Business
Undernourishment as well as over-nutrition plaguing some of SL’s schoolchildren – minister
By Ifham Nizam
Nearly 15.3% of Sri Lanka’s schoolchildren are suffering from undernourishment while another 7.3% are suffering from over-nutrition, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera said recently.
Speaking at the launch of the `Empowered Rice to Children’ program at the Colombo Ramada, Amaraweera said that though the available statistics regarding child nutrition were at different levels, it seems that there are a number of reasons causing child malnutrition in the country. He hinted that the economic crises was a major stumbling block to the wellbeing of local children.
‘Because of the current economic situation, parents are not in a position to provide nutritious food to their children. This has caused the poor nutritional levels among children here, while another group of children are suffering from over-nutrition, he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Presidential Secretariat and the World Food Program will jointly start a midday meal program to improve the nutritional status of children below grade five this month, official sources said.
These sources added: ‘With the aim of improving the nutritional status of schoolchildren, the Food Promotion Board has started the preparation of Fortified Rice, which is prepared by mixing iron and folic acid with rice.
Meanwhile, Palinda Sagara, chairman, Food Promotion Board, said that the production of such rice has already started in the Kalankuttia rice mill belonging to the Board.
Under this program, 500,000 schoolchildren are to be given midday meals, including fortified rice, for a period of eight months. For this program, the World Food Program has allocated Rs. 108 million to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Minister Amaraweera, Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser to the President Sagala Ratnayake, Country Representative to the World Food Program Abdur Rahim Siddique and others participated in the event.
Fortified rice containing iron and folic acid was officially handed over to the Ministry of Education at the event. The rice was handed over by Minister Amaraweera to the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Kumari Parsiyala.
Amaraweera added: ‘When I was the Deputy Minister of Health, in a survey conducted in connection with canteens in Colombo schools, it was reported that the number of doughnuts sold at a popular school’s canteen was 3,500 per day. Due to these reasons, 15 and 16 year old children are also facing non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, I request the Food Promotion Board to ensure that the children get the nutrition they need from this fortified rice.’
Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said: ‘Though Sri Lanka was called the Granary of the East, even in 1948 when the country received independence, enough rice was not produced in this country for the people. That is why we had to sign a rice-rubber agreement with the Chinese government at that time. However, currently the rice we need is produced in our country. We import only a few varieties of rice which are not produced in our country.
‘As the Minister of Health, one of the main issues I see is the current lack of nutrition among school- children. There are many reasons for this. But I believe that the nutritional deficiencies of many school- children will be eliminated through this rice empowerment program that will be launched today.’
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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