News & market updates

The Thailand–Sri Lanka forum highlighted the newly enacted SLTFTA and reported bilateral trade rose 48% to $649m in 2025. Officials said the FTA and related measures should expand market access and investment across logistics, manufacturing, tourism, food processing, IT and healthcare.

The Thailand–Sri Lanka Business Forum centred on implementing the Sri Lanka–Thailand FTA to boost trade and investment after bilateral trade reached USD 649m in 2025 (+48% vs 2024). Delegates highlighted opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, food and agriculture, IT, healthcare and tourism and urged streamlined customs and predictable FTA implementation.

The Thailand–Sri Lanka Business Forum highlighted opportunities from the new Sri Lanka–Thailand FTA, with bilateral trade at USD 649m in 2025 (up 48%) and commitments to boost supply chains, investment and trade across food processing, logistics, IT, healthcare, tourism and manufacturing.

The ASPI edged up 0.01% to 22,256.49 with turnover above Rs.1.56bn and foreign investors net-selling Rs.225mn. Hemas, NDB and Hayleys Fibre were top turnover contributors (Hemas and Hayleys up, Panasian Power down).

Sri Lanka and Thailand plan to deepen trade and investment using the Sri Lanka–Thailand FTA and enhanced B2B engagement, targeting tourism, hospitality, food processing, agriculture, logistics and other sectors to boost bilateral ties and supply‑chain links.

Hayleys PLC reported FY2025/26 revenue of Rs.585.02 bn (up 19%) and consolidated Profit Before Tax of Rs.38.04 bn (up 4%). Consumer & Retail revenue rose 44% to Rs.156.74 bn, Q4 revenue grew 29%, the group completed a Rs.9 bn rights issue and Fitch affirmed a 'AAA (lka)' rating.

Hayleys Fibre PLC appointed Ruwan Rajapakse as Managing Director effective 1 April 2026, succeeding Rajeeve Goonetilleke who retires on 31 March 2026. Rajapakse has over 30 years' experience, most recently as Global Chief Production Officer at the Jiffy Group and previously held senior roles within the Hayleys Group.

Hayleys Fibre PLC appointed Ruwan Rajapakse as Managing Director and Executive Director, effective 1 April 2026. Rajapakse brings over 30 years' experience including senior roles at the Jiffy Group, Hayleys Agri, Hayleys Advantis and Maersk, and holds an MBA and CMA.

Sri Lanka opened its first country pavilion at Source Fashion 2026 in London with 20 Sri Lankan apparel booths (including Hayleys Free Zone) to promote UK/EU sourcing. The UK's DCTS zero-duty concessions and relaxed Rules of Origin from 1 Jan 2026 are expected to increase export opportunities for Sri Lankan apparel makers.

Sri Lanka launched its first country pavilion at Source Fashion London 2026 with 20 booths to boost apparel exports and buyer links; UK’s DCTS zero-duty rules from 1 Jan 2026 are expected to improve market access for Sri Lankan apparel exporters.

Colombo market rose as the ASPI gained 0.66% (150.67 pts) to 23,014.75, with market value up Rs.58.89 billion and turnover ~Rs.5.8 billion. Top contributors included Commercial Bank, ACL Cables, Dipped Products, Carson Cumberbatch, LOLC and Sampath, and foreigners were net buyers (~Rs.87.8m).

Hayleys PLC reported record FY2024/25 consolidated revenue of Rs.492.2 billion (up 13%) and profit after tax of Rs.22.5 billion (up 52%). The group was named No.1 in the LMD 100 for the 10th time, retained Fitch 'AAA (lka)', earned USD 685m in exports and sources 74% of energy from renewables.

Hayleys PLC ranked No.1 in the LMD 100 and reported record FY2024/25 consolidated revenue of Rs.492.2 billion (13% YoY), PBT Rs.35.4 billion (+40%) and PAT Rs.22.5 billion (+52%). Exports were $685m (53% of revenue), 74% of energy from renewables and Fitch retained a 'AAA (lka)' rating.

Hayleys Fibre PLC appointed Ajith Karunarathna to its Board as an Executive Director; he previously served as CFO of the company's eco solution sector and has over 20 years' experience in finance.

Hayleys Fibre commissioned a Rs. 600 million, 48-acre integrated coir processing facility in Nikaweratiya that will meet about one-third of its raw material needs and boost export-oriented coir production and rural employment.

Hayleys Fibre commissioned a Rs. 600 million, 48-acre integrated coir processing facility in Kadigawa to supply nearly one-third of its raw material needs and boost exports and rural employment; the site integrates husk processing, fibre extraction, coco peat milling, drying and storage.

Hayleys Fentons Ltd and Hayleys Electronics Ltd secured Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I certification from Sri Lanka Customs, enabling accelerated customs clearance and streamlined regulatory procedures. The recognition reflects governance across the Hayleys Group and should support improved supply-chain performance for group companies.

CBB held its 25th AGM and networking session where Mark Surgenor was re-elected president; speakers highlighted the Government’s National Digital Strategy and the UK’s DCTS reforms from 2026, which will allow Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers tariff-free access to the UK when sourcing up to 100% of inputs.

Hayleys PLC posted FY25 PBT of Rs.35.37bn, up 40% YoY, on record consolidated revenue of Rs.492.20bn (up 13%). Exports were $875m (53% of revenue), renewable energy met 74% of group consumption and net finance costs fell 30%.

Colombo ASPI rose 1.63% to 16,176.10 after a US‑China 90‑day tariff pause and some positive interim/annual results lifted markets. Banking names HNB, Central Finance, Commercial Bank and Sampath led gains while DFCC fell after interim results, Dialog Finance noted fraud-related legal action and coconut exporters slipped.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 0.67% (104.32 pts) to 15,630.52 as apparel and export stocks fell while financial stocks gained. Teejay Lanka and Hayleys Fibre slid, while Central Finance, NDB and LOLC Finance were among gainers; several finance names saw high volumes.

Sri Lanka plans to seek talks with the US to reduce a 44% tariff that would hit apparel exporters and could risk losing US orders; industry groups warn the levy could be devastating for price-competitive apparel firms and cost thousands of jobs.

Hayleys PLC launched the 2nd edition of its Lifecode ESG roadmap, adding six new focus areas and revised targets; the Group says it now sources around 70% of its energy from renewables and is on track to meet its 2030 environmental targets.

Vietnam’s Ambassador met Hayleys PLC to discuss expanding economic cooperation and potential joint ventures in agriculture, plantations, transport, logistics and power; annual bilateral trade is around US$300m.

Hayleys PLC reported H1 Profit Before Tax of Rs.12.73 bn, up 78% y/y, with consolidated revenue rising 17% to Rs.236.15 bn and annualised EPS at Rs.4.23. Growth was led by Consumer & Retail (+52%), Transportation & Logistics (+26%) and Projects & Engineering (+87%); net finance costs fell ~35% and Fitch retained AAA (lka).