rs 55.8 million (1 million shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 44.7 million (1.3 million shares traded) and Kingsbury Rs 40.6 million (3.6 million shares traded). During the day 63.5 million share volumes changed hands in 15000 transactions.
A bond maturing on 01.07.2025 was quoted at 15.50/16.55 percent on Thursday after closing at 15.50/16.55 percent on Tuesday. A bond maturing on 15.05.2026 was quoted up at 15.90/16.00 percent after closing at 15.80/16.00 percent on Tuesday. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 14.75/15.00 percent after closing at 14.70/15.50 percent.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has posted robust results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a net profit of Rs 14.97 billion—up 38.52% year-on-year—on the back of healthy growth in income, assets, and loan advances.
In a stock exchange filing, the Group, which includes Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, its subsidiaries, and an associate, reported a 4.27% increase in total assets to Rs 2.999 trillion as of March 31, 2025.
Gross income rose 9.85% to Rs 88.1 billion, while net interest income surged 23.53% to Rs 34.21 billion. Operating income grew by 33.4% to Rs 46.62 billion, and net operating income increased by 25% to Rs 39.39 billion.
Despite a 110.44% increase in impairment provisions, pre-tax profit grew by 34.77% to Rs 22.56 billion, with after-tax profit rising sharply due to effective cost management and improved asset quality.
Chairman Sharhan Muhseen highlighted the milestone of nearing Rs 3 trillion in assets, while MD/CEO Sanath Manatunge noted gains in net interest margin, CASA ratio (now at 39.51%), and a significantly improved Stage 3 loan ratio of 2.58%.
With a capital adequacy ratio well above regulatory requirements and a liquidity coverage ratio exceeding 500%, Commercial Bank remains firmly positioned for continued growth in 2025.
Ceylinco Life, Sri Lanka’s life insurance market leader, recently celebrated its top sales officers at a spectacular two-day event held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo’s premier leisure and entertainment destination. The event combined the company’s ‘High Flyers Day’ and Annual Awards gala, honoring over 250 elite sales officers with 350 awards, including automobiles, for their outstanding achievements in 2024.
The celebrations featured fine dining, entertainment, and overnight accommodation for the honorees. The Annual Awards ceremony, themed ‘Crowning the Titans,’ was graced by distinguished guests from Swiss Re Asia Pacific, Daisy Ning and Sunayana Mahansaria.
2024 marked Ceylinco Life’s 21st consecutive year of market leadership, with gross written premiums reaching Rs 37.14 billion and consolidated income at Rs 65.54 billion. The company paid a record Rs 25 billion in net claims and benefits, while its Life Fund and investment portfolio grew significantly.
Top awardees included M. Manojan (Best Agency Head), S. Ragini (Best Agency Supervisor), A. I. P. Manjula (Best Life Insurance Advisor), and J. Meera (Best Regional Sales Manager).
Dr. Sachini Aththanayaka, Director of Sayora Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd, has been awarded the Excellency Award in the Beauty, Health, and Wellness Services category at the prestigious Entro Queen Excellence – Leading Lady in Business Awards 2025. Recognised for her pioneering work in integrative wellness, Dr. Sachini has transformed Sayora Healthcare into a hub for holistic care, blending modern medicine with natural therapies.
“This recognition motivates me to keep raising the bar, not just for Sayora Healthcare, but for the entire industry,” she said, dedicating the award to women striving for impact in business and beyond.
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