Business
Trading in Expolanka amounts to 25% of total turnover at CSE

By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Trading activities at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) were negative yesterday and the market did not pick up even with the announcement of India’s largest IT company HCL Technologies, to take up 80 percent of the office space of Cinnamon Life, an office tower and mixed-use property project by JKH, stock market analysts said.
A major reason for the market to perform negatively was that Expolanka, one of the top listed companies in the market recorded acute price depreciation. Meanwhile, Alumex PLC not recording its quarterly profit also had a ripple effect on other companies causing slight price depreciation. In addition to that the escalation of Covid 19 positive patients and overwhelmed state hospitals added insult to the injury, stock market analysts said
HCL’s commitment as the anchor office tenant at Cinnamon Life adds immense value to the integrated mixed development project as a whole as the office spaces are poised to attract a dynamic local and expatriate workforce,” JKH said in a statement.
Therefore, JKH share price was appreciated by Rs 1.50 or one percent. Its share price appreciated from Rs 138 to Rs 139.50.
Expolanka which reported extraordinary profits in the recent past, witnessed some price depreciation of its shares by Rs 2 or 2.5 percent. Its share price started trading at Rs 79.60 and at the end of the day its share price declined to Rs 77.60. Meanwhile, according to JKSB, trading in Expolanka amounted to 25% of total turnover.
With these developments both indices moved downwards. All Share Price Index down by 12.24 points and S and P SL20 down by 1.18 points.Turnover stood at Rs 5.68 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 1.2 million shares to the tune of Rs 168 million and its share price traded at Rs 140 and Commercial Bank 375,000 shares crossed for Rs 27.5 million and its share price traded at Rs 84.50.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover Expolanka Rs 1.26 billion (15.9 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 839 million (121 million shares traded), JKH Rs 415.3 million (2.97 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 308 million (7.3 million shares traded) and Vallibe One Rs 209 million (3.3 million shares traded). During the day 245 million share volume changed hands in 33863 transactions.
Business
SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.
The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.
Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.
As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.
Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.
A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.
Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.
During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.
The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.
Business
Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.
Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.
Business
Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.
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