Company filings and market news from across Sri Lanka's stock market.
Colombo market stayed bearish as the ASPI fell 43 points (0.28%) and the S&P SL20 dipped 0.68% on turnover of Rs.991.4m, with foreign net selling of Rs.63.4m. Banking names (COMB, HNB, NDB) and JKH weighed on the index while pockets of interest were seen in CINS, ASIR and COCR and retail interest in PAP, LVEF and LOFC.
Colombo stocks fell with the ASPI down 0.28% at 15,555.86 as uncertainty over US tariffs and Fed interest-rate commentary hit exporters and banks; key decliners included John Keells, Hayleys, Teejay, Haycarb and major banks, with a net foreign outflow of Rs 64m.
Sri Lanka's cabinet approved a bill to create an agency to regulate online gaming, floating/offshore casinos in Colombo Port City and onshore casinos. The City of Dreams Port City project — built by John Keells Holdings and expected to host Melco — is directly affected.
Colombo bourse opened marginally negative as the ASPI fell 17 points (0.11%) to 15,600 on low turnover of Rs.1.16bn. Banking stocks led turnover (24% share) while HAYL, LION, JKH, DIPD and TJL were top negative contributors and Sampath and Lanka IOC drew buying interest.
Sri Lanka export stocks fell after China warned it would take countermeasures, with the ASPI down 0.11% to 15,599.61. Export-linked names including Teejay Lanka, Dipped Products, Hayleys Fabric, John Keells and Lion Brewery led declines amid weak market sentiment.
Colombo market ended the week with losses as the ASPI fell 0.6% and the S&P SL20 0.44% on low turnover of Rs. 841.2m and foreign net selling of Rs. 2.1m. Sampath, HNB, DFCC and Melstacorp were top negative contributors, while Commercial Credit, Central Finance, Lanka Milk Foods, Ceylon Cold Stores and Alumex drew buying interest.
A 90-day US tariff pause lifted the Colombo market: ASPI +4.74% and S&P SL20 +6.7%, boosting market capitalisation by about Rs.221bn to Rs.5.549tn on Rs.7bn turnover, led by heavy trading in Sampath Bank, John Keells, Commercial Bank and RIL Property.
Sri Lanka's All Share Price Index rose 4.74% to 15,580.83 after the US announced a 90-day pause on a proposed 44% tariff increase on Sri Lankan exports. Top contributors were Commercial Bank (+9.39%), Hatton National Bank (+9.54%), Sampath Bank (+8.41%) and John Keells (+4.69%); turnover LKR 6.98bn.
ASPI fell 1.7% to 14,876 with the S&P SL20 down 2.4%; turnover was Rs.3 billion and there was a Rs.1 billion net foreign inflow led by John Keells (Rs.665m). Banking names (Sampath, Commercial Bank, Hatton) and Hayleys were among the main laggards while capital goods drove turnover.
Sanjiv Hulugalle has been appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. Hulugalle brings over three decades of global hospitality and real estate experience, including senior roles at Kohler, Auberge Resorts and Four Seasons.
Sajith Wijenayake of Aitken Spence Travels was re-elected President of the Sri Lanka–Benelux Business Council at its 29th AGM; speakers highlighted strengthening trade with the Benelux region and promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and engagement with the EU Green Deal.
Colombo Stock Exchange fell after new US tariffs took effect: ASPI dropped 1.66% to 14,875.95 and the S&P SL20 fell 2.37% to 4,352.69. Export-exposed Hayleys slid 5.98% and John Keells plus major listed banks also closed lower.
Union Assurance PLC reported profit before tax of Rs. 5.2 billion for the year ended 31 Dec 2024. Gross written premium rose 15% to Rs. 21.6 billion, profit after tax was Rs. 3.7 billion, final dividend Rs. 5.00/share and total assets reached Rs. 109.5 billion.
Colombo bourse rebounded strongly as ASPI rose 3% (surging 467 points) and S&P SL20 gained 4.65%, adding Rs.170bn in market value led by banks (Sampath, Commercial, HNB) and majors including John Keells, Hayleys, Access Engineering and DIMO; turnover was Rs.2.9bn and foreigners were net buyers (Rs.48.3m).
Sri Lanka's ASPI rebounded 3.19% (467.26 pts) to 15,127.71 and the S&P SL20 rose 4.54% as markets recovered ahead of the US tariff deadline. Top contributors included Commercial Bank, John Keells, Sampath Bank, HNB and Hayleys, with banking stocks trading positively.
John Keells Holdings (JKH.N0000) is a consortium partner that began operations at the Colombo West International Terminal, a $800m, 1,400m quay, 20m depth automated facility with ~3.2m TEU capacity. The 35-year BOT project with APSEZ and SLPA aims to boost Colombo's transshipment and cargo efficiency.
The Sri Lanka–Benelux Business Council re-elected Sajith Wijenayake as president for 2024/25, with the Netherlands envoy emphasising business collaboration and the Benelux commitment to Sri Lanka as a key export market. John Keells Holdings PLC was re-elected as a committee representative on the council.
The Sri Lanka–Benelux Business Council held its 29th AGM on March 26 and re-elected Sajith Wijenayake (Assistant VP, Aitken Spence Travels) as President. The council highlighted sustainable trade, engagement with the EU Green Deal and renewable energy, and re-elected committee members including John Keells Holdings PLC.
Speakers at a Sri Lanka–Italy forum recommended targeting mid-to-high-range Italian tourists (age 40–69) as the key demographic to grow arrivals from Italy, which contributed just 39,000 visitors to Sri Lanka in 2024; digital marketing and combined Sri Lanka–Maldives itineraries were highlighted.
John Keells Holdings, as part of a consortium with Adani Ports, began operations of the $800m Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a fully automated facility with 3.2m TEU capacity developed under a 35-year BOT. The terminal at Port of Colombo aims to ease congestion and boost trade efficiency.
John Keells Holdings PLC, as part of a consortium with Adani Ports and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, has commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a fully automated deep‑water terminal built with a USD 800m investment and ~3.2m TEU annual capacity.
Sri Lanka stocks fell sharply as the ASPI closed down 4.64% (712.90 pts) at 14,660.45 and the S&P SL20 fell 5.92% to 4,264.84. Negative sentiment followed a US "Liberation day" tariff announcement; top losers included Commercial Bank (-8.58% to 122.50), HNB (-7.96% to 269.00), Sampath (-5.9% to 102.75), Melstacorp (-5.7% to 120.25) and John Keells (-4.6% to 18.70).
Colombo market fell after announcement of a 44% US reciprocal tariff, with ASPI down 1.8% to 15,373 and S&P SL20 down over 2%; banking sector led losses and SAMP, COMB and HNB were among top decliners. Turnover was Rs. 3.1bn and foreign investors were net buyers of Rs. 169.7m.
Colombo stocks fell after the US 'Liberation day' tariff announcement, with the ASPI down 1.82% (284.25 pts) to 15,373.35 and the S&P SL20 down 2.19% to 4,541.71. Banks and export-linked stocks led losses, with top negative contributors including Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, John Keells, HNB and LOLC and turnover sliding to 3.17 billion rupees.
Sri Lanka stocks plunged for a second day as the ASPI fell 362.66 pts (2.32%) to 15,294.94 and the S&P SL20 fell 125.95 pts (2.71%) to 4,517.37 after a US executive order imposing a 44% tax on Sri Lanka. Major banks and exporters including Commercial Bank, Sampath, HNB, LOLC, John Keells, Teejay Lanka, Hela Apparel, Haycarb and Dipped Products dropped roughly 0.2–5.6%.
Browns, via Udapussellawa Plantations, bought a 37.59% stake (11,276,839 shares at Rs.35) in Tea Smallholder Factories for Rs.395 million, triggering the SEC Takeovers and Mergers Code. Akbar Brothers and Central Finance hold 24.39% and 23% respectively; TSML and UDPL shares rose on the news.
Colombo stock market plunged over 2% as the ASPI fell 350 points after the US imposed reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lanka, hitting export-oriented counters. Turnover rose to Rs.3.8bn with heavy selling in Commercial Bank, Hayleys, Melstacorp, HNB and Sampath, while a 38% TSML stake sale by JKH drove turnover.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has appointed AVIAREPS India to lead its PR and brand positioning in India to attract luxury and experiential travellers, while expanding its portfolio (including Cinnamon Life and new Kandy Myst) amid Sri Lanka's tourism recovery.
John Keells Holdings (JKH) sold its 37.62% stake in Tea Smallholder Factories PLC to a LOLC subsidiary for Rs 395 million (11,286,000 shares at Rs 35 each). Udapussellawa Plantations PLC, a LOLC subsidiary, acquired 11,276,839 of those shares.