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LOLC Development Finance leads market activity, analysts taken by surprise

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by Hiran H. Senewiratne

Share trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) was positive overall yesterday and one of the LOLC subsidiaries LOLC Development Finance Plc shares were trading heavily thus creating an ‘artificial’ effect on the stock market, analysts said.

“Due to the illiquid nature, its share price appreciated by 25 percent or Rs 26.25. Its share price started at Rs 105 and at the end of the day it moved to Rs 131.25, which was an unprecedented appreciation of its share price the previous day as well. Its share price moved up without any reasons, stock market analysts said.  

LOLC Development Finance total shares issued to the public was 238 million out of which 99.9 percent held by LOLC group, while  263.754 shares were available for the public to trade. Thus LOLC Development Finance became  the highest contributor for the All Share Price Index yesterday with 14 points out of 17.81 points.

Amid those developments, both indices moved up. All Share Price Index up by 17.81 points and S&P SL20 up by 11.55 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.96 billion with a single crossing. The crossing took place in Windforce , which crossed 103.6 million shares to the tune of Rs 1.89 billion and its share price traded at 18.20.

In the retail market top five companies that contributed to the turnover were Expolanka Rs 667.6 million (12.9 million shares traded), LOLC Rs129.7 million (320,000 shares traded), Dipped Products Rs 106.1 million (1.96 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 99.6 million (2.67 million shares traded), and Hayleys Rs 91.4 million (1.17 million shares traded).

Expolanka is the highest traded company in the stock market with 30 million shares traded during the day. Its share price appreciated by 3.8 percent or Rs 1.90. At the commencement of the market its share price started at Rs 50.40 and at the end of the day it moved upto Rs 52.30. Expolanka contributed seven points to the All Share Price Index.

Windforce’s contribution to the turnover was 49 percent with its crossing and retail market activities (Rs 55 million contributed trading of 2,9 million shares) . Its crossing traded below 80 cents and Rs 2 below the market price at the commencement of its share price of Rs 19.During the day 166 million share volume changed hands in 20649 transactions. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation remained subdued during these days, according to market analysts. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Royal Ceramics, whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, People’s Leasing and Finance and SMB Leasing. 



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Sun Siyam Pasikudah champions coastal conservation with community beach cleanup initiative

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Sun Siyam Pasikudah, one of Sri Lanka’s leading boutique luxury resorts located on the unspoiled pristine beaches of Kalkudah, recently carried out a beach cleanup to address plastic pollution along the island’s scenic eastern coastline.

Held under the resort’s sustainability arm, Sun Siyam Cares, the initiative brought together staff, guests, and local community members to collect and responsibly dispose of plastic waste washed ashore, reaffirming the resort’s commitment to environmental protection and community-driven action.

The cleanup effort, which took place along the shores of the iconic Pasikudah Bay, focused on removing plastic bottles, wrappers, discarded fishing gear, and other marine debris that threaten the region’s biodiversity and tourism appeal. All waste collected was sorted for recycling and composting in alignment with the resort’s zero-waste management principles. The event also served as an educational moment, raising awareness among participants and the wider public about the dangers of marine plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable living.

This latest activity is part of Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s broader sustainability agenda, which has gained international recognition. The resort was recently named a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of hotels globally for exceptional service, guest experience, and sustainable practices. Furthermore, the property holds a prestigious Travelife Gold Certification for meeting comprehensive environmental and social responsibility criteria, from energy conservation to wildlife protection.

Sustainability is deeply integrated into every aspect of the resort’s operations. Sun Siyam Pasikudah boasts an on-site organic farm producing more than 38 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, significantly reducing its reliance on imported goods. It operates solar-powered installations and water-saving systems, uses energy-efficient lighting throughout the premises, and has eliminated single-use plastics entirely.

In addition to environmental stewardship, the resort supports local livelihoods, with more than 90 percent of its staff recruited from surrounding communities, and has incorporated local artisanship and culture into its guest experience.

Since its grand reopening in late 2023, Sun Siyam Pasikudah has played a vital role in revitalizing tourism in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. Its efforts have contributed to a significant uptick in regional visitor numbers, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a premier travel destination while fostering long-term economic benefits for the local community.

Through initiatives like the beach cleanup, the resort continues to set the standard for how the hospitality sector can lead with purpose, ensuring that tourism development is both inclusive and environmentally responsible.

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Heritance Aarah wins Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Award for fourth year in a row

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Recognised amongst the Top 1% of Hotels Worldwide for Unmatched Premium All-Inclusive Exclusivity in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah is proud to announce that it has once again been named a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winner by Tripadvisor for 2025 marking its fourth consecutive year receiving this coveted accolade.

This prestigious recognition places Heritance Aarah among the top 1% of hospitality listings worldwide based on a high volume of exceptional guest reviews and ratings submitted over the past year. As Tripadvisor’s highest honor, the Best of the Best Award celebrates hospitality excellence based on real traveler experiences, and Heritance Aarah continues to stand out as a destination that ‘has it all’.

Located in the pristine Raa Atoll and accessible by a beautiful and scenic 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé, Heritance Aarah invites guests to experience barefoot paradise at its finest. The resort offers a Premium All-Inclusive experience that transcends expectations with seven diverse restaurants and five immersive bars forming part of a world-class dine-around journey that spans local and global flavours. From the fiery spices of Ambula’s Sri Lankan tasting menu to seafood grilled under the stars at Ginifati, guests are taken on a culinary voyage led by award-winning chefs.

For those seeking elevated exclusivity, Heritance Aarah’s private Ocean Suite Wing offers an adults-only haven complete with a dedicated infinity pool, overwater dining at the private Baani restaurant and the serene sophistication of the IASO Medi Spa. From bespoke wellness programs to rejuvenating therapies inspired by ancient traditions and modern science, IASO delivers holistic wellbeing in a setting of oceanfront tranquility.

“Congratulations to Heritance Aarah on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025,” said Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond.”

Come discover why Heritance Aarah continues to be named Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best where every moment is crafted to inspire, indulge and leave a lasting impression.

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Geopolitical issues weighing down on CSE trading; oil market coming under scrutiny

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The escalating war situation in the Middle East and global geopolitical issues continued to aggravate the declining trend in the CSE yesterday, market analysts pointed out.

The possibility of an increase in global oil prices weighed in as a crucial factor.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 78.2 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 1.2 points. Turnover stood at Rs 6.8 billion with nine crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Hayleys, which crossed 7.3 million shares to the tune of Rs 1.23 billion; its shares traded at Rs 165, Commercial Bank 2.9 million shares crossed for Rs 450 million and its shares traded at Rs 155, Sampath Bank 950,000 shares crossed for Rs 115 million; its shares traded at Rs 122, LB Finance 870,000 shares crossed for Rs 103 million, its shares traded at Rs 120, Keells Hotels 5 million shares crossed for Rs 100 million; its shares traded at Rs 20, Seylan Bank 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 38.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 77, Lanka Aluminium 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 25.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 42.50, Sunshine Holdings one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22 million; its shares traded at Rs 25 and JKH one million shares crossed for Rs 21.9 million; its shares sold at Rs 21.90.

In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sampath Bank Rs 422 million (4.8 million shares traded), Hayleys Rs 324 million (1.9 million shares traded), JKH Rs 251 million (1.4 million shares traded), Access Engineering Rs 158 million (3.8 million shares traded), People’s Leasing and Finance Rs 134 million (7.2 million shares traded) and HNB Rs 130 million (403,000 shares traded). During the day 175 million shares volumes changed hands in 28000 transactions.

It is said that the manufacturing sector, especially the Hayleys crossing, played an important role, while the banking and finance sector performed well, especially Sampath Bank.

Yesterday, the rupee was trading at Rs 300.15/30 to the US dollar in the spot market, against yesterday’s close of Rs 300.90/301.15, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 8.00/10 percent, down from 8.00/12 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 8.45/55 percent, up from 8.44/55 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 8.80/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.09.2028 was quoted at 8.90/9.00 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.50/53 percent, up from 9.48/52 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.32/35 percent, up from 10.30/35 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

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