News & market updates

Colombo market rose for a ninth straight session as the ASPI gained 1.21% to 23,292.91, with market turnover about Rs. 6.6bn; banking counters led activity and top positive contributors included HNB, COMB, JKH, NDB and SAMP.

Colombo stocks rose as the ASPI gained 1.21% to 23,292.91 and the S&P SL20 hit a six-week high of 6,379.11, led by gains in HNB, Commercial Bank, John Keells, NDB, Sampath Bank and Lanka IOC.

CT Smith said the Colombo bourse hit record highs in 2025, with the ASPI up 42% YoY to 22,624 and the S&P SL20 up 27% YoY to 6,157. Net foreign outflow was Rs. 38,563mn, average daily turnover rose to Rs. 5,181mn, with net foreign buying in DIAL, PKME and RICH and selling in JKH, CTHR and HNB.

Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000) was named Sri Lanka’s 'Best Bank for 2025' by The Banker and 'Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka' by The Asian Banker; HNB reported profit after tax of Rs.31.5 billion for nine months (up 42% YoY) with a Tier I ratio of 16.74%. The bank cited accelerated digital transformation, a c. Rs.350 billion loan book increase and initiatives like a bank-led cashless bus payment rollout as drivers of its resilience.

Government will launch a concessionary pledge loan scheme from 1 Jan to help SME paddy millers access loans up to Rs.50 million at 7% for 180 days. Fifteen banks will participate, including COMB.N0000, HNB.N0000, SAMP.N0000, DFCC.N0000, NDB.N0000, NTB.N0000, ABL.N0000, CBNK.N0000 and PABC.N0000; total disbursements ~Rs.10bn.

Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000) was named Sri Lanka's 'Best Bank for 2025' by The Banker and 'Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka' by The Asian Banker; HNB reported a nine-month profit after tax of Rs.31.5 billion, up 42% year-on-year, and maintained strong capital ratios.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI rose 41.7% year-on-year in 2025, closing 0.79% higher at 22,624.31 on Dec 31. Capital goods, food & beverage and banking led turnover, with John Keells, Senkadagala Finance, ACL Cables, Sampath Bank and HNB Assurance among top contributors; net foreign outflow was Rs103 million.

Aggregate profits of 273 listed companies fell 12% YoY to Rs.176.5 billion in Sep-25, ending a seven-quarter growth streak. Banks (Rs.52bn, +39% YoY) and diversified financials (Rs.39bn, +112% YoY) underpinned a QoQ rebound, while food, beverage & tobacco and capital goods posted steep declines.

Sri Lanka’s 2025 combined IMF-backed stabilization and reform gains with a late-November setback from Cyclone Ditwah. Key items include a Central Bank rate cut (lending window to 8.25%), DFCC’s sale of a 50% Acuity stake to HNB for LKR 6.5bn, and John Keells launching the $1.2bn City of Dreams resort alongside major energy project deals and rooftop-solar grid issues.

The Colombo stock market gained Rs.84 billion as the ASPI rose 1.42% to 22,445.89. Top contributors included Colombo Dockyard, Melstacorp, Hatton National Bank, Richard Pieris and Commercial Bank, with capital goods, banking and materials driving turnover and hotel stocks seeing buying interest.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose 1.49% as the ASPI closed 313.56 points higher at 22,445.89, led by gains in Colombo Dockyard, Melstacorp, HNB and Commercial Bank. Market turnover fell to 3.4 billion rupees and net foreign outflow was 36.73 million rupees, led by John Keells.

The Management Club will host the Northern Investment Summit 2026 on 21–22 January 2026 in Jaffna to showcase KPMG-vetted, district-specific bankable proposals aimed at unlocking investment in the Northern Province; Hatton National Bank (HNB) is the official banking partner.

Colombo Dockyard and banking shares lifted the CSE All Share Price Index 0.29%, with the ASPI closing at 22,132.33 and Colombo Dockyard the top gainer at 171.75 rupees. Market turnover fell to 3.7 billion rupees and the exchange recorded a net foreign outflow of 200.46 million rupees led by John Keells.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed Friday with the ASPI up 0.50% (109.79 pts) to 22,068.84, re-entering the 22,000 mark. Turnover was over Rs.2.7bn, foreign investors were net buyers (Rs.18.9m), with banking counters and names like DOCK and RICH among top contributors.

Hatton National Bank PLC raised Rs. 10 billion from an oversubscribed issuance of 100 million listed, rated “AA-(lka)” unsecured senior sustainable bonds in five- and seven-year tenors. Proceeds will fund renewable energy, energy-efficiency, green buildings, water infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education and women’s entrepreneurship initiatives.

Colombo market lost Rs. 80 billion as the ASPI fell 1.13% to 21,898.20, led by extended selling in Colombo Dockyard and negative contributions from DOCK, HNB, RICH, CARG and JKH. Turnover was over Rs. 2.9 billion on nearly 81.9 million shares, with capital goods accounting for 33% of turnover.

HNB PLC raised LKR 10 Bn from an oversubscribed issuance of 100 million listed, rated (AA-(lka)) unsecured senior sustainable bonds in 5- and 7-year tenors. Proceeds will fund renewable-energy, energy-efficiency, green buildings, water projects and social initiatives including housing, healthcare and education.

Hatton National Bank acted as the official banking partner for the 11th Siddhalepa Kekulu Punchi Siththaru art competition, with top 100 winners each receiving an HNB passbook with an initial deposit alongside cash prizes and gift packages.

Colombo Dockyard's continued sell-off pushed the CSE ASPI down 1.13% (68.27 points) to 21,898.20, with Dockyard closing at Rs107, down Rs35.50. HNB, Cargills and John Keells also fell; market turnover was Rs2.7bn and Dockyard received Rs27.1m of net foreign inflow.

HNB PLC signed an MoU with Gaia Green Energy to offer special personal and SME loan facilities to finance solar electricity equipment for eligible customers. Gaia will provide exclusive discounts on equipment and promote HNB's loan offerings through its channels.

Banks agreed to grant distressed businesses 3–6 month extensions on existing loan repayments without additional interest or fees following Cyclone Ditwah. They also agreed on low-interest concessional loans, a common implementation mechanism and a shared database to coordinate support.

HNB PLC has partnered with Prime EV Automobiles (Senok Trade Combine) to provide HNB Leasing solutions for Deepal electric vehicles in Sri Lanka. The agreement aims to boost EV adoption with streamlined credit evaluation, competitive leasing packages and branch-level customer advisory while Prime EV handles delivery and technical support.

The Civil Appellate High Court on 11 Dec 2025 refused leave to appeal and interim enjoining orders, allowing Home Lands to continue construction of the BOI-approved Pentara Residencies in Thummulla. The project is backed by Hatton National Bank PLC, which provided large-scale funding for land acquisition.

Civil Appellate High Court refused injunctions, clearing Home Lands’ Rs.30–35bn BOI-approved Pentara Residences project to proceed. The project is backed by Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000), includes a record Rs.4.5bn land purchase, and has required statutory and environmental approvals.

HNB General Insurance won the Gold award in the Insurance Sector at the National Management Excellence Awards 2025, highlighting its management transformation and operational resilience. The recognition underscores the company’s customer-focused solutions and strengthened governance.

HNB PLC contributed Rs. 100 million to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund to support recovery from Cyclone Ditwah. The bank also distributed over 2,500 relief and nutrition packages and provided assistance to affected employees.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 0.17% to 22,292.57 (down 37.12 points) with turnover of 2.3 billion rupees. Yaden raised its stake in Maharaja Foods to 10.04%; HNB will list debentures offering 10.25% and 11% on Dec 19; HDFC appointed K B Wijeyratne as chairman pro-tem; United Motors set a 10-for-1 share split date; JKH, CTC, BUKI and DFCC were top gainers.

HNB PLC donated Rs. 100 million to the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund and launched a nationwide disaster relief drive, providing over 2,500 relief and nutrition packages (handed to the Sri Lanka Army) and assistance to affected employees following Cyclone Ditwah.

HNB PLC has partnered with Hayleys Fentons to offer tailored EV leasing, discounted insurance and complimentary life cover (Rs.600,000 natural death; Rs.4,500,000 accidental), plus a 7kW charger and service benefits to support EV adoption.

Colombo market extended its rally to five sessions as the ASPI gained 1,011.18 pts (4.7%) for the week, reclaiming Rs.320.65 bn in market value; yesterday ASPI closed at 22,508.26 with turnover of Rs.3 bn. Top contributors included SFCL, JKH, HAYL, WIND and VLL; DOCK and HNB saw share price declines.