News & market updates

Ambeon Capital PLC reported consolidated PAT of LKR 3,242 million for FY2025/26, up 104% YoY. Group revenue was LKR 19 billion (+12%), with strategic moves including increased stakes in DFCC (9.91%) and Seylan (9.93%), a 13.33% holding in Ceylon Hotels and a planned controlling stake in Harischandra Mills.

The EPF's listed equity portfolio rose 27% to Rs. 188.85 billion at end-2025. The fund cut holdings from 65 to 59, fully exited six counters (Cargills Bank, Ceylon Hotels, Colombo Dockyard, Jetwing Symphony, LAUGFS Gas, Sierra Cables) and added Hemas (40m shares); gains were led by banks and diversified stocks.

EPF fully exited holdings in six CSE-listed companies in 2025 — Cargills Bank, Ceylon Hotels, Colombo Dockyard, Jetwing Symphony, LAUGFS Gas and Sierra Cables — and made one new investment, buying 40 million shares in Hemas Holdings; its listed equity count fell from 65 to 59.

Ambeon Capital PLC reported Q2 PAT of LKR 3,820m and year-to-date PAT of LKR 4,551m, up sharply from LKR 123m a year earlier. The group cited fair value gains and strategic investments, acquired 51% of Mylands and increased holdings in Ceylon Hotels (to 13.57%), DFCC (9.91%) and retains 9.93% in Seylan.

Ambeon Capital PLC reported 2Q PAT of Rs.3.82bn (YTD Rs.4.55bn) while Ambeon Holdings PLC posted 2Q PAT of Rs.3.22bn (YTD Rs.3.9bn). The group cited fair value gains and efficiencies, acquired 51% of Mylands, and increased stakes in Ceylon Hotels (13.57%) and DFCC (9.91%) while holding 9.93% in Seylan.

Colombo Stock Exchange extended its rally into an 11th session as the ASPI rose 0.47% (102.30 pts) to 21,778.60 with turnover of Rs. 6.27 billion and foreign net outflows of Rs. 362.2 million. Top contributors included DIMO, BUKI, CCS, MELS, WATA and SUN, with gains also in CHOT and PKME.

Colombo bourse rose as the ASPI gained 0.86% (closing at 21,521) with turnover of Rs. 9.29 billion, led by banking-sector activity and top contributors SAMP, CTC, CFIN, SFCL and DIST. Nations Trust Bank fell, while Jetwing Symphony, Ceylon Hotels and Hemas recorded gains.

Chaudhary Group says its homes, hotels, factories and showrooms in Nepal were attacked and damaged in recent violent protests and vows to rebuild and recover. The group highlights its Sri Lankan footprint, including partnerships with Ceylon Hotels Corporation and John Keells.

Ambeon Capital said it acquired a further 3.95% of Ceylon Hotels Corporation, raising its stake to 10.79%, having paid about Rs 35.90–36.50 per share.

Ambeon Capital PLC (TAP.N0000) and connected parties acquired an 82% stake in Mylands PLC for Rs.252 million. The group has also acquired about Rs.900m of equity stakes in hotel assets including Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHOT.N0000) as it expands into real estate and leisure.

The public holding in Kandy Hotels Company (KHC.N0000) rose to 23% in August from 15.98% in June after non-public shareholders sold shares. Ambeon Holdings (GREG.N0000) bought a 6.09% stake for Rs 550.8m; KHC is a subsidiary of Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHOT.N0000) and its stock closed at Rs 17.90 (up Rs 0.30).

Ambeon Capital said it acquired a 6.8% stake (12,310,543 shares) in Ceylon Hotels Corporation for Rs 320 million, paying Rs 26 per share; Ceylon Hotels shares were trading at Rs 32, down Rs 0.60.

Ambeon Holdings bought a 6.09% stake (45,904,622 shares) in The Kandy Hotels Company (1938) PLC for 550.8 million rupees at Rs12/share. Kandy Hotels, a subsidiary of Ceylon Hotels Corporation, was trading at Rs17.50.

Ambeon Capital (TAP.N0000) acquired 12.3 million shares (6.84%) of Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHOT.N0000) while Ambeon Holdings bought 45.9 million shares (6.09%) of The Kandy Hotels Company, marking Ambeon Group's strategic entry into the hospitality sector.

Ambeon Capital (TAP.N0000) acquired 12.3m shares (6.84%) of Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHOT.N0000) for Rs.320m as part of group hospitality purchases totaling about Rs.900m, with Ambeon Holdings also buying a 6.09% stake in The Kandy Hotels Company for Rs.550m.

Colombo market closed up for a fifth straight session as the ASPI inched to a record 20,715.49 (up 0.69 points) on turnover of Rs. 10.5 billion. Gains in Dialog Axiata, Sunshine and Royal Ceramics helped lift the index while banking names (HNB, Sampath) dominated turnover and foreigners were net sellers (Rs. 552.6m).

Colombo market closed the week with the ASPI up 4.6% (closed 17,873, +132pts) and daily turnover Rs.5.12bn; CTHR, JKH, SAMP, HNB and CDB were among top contributors, capital goods and diversified financials led turnover while foreign investors were net sellers of Rs.441.5m.

Marriott and CG Hospitality will convert The Farm at San Benito into an Autograph Collection resort, slated to open end-Q3 2025. CG Corp's leisure arm has 14 properties in Sri Lanka and has partnered with Ceylon Hotels Corporation for local hospitality operations.

Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC appointed Sutheash Balasubramaniam as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He brings over 40 years' experience, including roles as MD of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Managing Director of Hayleys Companies.

Sanjeev Gardiner was appointed chairman of Ceylon Printers effective January 10. Gardiner is also chairman and majority shareholder of Ceylon Hotels Corporation and owner of The Gardiner Group, which includes The Galle Face Hotel.

CG Corp Global renewed its commitment to Sri Lanka and said it will expand investments, noting it is the largest shareholder in Union Bank of Colombo. The group plans further expansion in hospitality, financial services, e-mobility and is exploring renewable energy, real estate and cement.