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The Korean Film Festival awes crowds in Colombo

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On 23rd September, the Korean Film Festival 2022 organised by the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka together with the Korea Film Council (Kofic) was inaugurated at the BMICH in Colombo. This Festival held annually, was re-launched after a hiatus of two years due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Korean Film Festival 2022 featured four Korean movies for three days from the 23rd to 25th of September 2022.

In conjunction with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka this year, the grand opening of the Film Festival was held on Friday 23rd of September, in the gracious presence of many dignitaries including Speaker of the Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, Chief of Defence Staff, Governors, Secretaries, Ambassadors and diplomats, cultural dignitaries and media chiefs. Many of Korean residents who live in Sri Lanka also attended the event.

Dr. Bandula Gunawardana Minister of Mass Media and famous film-maker attended the opening ceremony of the Film Festival as the Chief Guest. The Veteran Actress Kala Keerthi Ms. Anoja Weerasinghe graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Cultural icons, media personnel and many friends of Korea were welcomed warmly by the Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG at the grand reception of the Korean Film Festival.

Delivering the opening remarks, Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong stated that, “For the last 45 years, Korea and Sri Lanka have shared robust and wonderful bilateral relations. Our ties have been strengthened by the people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation between our two nations. Celebrating the 45th anniversary this year, the Korean Embassy has organised a series of special cultural events like the Korean Lantern Festival, Quiz on Korea, K-pop World festival and Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Championship. This Korean Film Festival will also be an opportunity to bridge our two peoples together and allow Sri Lankans to enjoy a variety of Korean movies. As you know, the Korean movies and dramas have crossed national borders and received international recognition. The Korean Film Festival 2022 is composed of Korean movies featuring many internationally acclaimed actors and actresses. I hope that Sri Lankan audiences will enjoy the interesting roles played by world-famous Korean movie stars in the films at this Festival.”

Dr. Bandula Gunawardana Minister of Mass Media congratulated Santhush Woonjin JEONG for the impressive launch of the Korean Film Festival and commended Excellency’s efforts to strengthen friendly bilateral relations between Korea and Sri Lanka and boost cultural links between the two countries that dated back to 5th century A.D. with people-to people exchanges. He stated, “I am particularly happy to be present on this occasion of sharing the rich cinema of the Republic of Korea with Sri Lankan fans as a person who is actively involved in the local cinema industry by way of producing several award winning films nationally and internationally.’



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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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