The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again emerged as the country’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), retaining its position for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Final Budget Position Report for 2024.

The report shows that Commercial Bank disbursed Rs. 330.9 billion in SME loans in 2024, representing 30.3% of the Rs. 1,090 billion provided by 16 state and private sector banks. This places the Bank significantly ahead of all other institutions, leading the industry with SME lending that is 91% higher than that of the nearest competitor.

The Bank’s support extended across Agriculture, Services, Industries and Other sectors, with its most substantial contribution directed to Industries. Commercial Bank lent Rs. 266.8 billion to this sector alone, accounting for 47.8% of the Rs. 557.6 billion in total loans received by Sri Lanka’s industrial enterprises in 2024.

This performance underscores Commercial Bank’s sustained and strategic engagement to power the SME sector, a critical driver of employment, value creation and economic stability.

Commenting on the Bank’s continuing leadership in this sphere, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “Our commitment to SMEs is rooted in the belief that their success is inseparable from the country’s economic future. In 2024, the Bank’s SME-focused initiatives positively impacted over 8,700 businesses, driving job creation, community development and economic inclusion. And as the country responds to the impact of the cyclone, Commercial Bank will continue to stand with SMEs, supporting their recovery and helping Sri Lanka rebuild.”

“The Ministry of Finance’s confirmation that we remain the largest lender to SMEs for the fifth consecutive year is a direct result of this purpose-driven approach. We will continue to expand access to finance, deploy technology that accelerates SME growth, and provide the guidance and support needed for businesses to withstand challenges and scale sustainably.”

Over the years, Commercial Bank has maintained a robust approach to SME development through targeted lending, capacity building, advisory support, and digital enablement. This approach creates additional value for enterprises by strengthening business capabilities and supporting long-term sustainability, complemented by early engagement mechanisms through the Bank’s dedicated Business Revival and Rehabilitation Unit, established to support enterprises showing signs of distress. In addition, ComBank LEAP | GlobalLinker further strengthens SME growth by connecting businesses to new markets, partnerships, practical knowledge resources, and a wider ecosystem that supports scale and competitiveness.

AIA Sri Lanka is recognised in CEO Magazine’s special edition, ‘Sri Lanka’s Top 25 Most Valuable Brands for 2025,’ a prestigious acknowledgment of the company’s exceptional brand strength, market leadership, and strategic vision. Based on a nationwide survey conducted by CEO Magazine, this exclusive ranking celebrates the most influential, trusted, and forward-thinking brands in Sri Lanka; those that are not only thriving today but actively shaping the future of the market, economy, and consumer behaviour. AIA Sri Lanka’s position as the Most Loved Insurance Company reflects its commitment to innovation, resilience, and delivering real impact in the lives of Sri Lankan families.

In today’s dynamic and highly competitive business landscape, brand value is no longer defined solely by financial performance; it is shaped by trust, relevance, and the ability to make a meaningful impact. AIA Sri Lanka has consistently demonstrated these qualities through its customer-first approach, forward-looking digital transformation, and unwavering brand integrity, earning its place as a leader in the insurance industry and a respected name across sectors.

The strength of AIA Sri Lanka’s brand lies in its commitment to protection. As a trusted life insurance provider, AIA has built lasting emotional connections with its customers through purpose-led communication and exceptional service. Its ability to navigate economic challenges, respond swiftly to changing consumer expectations, and focus on long-term value creation has made AIA a standout player in the Sri Lankan life insurance landscape.

CSE trading began on a negative note at the outset yesterday but later recovered and turned positive owing to improvements in GDP statistics and those from the tourism sector in the country.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 44.44 points while S and P SL20 rose by 16.55 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.8 billion with six crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Lanka IOC where 150,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 95.3 million and its shares traded at Rs 127, Colombo Dockyard 400,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 81 million, its shares sold at Rs 200, Laugfs Gas 550,000 shares crossed for Rs 38 5 million; its shares traded at 70, CTC 18700 shares crossed for Rs 31.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 1680, hSenid 6 5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 25.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 17 and ACL Cables 800000 shares crossed for Rs 20.2 million; its shares sold at Rs 252.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Capital Alliance Rs 452.7 million (7 million shares traded), Commercial Dockyard Rs 250 million (1.3 million shares traded), Capital Alliance Holdings 150 million (8.5 million shares traded), Renuka Agri Foods Rs 30.9 million (11.8 million shares traded), Swisstec Rs 100.2 million (1million shares traded), Royal Ceramics Rs 78.4 million (1.8 million shares traded) and Janashakthi Insurance Rs 71.5 million (510,000 shares traded). During the day 7 million share volumes changed hands in 28151 transactions.

It is said that the financial sector performed well, especially Capital Alliance, while the manufacturing sector counters also performed well, especially Colombo Dockyard. The agriculture and ceramic sectors reflected positively at the floor.

Meanwhile, Capital Alliance paid a Rs 12 dividend for every share of the company.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.45/50 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from Rs 309.25/35 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

Accordingly, a bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 8.95//9.00 percent, down from 8.97/9.00 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.05.2028 was quoted at 9.00/05 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 9.49/50 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 9.85/95 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted at 10.23/28 percent, up from 10.22/26 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 10.40/45 percent.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne