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Sri Lanka Climate Fund ‘well on track to achieve Rs 51 million annual income target’

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Harshani Abeyrathne: ‘SL’s exporters cannot lag

Sri Lanka’s leading exporters are accelerating their climate compliance efforts as global markets tighten environmental regulations, with the Sri Lanka Climate Fund (SLCF) reporting its strongest surge yet in greenhouse gas verification, carbon credit certification and sustainability advisory services.

Official data from the Ministry of Environment shows that SLCF generated Rs. 38.29 million as of October 31, 2025—well on track to achieve its Rs. 51.6 million annual target, signaling growing private-sector recognition that climate reporting is no longer voluntary but an economic imperative.

Harshani Abeyrathne, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Change Secretariat highlighted urgency for accelerated compliance across industries.

“Sri Lankan exporters cannot afford to lag behind. International buyers now expect scientifically verified emissions data and credible decarbonisation plans. Without these, our exporters risk losing access to key markets, Abeyrathne warned.

She emphasised that SLCF’s verification and certification mechanisms are critical national tools for companies navigating new climate disclosure rules emerging across Europe, North America and parts of Asia.

“The global shift toward low-carbon supply chains is irreversible. Companies that embrace this transition will gain competitiveness; those that delay will face escalating financial risks, she added.

SLCF completed 90 greenhouse gas verification projects, earning Rs. 27.96 million—a year marked by unprecedented demand from apparel exporters, plantation companies, banks, manufacturers and logistics firms.

A senior SLCF official added: “This is now part of the cost of doing business. Firms tied to European and North American value chains must demonstrate compliance or risk exclusion.”

Major corporates—Dilmah Tea, LOLC Holdings, HNB, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Cargills, Maliban, Talawakelle Plantations, Kelani Valley Plantations and leading exporters—have already undergone SLCF verification this year.

According to the Climate Change Secretariat, the trend will accelerate as major buyers invoke climate-related procurement requirements.

Sri Lanka’s national carbon crediting mechanism, the Sri Lanka Carbon Crediting Scheme (SLCCS), recorded strong progress, with validation and verification projects generating over Rs. 2.1 million.

SLCF officials said companies are increasingly recognising the financial potential of carbon credits.

“Carbon credits are becoming a mainstream financial instrument. We are seeing renewed interest from renewable energy, plantation, and industrial sectors pushing projects for 2026, an SLCF expert said.

Water footprint verification brought in nearly Rs. 1 million, while climate advisory, SBTi guidance, project management and compliance documentation added Rs. 4.6 million.

The Ministry of Environment stressed that Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 under the UNFCCC means the entire economy must align with scientifically credible decarbonisation pathways.

A senior Ministry spokesperson said:

“This is not an environmental luxury. It is fundamental to maintaining export competitiveness and ensuring Sri Lanka is not penalised under emerging carbon border adjustment mechanisms.”

SLCF expects revenue to jump to Rs. 62.3 million in 2026, backed by expanded GHG verification, carbon crediting, climate-positive certification, Net Zero Energy programmes, and increased private-sector consultancy demand.

By Ifham Nizam



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Business

Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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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.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

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.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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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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