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External market factors propel CSE to a position of relative strength

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Investor sentiment at the CSE became more positive yesterday and the market moved to a very healthy position due to external market factors.Investors were more optimistic about the government’s efforts succeeding in negotiating with the US authorities to get a concessionary arrangement from US’ reciprocal tariff increase of 46 percent on US exports, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index moved up by 155 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 38.9 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.4 billion with seven crossings.

Those crossings were reported in JKH which crossed 8 million shares to the tune of Rs 160 million; its shares traded at Rs 20, Hemas Holdings 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 60.2 million and its shares sold at 120.50, Access Engineering 1.5 million shares crossed for Rs 60 million; its shares traded at Rs 40, Agarapathana Plantations 2.5 million shares crossed for Rs 41.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 16.50, Lanka IOC 300,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 39 million; its shares traded at Rs 130, Commercial Bank 212,000 shares crossed for Rs 29.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 137 and LB Finance 220,000 shares crossed for Rs 20.4 million; its shares sold at Rs 93.

In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sunshine Holdings Rs 177 million (7.6 million shares traded), JKH Rs 123 million (6.1 million shares traded), Swisstec Rs 116 million (2.3 million shares traded), Access Engineering Rs 100 million (2.1 million shares traded) Agarapathana Plantations Rs 100 million (6.1 million shares traded) and Hemas Holdings Rs 96 million (804,000 shares traded).During the day 125 million shares volumes changed hands in 17000 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters led the market, especially with JKH, while services sector and plantations sector counters performed well too.

Yesterday, the rupee opened stronger at Rs 299.60/80 to the US dollar in the spot market dealers said, while bond yields continued to fall.

The expectation of some sort of resolution to the US- China trade conflict was contributing to the positive momentum, dealers said.

Excess liquidity was also coming back to the market, after a festival drawdown.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 8.90/9.00 and closed at 8.85/98 percent down from 8.88/9.00 percent Wednesday.

By Hiran H Senewiratne



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Sri Lanka’s scenic South Coast emerging as a hotspot for digital nomads

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WORX Co-Working leading the charge

As remote work continues to reshape global work culture, Sri Lanka’s scenic South Coast is emerging as a hotspot for digital nomads and WORX Co-Working is leading the charge. The country’s largest co-working network has just launched its fifth location, this time in the surfers’ paradise of Midigama, in partnership with Lime & Co Hostel.

Midigama, famed for its world-class reef breaks and laid-back vibe, is attracting a growing wave of long-term travellers and remote professionals.

Recognising this shift, WORX’s latest space blends productivity and leisure, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, 25 workstations, and an on-site Zippi café serving artisanal coffee, all just two minutes from the beach.

“Sri Lanka’s work-travel scene is evolving,” says Azahn Munas, Managing Director of WORX. “By partnering with Lime & Co, we’re creating spaces where professionals can work efficiently while enjoying the surf-and-sunshine lifestyle.”

The Lime & Co-Working space isn’t just about desks; it’s a community hub for workshops, networking, and pop-ups, catering to the booming digital nomad scene in the South. With Mirissa, Weligama, and Ahangama also seeing rising demand, WORX’s expansion signals a broader trend: Sri Lanka is becoming a top destination for location-independent workers.

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Belluna Lanka: A silent force behind Sri Lanka’s growth story

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Hiroshi Yasuno, Director of Belluna Co. Ltd., Japan

For over a decade, Belluna Lanka—the Sri Lankan arm of Japan’s Belluna Co. Ltd. (a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed giant with 50+ years of global expertise) has been a quiet yet powerful driver of investment in the island nation. With over USD 200 million pumped into the region and the biggest share of it into Sri Lanka, this Japanese-backed firm has shaped luxury hospitality, high-end real estate, and sustainable development, all while staying true to a philosophy of long-term commitment over short-term gains.

Unlike fly-by-night investors, Belluna chose Sri Lanka as its South Asian hub—not just for its natural beauty, but for its untapped potential. Every investment has been self-financed from Japan, avoiding reliance on local debt, a testament to Belluna’s financial strength and faith in Sri Lanka’s future. Belluna’s Signature Projects in Sri lanka are : Granbell Colombo & Le Grand Galle – Luxury hotels blending Japanese precision with Sri Lankan soul., The Westin Maldives (2018) – Proof of Belluna’s regional ambition, managed by Marriott., 447 Luna Tower, Cinnamon Gardens – A haven of unassuming elegance in Colombo’s heart., Prime Colombo 3 Land (Dr. Wijewardene Mawatha) – A future landmark in the making.

“We don’t just build properties—we build legacies,” says Hiroshi Yasuno, Director of Belluna Co. Ltd. “Our projects fuse Japanese sustainability with Sri Lankan warmth, ensuring growth that lasts.”

“As Sri Lanka rebounds, Belluna Lanka remains all in backing the country’s revival with more jobs, smarter infrastructure, and sustainable tourism. This isn’t just business; it’s a partnership for progress”. Yasuno said.

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Ceylon Energy makes mark at Dubai Energy Expo

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Eng. M A D N Gratian (CEO - Ceylon Energy - Sri Lanka), Nalinda Ilangakoon - (CEO - DH Ceylon Energy - Dubai), Madushanka Fernando (Chairman - Ceylon Energy Group), Prasad Perera (General Manager - Ceylon Energy International)

Ceylon Energy showcased Sri Lanka’s growing capabilities in sustainable energy solutions at the Middle East Energy Exhibition 2025 in Dubai, held from April 7-10.

The group’s Dubai arm, DH Ceylon Energy, drew attention with its keynote address by CEO Nalinda Ilangakoon, former CEB Chairman.

His presentation, “Sri Lanka’s Energy Transformation: Turning Crisis into Opportunity,” highlighted how the country converted energy challenges into innovative solutions through technology and partnerships.

A key exhibit was Ceylon Energy’s patented Helical Manufacturing Technology, developed with Hubbell Power Systems Inc. – making it the only producer outside the U.S. with this capability.

“Ceylon Energy is committed to sustainable solutions that serve both current and future generations,” stated Chairman Madusanka Fernando.

The participation underscores the company’s ambition to be a global player in energy innovation while positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging hub for green technology.

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