Business
Marked investor interest in mid-cap stocks
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE witnessed mild profit- takings with improved turnover levels yesterday amid positive market conditions, stock market analysts said.
While banking and treasury sector shares experienced profit-takings, there was a notable resurgence of investor engagement in undervalued mid-cap stocks throughout the day. Moreover, there was a surge in investor interest in hotel sector counters after the CBSL revealed that tourism earnings in the first quarter of the year reached US $ 986.2 million, marking an impressive 45.1 percent year on year growth.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 4.56 points and S and P SL20 rose by 4.6 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.6 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in Melstacorp, which crossed 1.8 million shares to the tune of Rs 129.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 68.50, Royal Ceramic one million shares crossed for Rs 34 million; its shares traded at Rs 34 and Lanka IOC 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 26 million; its shares fetched Rs 130.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sunshine Holdings Rs 385 million (11.1 million shares traded), Hayleys Rs 266 million (three million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 178 million (1.3 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 271 million (19.6 million shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 118 million (876,000 shares traded), Capital Alliance Rs 79.3 million (1.7 million shares traded) and Piramal Glass Rs 61.9 million (2.4 million shares traded). During the day 131 million share volumes changed hands in 23000 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence Holdings, Melstacorp and JKH. Mixed interest was observed in Capital Alliance, Softlogic Capital and Agstar, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Kotagala Plantations and LOLC Finance.
The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp), while the sector index gained 0.40 percent. The share price of Melstacorp increased by 60 cents to Rs 69.80.
The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Aitken Spence and JKH), while the sector index increased by 0.40 percent. The share price of Aitken Spence moved up by Rs 2.75 to Rs 130. The share price of JKH recorded a gain of Rs 2.25 to Rs 157.25. Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 305.13 and the selling rate Rs 319.32.
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.
The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.
The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.
The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.
To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com
Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.
Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.
The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.
Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.
Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.
As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.
Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”
Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.
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