News & market updates

Commercial Bank of Ceylon launched 'Arunalu Siththam 2025', an online children's art competition offering over Rs 4.8 million in cash prizes; entries can be uploaded until 31 August 2025.

HNB CEO Damith Pallewatte outlines HNB's plan to channel private capital into agrimodernisation and exporters, targeting 30,000 Agripreneurs under HNB Sarusara. He cites 4.8% GDP growth in 1Q25 and an 800bp policy‑rate cut since 2023 as supporting conditions.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon will open a Green Bond issue on 4 August to raise up to Rs.15 billion (initial Rs.10bn via 100 million Tier-2 bonds at Rs.100 each, plus an option for 50m more) to strengthen Tier II capital and fund green lending. Coupons range 10.55%–11.30% p.a.; bonds are limited to Qualified Investors.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon will open a LKR15 billion green bond on Aug 4 offering 5-, 7- and 10-year tranches with coupons up to 11.30% (10-year effective 11.30%); the bonds are Fitch A (lka) and will be listed on the CSE. Proceeds will fund renewable-energy projects and the Basel III-compliant bonds can convert to equity if the bank faces a capital shortfall.

The Asia International Digital Economy and AI in Finance Summit 2025 will convene on 23 October at Port City Colombo; Commercial Bank of Ceylon is the Official Banking Partner and will support the summit's focus on AI-driven digital finance.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon opens a Green Bond issue on 4 Aug 2025 to raise up to Rs 15 billion (initial Rs 10 billion with an option for a further Rs 5 billion) to fund sustainability-linked lending and strengthen its Tier II capital base.

The Association of Professional Bankers hosted a panel at the Bank of Ceylon where CISOs from Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank and other experts discussed strengthening cyber risk supervision and digital resilience for the banking sector.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon partnered with the University of Jaffna to deliver a full-day workshop training 100 farmers in Kilinochchi on climate-smart farming technologies. The bank funded participation of its agricultural loan customers and said the programme supports agri-modernisation, youth empowerment and reduced credit risk.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon ran a full-day workshop with the University of Jaffna training 100 farmers in Kilinochchi on climate-smart agriculture technologies. The bank funded the program and facilitated participation of its agricultural loan customers to support adoption and reduce credit risk.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB) had its proposed Rs.15 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated green bonds rated final 'A(lka)' by Fitch. The bonds (5, 7 and 10-year maturities) will qualify as Tier 2 capital, be listed on the CSE and fund Tier 2 capital and green lending.

ASPI rose 136.16 points (2%) to close at 19,379 on turnover of Rs.6.21bn, with banks dominating activity. CINS, CFIN, NDB, COMB and CTC were top positive contributors; NDB rose, DFCC fell and Ambeon (TAP) gained.

Association of Professional Bankers held a high-level panel at the Bank of Ceylon on strengthening technology and cyber risk supervision across Sri Lanka's banking sector. Speakers included CISOs from Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank and a Central Bank Senior Assistant Director emphasizing regulatory and risk-management measures.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose as the ASPI gained 0.71% to 19,379.24 on anticipation of strong earnings, with turnover of 6.2 billion rupees. Brokers noted renewed interest in banks and index-heavy John Keells ahead of its Aug. 2 casino opening; selected banks closed mixed.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon's proposed Rs.15 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated green bonds were assigned a final Fitch National Long-Term Rating of 'A(lka)'. The bonds (5, 7 and 10-year maturities) will be listed on the CSE, qualify as Tier 2 capital, and proceeds will bolster the bank's Tier 2 base and green lending; notes include a non‑viability conversion clause.

Fitch assigned a final National Long-Term Rating of 'A(lka)' to Commercial Bank of Ceylon's proposed LKR15 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated green bonds. The 5-, 7- and 10-year bonds will be listed, qualify as Tier-2 capital, include a non-viability conversion clause and aim to strengthen Tier-2 capital and green lending.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon's proposed Rs.15 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated green bonds were assigned a final National Long-Term Rating of 'A(lka)' by Fitch. The bonds (5-, 7- and 10-year) will be listed on the CSE, qualify as Basel III Tier 2 capital and aim to strengthen Tier 2 capital and expand the bank's green lending.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB) had its proposed LKR15 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated green bonds rated final 'A(lka)' by Fitch. The five-, seven- and 10-year bonds will be listed on the CSE, qualify as Tier 2 capital and will fund Tier 2 strengthening and expanded green lending.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon signed an MoU with AusAsia Education to offer student loans covering up to 75% of course fees (maximum Rs 10 million) with flexible repayment terms and up to two years' grace.

Access Engineering, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Dialog Axiata joined NASSL to launch a Rs.100 million, three-year 'Rebuild Trust in Science' public engagement initiative (Apr 2025–Mar 2028). Each corporate partner will champion specific thrust areas including R&D, entrepreneurship and digitalisation.

Profit-taking dragged the Colombo market down, with ASPI closing 8 points lower (‑0.04%) at 18,877 on turnover of Rs.6.2bn and foreign net selling of Rs.115.2m. COMB, MELS, SAMP and NDB were top negative contributors while JETS, SERV and AEL recorded gains.

Sri Lanka stocks closed marginally down with the ASPI slipping 0.04% to 18,876.85 and the S&P SL20 falling 0.69% to 5,628.93. Turnover dipped to 6.8 billion rupees amid early profit-taking, with Commercial Bank, Melstacorp, Sampath Bank and NDB weighing on the market and high volumes in Industrial Asphalts, Jetwing Symphony and Beruwala Resorts.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) handed over the fully refurbished Muthukumarana Preschool in Monaragala in partnership with UNICEF, funding infrastructure, furniture and age-appropriate learning materials to improve access to quality early education in a remote community.

ASPI gained about 108 points to 18,946 on Rs. 9.1 billion turnover, led by the Capital Goods sector; John Keells, Commercial Bank, Access Engineering, Hayleys and LOLC were top contributors and banking names including HNB and Sampath also recorded gains.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 0.57% to a record 18,946, with the S&P SL20 up 1.28% to 5,700.54. Gains were led by diversified, financial and consumer shares amid lower interest-rate expectations and ongoing talks to reduce US tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.

ASPI hit a record closing of 18,838.39, up 297.13 points (1.60%) on turnover of Rs. 9.49 billion. Banking-led activity (31% of turnover) drove the rise, with Sampath, Seylan (non-voting), Pan Asia, John Keells, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank among the top contributors.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose to 18,838, up 1.60% (297.13 pts), led by gains in John Keells, Sampath Bank, HNB, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank despite a US 30% tariff announcement. Turnover rose to 9.49 billion rupees and exporters were mixed, with Teejay down and Haycarb higher.

Commercial Bank signed an MoU with Tantri Energy to promote renewable energy adoption by offering Green Loans and Green Leases at preferential rates with financing tenors up to seven years. The promotion runs until 31 May 2026 and customers installing Tantri solar systems receive extended warranty packages.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) won six awards at the Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2025 and reported a 199.7% rise in profit before tax to Rs.95.53 billion for 2024. The bank also cited strong metrics including Rs.2.79 trillion in assets, 1.5m+ digital users, 21.2% export market share and a Rs.20bn Basel III listed debenture.

Colombo market hit a record ASPI of 18,541 (up 380 pts, 2.09%) as turnover reached Rs.10.22bn, led by banking stocks and John Keells. Foreign investors were net sellers (net outflow Rs.1.2bn) and the banking sector accounted for 27% of turnover.

Colombo ASPI rose 2.09% to a record 18,541.26 after US tariffs on Sri Lanka were cut to 30% (down 14%), boosting investor confidence and lifting several banks and exporters; Sampath, HNB, John Keells, Commercial Bank, DFCC, Teejay and Hayleys gained while Haycarb fell.