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Stable trading on CSE with positive outlook on IMF review

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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.



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Aitken Spence continues its strong performance by recording 42% growth in PBT for first half of FY 2025/26

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Stasshani Jayawardena Chairman / Chairperson Aitken Spence PLC/ Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Aitken Spence PLC

Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate, with an extensive presence across the region, recorded revenue of Rs. 40.7 billion for the six months, ending 30th September 2025, reflecting operational resilience across its diversified businesses. The Tourism sector accounted for 64.3% of Group revenue, while the Maritime & Freight Logistics sector and Strategic Investments sector contributed 19.4% and 13.9% respectively.

Sectoral Performance.

The Group’s Maritime & Freight Logistics sector reported profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 2.2 billion, making it the largest contributor towards the Group profits in the first half of 2025/26. However, the sector recorded a marginal dip in its operational profits, mainly due to lower contributions from its equity accounted investees in the South Asian region.

The profit from operations recorded by the Group’s Tourism sector for the first half of the year was Rs. 686.1 million, an 86.5% growth over that of the previous year. Strong occupancy recorded throughout the resorts in Sri Lanka coupled with increases in rates were the main driving force towards this growth in performance. Hotels in the international markets, including the Maldives, also delivered a steady performance, although pressure from intensifying competition has somewhat affected the growth in occupancy.

The Group’s Strategic Investments sector recorded profits from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 352.6 million. Within this sector, the printing segment delivered a robust performance with a two-fold increase in profits, reflecting the segment’s operational strength and market resilience. Conversely, the garments segment continued to face challenges due to ongoing global economic pressures affecting the industry. Despite these headwinds, the sector as a whole remains a vital component of the Group’s overall portfolio, encompassing the renewable energy and plantations segments and plays a significant role in the Group’s strategic objectives and future growth initiatives.

The Group’s Services sector achieved a profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 577.0 million, primarily driven by the recently commenced BPO operations in Port City Colombo.

(Aitken Spence)

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SLT-MOBITEL becomes first in Sri Lanka to achieve fastest 5G speeds exceeding 10Gbps

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SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka’s digital journey achieving the highest-ever 5G speeds in the country, exceeding 10Gbps recently, on its advanced 5G Standalone (SA) ready network, under TRCSL 5G trial approval.

The milestone surpasses previous records and demonstrates SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to driving Sri Lanka’s digital evolution with cutting-edge technology and future-ready connectivity.

The trial showcased 5G Advanced technologies such as Massive MIMO, 5CC carrier aggregation in C band and mmWave spectrum, setting a new standard for mobile connectivity in Sri Lanka.

In addition to this record-breaking achievement, SLT-MOBITEL has expanded the 5G trial network to 18 districts islandwide, positioning a wider presence 5G network for commercial launch.

As the National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL is leading the way, advancing Sri Lanka’s digital future, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, can benefit from world-class connectivity through its superior network. The inclusivity also supports the country’s digital transformation agenda, enabling advancements in healthcare, education, enterprise, and daily lifestyles.

In 2019, SLT-MOBITEL showcased South Asia’s first 5G trial deployment over a mobile network, connecting a mobile smartphone to its 5G trial network with record speeds. SLT-MOBITEL was also the first to demonstrate 5G SA & NSA hybrid trial deployment in Sri Lanka indicating advancements in 5G technology.

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Nations Trust Bank delivers PAT of LKR 14.9Bn for 9 months

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Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the 9 months ending 30th September 2025, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 14.9Bn, up 23% YoY. The Bank’s performance is underpinned by strong asset growth, steady Net Interest Margins (NIMs) and asset quality with a Net Stage 3 Ratio of 1.03%. A strong capital base continued to be the foundation of the Bank’s growth story with a Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.20%, highlighting the Bank’s success in implementing a well-structured strategy.

Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha D Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance in 3Q 2025 demonstrates NTB’s financial strength and the successful execution of a clearly defined strategy. Customer lending grew by LKR 131Bn, a 45% increase over the first nine months, significantly contributing to the growth of businesses and economic revival across customer segments. This demonstrates our focus on service excellence, digital empowerment and strategic planning that places our customers at the centre of everything we do. Our robust capital position and strong liquidity buffers continue to highlight our strength and readiness for sustained growth.”

As a result of efficient asset-liability management and prudent pricing strategies, the Bank was able to sustain a NIM of 6.15%. The Bank’s Earnings Per Share for the nine months ending 30th September 2025 increased to LKR 45.10, against LKR 36.80 recorded during the same period last year. Asset quality remained sound, with the Net Stage 3 Ratio contained at 1.03%, underscoring effective credit risk management.

Strong financial performance continues to bolster NTB’s capital base with a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 18.90% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 20.03%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.

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