By Hiran H. Senewiratne

CSE data indicated yesterday that the benchmark All Share Price Index moved up 0.11 percent mainly due to the petrol price reduction among some categories of fuel, market analysts opined.

Despite the lingering tensions in West Asia the market performed well.

The ASPI was up 22.93 points at 21,338.84, while the more liquid S&P SL20 was up 0.22 percent, or 13.03 points, at 6,018.37.

Market turnover was Rs 1.014 billion. Capital goods led turnover with Rs 300.64 million. During the day two crossings took place. Those crossings were reported in Access Engineering 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 75 million and its shares traded at Rs 75 and Sierra Cables 850,000 shares crossed for Rs 31 million; its shares traded at Rs 36.70.

In the retail market, companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sierra Cables Rs 77 million (2 million shares traded), Brown’s Investments Rs 68 million (13.3 million shares traded), CCS Rs 60 million (494,000 shares traded), Citizens Development Bank Rs 30 million (866,000 shares traded), Overseas Realty Rs 27 million (513,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 26 million (185,000 shares traded) and Commercial Credit and Finance Rs 24 million (217,000 shares traded). During the day 51 million share volumes changed hands in 15669 transactions.

Positive contributors to the ASPI were; Browns Investments (up 8.16 percent at Rs 5.30 ), Carson Cumberbatch (up 4.13 percent at Rs 749.50 ), Windforce (up 4.63 percent at Rs 40.70 ), JKH (up 0.51 percent at Rs 19.90 ) and DFCC Bank (up 0.99 percent at Rs 128.00 ).

Vallibel One (down 2.64 percent at Rs 88.50 ), Melstacorp (down 0.52 percent at Rs 190.00 ), and Hatton National Bank (down 0.33 percent at Rs 380.25 ) were top negative contributors.

Ceylon Land & Equity announced a proposed first and final scrip dividend of Rs 0.043 per ordinary share for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, subject to shareholder approval at its Annual General Meeting on September 23, 2026.

The dividend involves capitalizing Rs 39.61 million to issue 4,553,230 new ordinary shares at a consideration of Rs 8.70 per share, in the proportion of 1 new share for every 202.33 existing shares.

Shares of Ceylon Land & Equity closed down 1.16 percent at Rs 8.50.

Maharaja Foods announced a final scrip dividend of Rs 0.10 per ordinary share for the financial year ended March 31.

Following a 15 percent withholding tax deduction, the net dividend entitlement of Rs 0.085 per share will be satisfied by issuing 730,468 new ordinary shares at a consideration of Rs 16.00 per share, in the proportion of 1 new share for every 188.2354873861 existing shares held.

Shares of Maharaja Foods were trading up 0.61 percent at Rs16.50.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 327.68/75 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger from Rs 327.98/328.04 Friday, while bond yields were broadly steady, dealers said.

The telegraphic transfer rate for the dollar was 323.50 buying, 332.50 selling; the euro was 372.5779 buying, 386.3587 selling; and the pound was 437.1858 buying, 451.2942 selling.

Ai-CHA, the Indonesian origin, ice cream and bubble tea brand is establishing itself as an irresistible, super-cooling refreshment among consumers in the bustling coastal town of Negombo, besides proving a big hit among other Sri Lankan urban populations as well. The numbers visiting the initial Ai-CHA ice cream parlour in Negombo is solid evidence that the ice cream brand is proving a crowd-puller of the first magnitude.

Ai-CHA Ice cream and bubble tea is already present in over 2000 locations world wide and has made striking inroads into global consumer palettes. Referred to as ‘a popular international soft-serve ice cream and bubble tea brand’, these ideal thirst quenches are made of high quality ingredients such as, milk, milk powder, cream, sugar and water. The prices are purse-easy and affordable.

LOLC Life Assurance recently celebrated the winners of its island-wide children’s art competition, ‘Sihina Siththara,’ with a special day at Pearl Bay, bringing the initiative to a memorable close for the young participants and their families.

Open to children across Sri Lanka, ‘Sihina Siththara’ invited participants to express their creativity, imagination and unique perspectives through art. The competition featured three age categories: 3–5 years, 6–8 years and 9–12 years, providing children with an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents.

The competition received an impressive response from young artists across the country. Following an evaluation by an expert panel, the top three winners in each category received cash prizes, while the top 10 winners in each category enjoyed a memorable day at Pearl Bay with their families

The awards ceremony brought together company management, the winners and their parents to celebrate the achievements of the young participants.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director/Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance Ltd. said, “Our commitment to creating positive social impact complements our role as a life insurance provider. We believe in contributing to the development of future generations by supporting initiatives that create opportunities for children and strengthen the communities around them. ‘Sihina Siththara’ reflects this commitment by providing young participants with a platform to express their creativity and showcase their talents. We will continue to support initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive and empowered future.”