Business
Planting of sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Bai Dinh temple in Vietnam
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vietnam, in close coordination with the Embassy of Vietnam in Colombo, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, was gifted a sacred Sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura to be planted at the Bai Dinh Pagoda (Temple) in Vietnam.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most sacred and revered temples in Viet Nam spreading over 700 hectares and possesses the largest gold plated statue of Buddha in Asia as well as the tallest Buddha relics tower in Asia. Most Venerable Pallegama Hemerathana Thero, Chief Monk of North Central Province, handled over the aforementioned Bodhi Tree Sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to the Chief Abbot of Bai Dinh Pagoda, Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang and Mr Nguyen Van Truong, Chairman of Bai Dinh Pagoda. Further, Most Venerable Eeethalawatunawawe Ganathilaka, the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanwelisaya Stupa also participated at the aforementioned event. Nearly 40 Buddhist Monks and Officials including the Chief Abbot of Bai Dinh Pagoda from Vietnam visited Anuradhapura to receive the sacred Bodhi Tree Sapling. Once the sacred Bo Tree Sapling was handed over, ceremoniously, the 40 Monks and Officials from Bai Dinh along with the Chief Monk of North Central Province and the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, along with Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks, visited Bai Dinh Pagoda for the sacred ceremony of planting the Sapling at the premises of Bai Dinh Pagoda.
In Sri Lanka, Madam Ho Thi Thanh Truc, Ambassador of Vietnam to Colombo too was present at the handing over ceremony in Anuradhapura.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, Prof A. Saj U. Mendis and Minister Counsellor, Mahesh Premathalake, and other Officials of the Embassy participated along with a large number of Sri Lankan expatriate community in Viet Nam as well as well over 5000 Budhhist devotees in Vietnam participated in the most sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling planting ceremony.
During the four-day stay in Sri Lanka, the delegation from Bai Dinh Pagoda visited Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy, Asgiriya Temple and several other locations of significance. The Chairman of Bai Dinh Pagoda gifted USD 20,000 to Lady Ridgeway Children Hospital as a symbolic gesture of their visit.
Tharaka Balasooriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, met with the Vietnamese delegation in Colombo and expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Buddhist delegation from Bai Dinh Pagoda. This initiative would further deepen and elevate the religious bilateral relations in the context of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions and ethos.
Mr Somarathna Vidanapathirana, Secretary of Ministry of Buddhasasana and Mr Prasanna Gamage, former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, also participated at the events and ceremonies organized by the embassy of Viet Nam in Colombo. Former Ambassador, Mr Prasanna Gamage, was instrumental in initiating the aforementioned most sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling to be planted at Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam, Prof A. Saj U. Mendis and Minister Counsellor, Mr Mahesh Premathalake, and other Officials of the Embassy participated along with a large number of Sri Lankan expatriate community in Viet Nam as well as well over 5000 Budhhist devotees in Viet Nam participated at the most sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling planting ceremony.
It is strongly anticipated since many Vietnamese devotees visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the most sacred Sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi which is planted at the Bai Dinh Temple, would encourage and would be an impetus for Vietnamese devotees to visit Sri Lanka as they know that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Buddha Gaya in India.
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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