Business

IMF comment related to 2026 Budget helps shore- up bourse’s fortunes

Published

2 months ago

2025/11/15

CSE trading at the beginning was positive yesterday as the IMF announced that it is assessing Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget as part of the next review of the Extended Fund Facility.

However, later CSE trading followed a negative trend due to significant profit- takings, market analysts said.

‘The IMF staff are reviewing the published budget documents to evaluate whether the 2026 Budget is in line with program parameters, Julie Kozack, Director, Communications Department at the IMF told reporters in Washington.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 8.02 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 32.41 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 5.63 billion with nine crossings. Top seven crossings were: Hemas Holdings 11 million shares crossed to the tune of 388.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 35.30, HNB (Non-Voting), 473,437 shares crossed for Rs 158 million; its shares traded at Rs 334, HNB 28,100 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 115.9 million; its shares traded at Rs 412, Tokyo Cement (Non- Voting) 540,000 shares crossed for Rs 41 million; its shares traded at Rs 76, VallibelOne 231,263 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 24.7 million; its shares sold at Rs 107 Swisstec 252,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.8 million and its shares sold at Rs 87.50, Pan Asia Bank 350,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 63.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Renuka Agri Rs 348.6 million (41.8 million shares traded), RIL Properties Rs 334.6 million (8.9 million shares traded), Sierra Cables Rs 212 million (6.4 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 188.8 million (1.27 million shares traded) HNB Rs 167.7 million (402,000 shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 138 million (326,000 shares traded) and HDFC Bank Rs 126.6 million (1.7 million shares traded). During the day 218.8 million share volumes changed hands in 41670 transactions.

It is said that the banking and finance sector led the market, especially HNB and Sampath Bank, while the manufacturing sector fared well too, especially Hemas Holdings.

Yesterday the rupee opened at Rs 305.50/306.00 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from Rs 305.50/90 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields opened broadly steady.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 8.90/95 percent, up from 8.85/90 percent,

A bond maturing on 15.06.2029 was quoted at 9.35/40 percent,

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.40/50 percent, up from 9.40/45 percent,

A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 9.55/58 percent, up from 9.54/57 percent,

A bond maturing on 15.05.2031 was quoted at 9.75/85 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.15/25 percent, down from 10.18/22 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 10.40/45 percent, up from 10.38/42 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2034 was quoted at 10.50/60 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2035 was quoted at 10.70/72 percent, from 10.68/73 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

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Business

Siyapatha Finance welcomes the New Year with renewed hope and resilience

Published

59 seconds ago

2026/01/20

Sahan Weerasooriya

Siyapatha Finance PLC welcomed 2026 at its Head Office, auspiciously commencing a new year of growth and prosperity with traditional rituals and religious observances.

The celebration was joined by the Board of Directors, Chairman, CEO , Senior Management, and staff members as well as invitees and well-wishers.

Expressing gratitude towards the blessings that shaped 2025, Siyapatha Finance PLC Chairman Sumith Cumaranatunge encouraged the team to look forward to a year of unity, resilience and perseverance.

Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer Mathisha Hewavitharana shared that 2026 is a year the team rally together not only to grow as a company, but also to uplift the standard of the finance industry to new heights. “This is an opportunity to make greater use of our talents, skills, passion and team spirit to fulfill a bigger purpose in this country,” he added.

Business

Janashakthi Life strengthens executive team with key leadership appointments

Published

2 mins ago

2026/01/20

Sahan Weerasooriya

Namalee A. Silva, Chief Business Officer, Janashakthi Life (L) / Shankar Dharmaratne, Chief Digital Officer, Janashakthi Life (R)

Janashakthi Life, a leading name in the insurance industry and a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its executive team. Ms. Namalee A. Silva joins as Chief Business Officer, and Shankar Dharmaratne assumes the role of Chief Digital Officer.

These strategic appointments mark a significant milestone in Janashakthi Life’s commitment to accelerating business growth, enhancing market presence and driving comprehensive digital transformation across the organization.

Ms. Namalee A. Silva is an accomplished marketing and business professional with over 36 years of experience in the Banking, Finance, and Insurance sectors. She has held various senior leadership positions at renowned institutions, including Commercial Bank, Nationwide Building Society (UK), Lloyds Bank (UK), Seylan Bank, People’s Bank, and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, where she last served as Chief Business Officer. Her extensive expertise and strategic insight are expected to be instrumental in steering Janashakthi Life towards new heights of success.

Shankar Dharmaratne joins Janashakthi Life with more than 25 years of experience across Banking, Telecommunications, and Technology. He has held key leadership roles at Dialog Axiata PLC, Royal Vision Singapore (Pvt) Ltd and Hatton National Bank, where he most recently served as Head of Digital Services. He has also contributed to national-level digital initiatives through his work with the National Payment Council and the Digital Roadmap Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. His expertise will play a crucial role in advancing Janashakthi Life’s digital strategy, enhancing customer experience, and fostering innovation.

Business

Emirates serves up a winning partnership with world no. 1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka

Published

2 mins ago

2026/01/20

Sahan Weerasooriya

Emirates has announced a landmark partnership with the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, who becomes the airline’s first tennis ambassador.

The milestone builds on Emirates’ longstanding commitment to tennis as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slams worldwide. To mark the occasion, Sabalenka unveiled an Emirates A380 aircraft adorned with a special tennis-inspired livery celebrating its sponsorship of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open.

Sabalenka and Emirates both share a passion for excellence, innovation and a winning spirit. Dubai serving as a hub for Sabalenka’s training and preparation over the years, positions her as a natural fit for Emirates.

The partnership caps a dominant period for the 27-year-old, who is now a four-time Grand Slam champion after claiming a second US Open in September last year. Sabalenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024, before finishing as runner-up at AO25, has also been crowned the WTA Tour Player of the Year for the past two seasons.

Reflecting on the announcement, Sabalenka shared:

“In tennis, every little detail counts – so to align with a brand which matches my ambition and attention to detail makes this feel like a natural fit.

‘Travelling in world-class comfort with Emirates has been key to my preparation. But this partnership represents much more than that – because it also highlights what we, as women in sport, can achieve on the world stage.

‘’Stepping off this Emirates A380 in Melbourne I feel ready to make 2026 another year to remember.”

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand said:

“Aryna is not only a champion on the court but a global icon who inspires millions through her determination and professionalism – qualities that resonate strongly with our ethos at Emirates. With Dubai as our shared home, we already have a strong connection with Aryna, and this partnership allows us to elevate our engagement in a truly meaningful way.

‘’Together, we hope to create unique opportunities for fans to experience the Emirates journey, both in the air and at the heart of the sport. Whether it be by offering live tennis through our ice entertainment system, or a taste of Australia through our in-flight menu. Emirates can’t wait to see what Aryna can achieve at the Australian Open and beyond in 2026.”

About Emirates and tennis

Emirates’ extensive portfolio of global sports and cultural partnerships connects millions of people through shared passions and world-class experiences. The airline’s tennis portfolio includes some of the highestprofile events on the ATP and WTA tours, including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as well as all four Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open, Wimbledon).

Beyond tennis, Emirates’ commitment to connecting fans across the globe through shared sporting moments spans horse racing through the Dubai World Cup and Team Godolphin; golf via the DP World Tour; cricket across all major ICC events and the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and Lancashire County Cricket Club; sailing with Emirates Team New Zealand, SailGP and Emirates Great Britain Sail GP team; basketball through the NBA, Real Madrid and Beirut Basketball club; cycling with UAE Team Emirates XRG; and Australian rules football with Collingwood FC. Emirates’ iconic “fly better” branding appears on the jerseys of leading football clubs including Arsenal FC, Real Madrid CF, AC Milan, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais. Emirates also serves as Platinum Partner to FC Bayern Munich’s first team. Emirates has been the title sponsor of The FA Cup for nearly a decade. In the UAE, the airline supports the Pro League and appears on Al Ain FC’s training kit during the 2025/2026 season.