Business
Stigma attached to menstruation seen as an obstacle to wide use of sanitary napkins among local women
By Ifham Nizam
Hemas Consumer Brands, through its FEMS line, is on a mission to change the feminine hygiene market in Sri Lanka. Sachini Gamage Welungoda, Marketing Manager for the Feminine Hygiene Category, spoke about the brand’s ambitions, challenges and its commitment to driving positive change. She said, among other things, that the stigma attached to the women’s menstruation cycle locally is one of the biggest obstacles to the wider purchase and use of sanitary napkins among Sri Lankan women.
Despite not being the market leader, FEMS is determined to change the landscape of feminine hygiene in Sri Lanka, she told The Island Financial Review when journalists visited the Hemas Manufacturing Plant in Dankotuwa recently.
Gamage stressed that the brand has been instrumental in introducing an economic range of sanitary napkins, addressing the needs of the 70 per cent of women who do not use these products regularly. “Affordability is just one aspect. We identified that only 30 per cent of females use sanitary napkins regularly, and we wanted to change that, Gamage stated.
The introduction of the economic range was a strategic move to democratize access to menstrual hygiene products. However, the brand’s mission goes beyond mere affordability. FEMS aims to ensure transparency in its processes and co-creation with consumers, believing that this approach will lead to more effective and acceptable products in the market.
FEMS prides itself on its research and development (R&D) team, which, although based locally, brings global knowledge to the table and adapts it to Sri Lankan needs, Gamage said. “We don’t just bring products from outside unless they fit with the Sri Lankan consumer. Our R&D team takes global technology and localizes it to meet the specific needs of our consumers, Gamage explained.
This localized approach ensures that FEMS products are not only affordable but also tailored to the diverse needs of Sri Lankan women. Whether addressing heavy flow or providing a lighter feel, FEMS is committed to offering a range of options that meet various consumer preferences.
Gamage pointed out that one of the most significant challenges in the market is the stigma surrounding menstruation. “The biggest problem is that people are not aware of sanitary napkins and periods are not openly discussed. This taboo creates vulnerability, she said. The lack of awareness, rather than affordability, is the primary reason for the low penetration of sanitary napkins in the market.
Looking ahead, FEMS is focusing on expanding its product range to include premium options that cater to specific consumer needs, such as different flow levels. While the current focus remains on the local market, given its low penetration rate, Gamage hinted at the brand’s potential to explore international markets in the future.
With a 33% market share, FEMS is trailing behind the market leader, who holds 60%. However, with its commitment to innovation, transparency, and consumer education, FEMS is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the Sri Lankan market, Gamage explained.
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
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.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
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.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
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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