Business
Stable trading on CSE with positive outlook on IMF review
By Hiran.H Senewiratne
The stock market closed yesterday with optimism on the the potential approval of the IMF review. On top of that the government will sign MoUs with international bondholders and Bilateral creditors shortly as a part of the debt restructuring process as a result of the IMF endorsement, market analysts said..
The Government is in the final steps of finalizing the debt restructuring agreements, with continued support from bilateral partners, the State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe said, confident of a favourable review from the International Monetary Fund.
The IMF board is scheduled to discuss the second review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Article IV consultation.
“We remain optimistic that our international partners will continue to support Sri Lanka’s efforts,” Semasinghe said on X (twitter).
“A favorable outcome from the review is expected to unlock the 3rd tranche of approximately US$ 330 million, which would further enhance confidence in our ongoing economic reforms and growth”, he said.0
Amid those developments market kicked off with a positive note but at the middle of the session bit of profits taking a noted but the market ended with a positive note with the IMF approval, market analysts said.
On the pretext of IMF news both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index up by 9.1 points while S and P SL 20 up by 4.4 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.6 billion with seven crossings.
Those crossings were reported in Commercial Bank, which crossed 917,000 shares to the tune of Rs 99.6 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 108.50, HNB 465,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 95.2 million and it’s share price traded at 205, JKH 300,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 61.2 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 204, CIC Holdings (Non Voting) 700,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 41.3 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 59, People’s Leasing Finance three million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 38.4 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 11.80, Browns Investments five million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 31 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 6.20 and DFCC Bank 275,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 21.45 million and it’s share price traded at Rs 78.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were Hayley’s Rs 188 million (1.7 million shares traded), People’s Leasing Rs 177 million (38.7 million), Vallibel Finance Rs 56.5 million (1.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 56.5 million (277,000 shares traded), Commercial Credit Rs 54.2 million (1.4 million shares traded), Dipped Products Rs 52.3 million (1.3 million shares traded) and Hemas Holdings Rs 35.4 million (409,000 shares traded). During the day 65.8 million share volumes changed hands in 11,000 transactions. During the day banking sector counters especially perfomed well due to positive information on the IMF approval.
Yesterday, the Central Bank announced it USrupee was quoted at 303.75/304.00 to the US dollar on Wednesday in mid-morning trading, while bond yields were broadly stable, and stocks opened 0.09 percent higher, dealers said.
The rupee closed at Rs 303.25/75 to the greenback on Tuesday.
In the secondary market, yields were broadly stable during the auction, dealers said.A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 10.05/15 percent, down from 10.05/20 percent.A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 10.70/85 percent up from 10.50/70 percent.A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 11.10/20 percent, down from 11.05/15 percent.
Business
HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.
The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.
Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.
Business
Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala
Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.
The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.
Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.
Business
CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season
CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.
Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.
This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.
CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.
-
News6 days ago
Sri Lanka’s passport third strongest in South Asia
-
Features6 days ago
Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter to perform in Colombo!
-
Opinion7 days ago
Tribute to late Commander (MCD) Shanthi Kumar Bahar, RWP Sri Lanka Navy
-
News5 days ago
FSP warns of Indian designs to swamp Sri Lanka
-
News4 days ago
Latest tax hike yields Rs. 7 bn profit windfall for tobacco companies
-
Editorial7 days ago
Jekylls and Hydes
-
News6 days ago
Electricity regulator contradicts Minister; tariff reduction certain
-
Opinion7 days ago
More about Dr. Anton (Kara) Jayasuriya