News & market updates

Colombo Stock Exchange slipped 0.39% midday to an ASPI of 22,684.52 as investors were unsettled by evolving Middle East tensions. John Keells Holdings and Central Finance were top negative contributors; Windforce announced intra-group transfer of three subsidiaries to Renewgen and its stock was down 0.84% at Rs.47.00.

The Gratiaen Trust, partnered with John Keells Foundation and supported by the British Council, announced a 12-work longlist for the 33rd Gratiaen Prize; the shortlist will be revealed on 4 May 2026 and the winner on 6 June 2026.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose with the ASPI up 0.85% to 22,451.60 as global markets rallied. Top contributors included Carson Cumberbatch, Royal Ceramics, John Keells and Hemas while LOLC, DFCC and Singer were negatives; Hatton National Bank announced listings of 4,249,706 voting and 1,251,268 non-voting shares.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI rose 0.40% to 22,218.06 at midday, with market turnover of Rs.1 billion and diversified financials leading turnover at Rs.263 million. Ceylon Tea Brokers said it will not proceed with the sale of DP Logistics and its shares were up 3.39% at Rs.12.20.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed up: ASPI +1.30% (284.12 pts) to 22,128.66. Top contributors included John Keells, Melstacorp and National Development Bank; turnover was Rs5.016bn and HNB Finance announced a Rs2,499,529,714 rights issue (2 for 9).

Colombo market closed lower as the ASPI fell 0.33% (73.06 pts) to 21,844.54, with net foreign selling of Rs.221.4m (weekly outflows Rs.1.9bn) amid Middle East tensions; IMF staff-level agreement on EFF reviews helped a partial late-session recovery.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down as the All Share Index fell 0.33% to 21,844.54. National Development Bank (+3.41%), Nations Trust Bank (+1.65%) and Janashakthi Insurance (+8.74%) led gains, while Dialog Axiata (-2.47%), John Keells (-1.02%) and Melstacorp (-1.14%) were top decliners; Cargills Bank listed 294,200,000 rights shares raising Rs.2,500,700,000.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell midday with the ASPI down 0.72% to 21,759.64 and market turnover at 773 million rupees. National Development Bank and L B Finance were among top gainers, John Keells and HNB among decliners; Cargills Bank listed 294,200,000 shares after a rights issue raising 2,500,700,000 rupees and Colombo Dockyard appointed Capt Jagmohan chairman.

Colombo market recorded its largest single-day gain as the ASPI rose 4.21% (885.14 pts) to 21,917.60 on Middle East ceasefire optimism; turnover was over Rs.6.6bn and foreigners were net sellers of Rs.612.4m. JKH, COMB, HNB, DIAL and DOCK were top contributors and the banking sector led turnover (24%).

Cinnamon Bentota Beach (John Keells Hotels) held a 'Jaffna Night' on 31 March, launching a 'Jaffna Culinary Journey' video series and a Jaffna Food Festival to showcase Northern Sri Lanka's cuisine and culture. The event aimed to bring authentic Jaffna flavours and experiences to resort guests.

Colombo Stock Exchange opened higher after a US‑Iran ceasefire: ASPI rose 4.09% to 21,891.97 while the S&P SL20 fell 4.60% to 6,100.99. Top gainers included Commercial Bank (+6.01%), John Keells Holding (+6.49%), HNB (+4.58%), Hayleys (+4.27%) and Melstacorp (+3.24%); turnover Rs1.75bn and Brent at $94/bbl.

ASPI fell 0.45% to 21,032.46 as foreign net outflows reached Rs.1.099bn over two days (Rs.294m yesterday, Rs.805m prior). Banking led turnover (49%); key negatives included NDB, Ceylinco (CINS), Melstacorp and JKH, while Galle Face Capital (WAPO) gained.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI rose 4.21% to 21,917.60 as a US two-week ceasefire announcement drew investors back, with turnover at Rs.6.61 billion and banks driving activity. Top contributors included John Keells, Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, Dialog Axiata and Colombo Dockyard.

John Keells Foundation and City of Dreams Sri Lanka completed auditions and selected a local cast for the West End–licensed musical La Bamba – Song of Veracruz, with performances set for 24–28 April at The Forum, City of Dreams. Tickets are available via Cinnamon Box Office with a 10% early-bird discount for Nations Trust Bank American Express and Mastercard holders.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI closed up 0.04% to 21,126.60 as banking stocks faced selling pressure after NDB disclosed an internal fraud loss of 13.4 billion rupees and trading in NDB was halted. DFCC, Cargills Bank and Access Engineering led gains while Commercial Bank, HNB and Melstacorp were laggards; turnover was Rs.3.029bn.

ASPI fell 1.2% (258.31 pts) for the week and the S&P SL20 dropped 2% (124.30 pts); market turnover was about Rs.1.77bn with net foreign outflows of Rs.68.2m, while breadth was positive and activity was led by capital goods, banks, materials and food & beverage names.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose as the ASPI gained 0.55% (116.65 pts) to 21,182.83, with bank stocks leading turnover of Rs.370 million. WindForce filed to issue up to 40 million green bonds to raise Rs.4 billion; top movers included Sampath, ACL Cables and Dialog while HNB and John Keells weighed on the index.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down with the ASPI down 0.12% to 21,066.18 and turnover at 3.57 billion rupees. Crossings included John Keells (11,971,313 shares) and Seylan Bank (300,000), and Dipped Products and Haycarb announced cash dividends of 0.76 and 1.70 rupees per share respectively.

John Keells CG Auto, the sole authorised BYD and DENZA distributor, urged customers to use smart charging and provides 7kW and 2.5kW home chargers so vehicles can be scheduled to charge in off-peak hours, supporting grid stability amid higher tariffs and rising NEV demand.

The ASPI fell 1.33% (283.49 pts) to 21,092.24 as Colombo market opened lower amid rising oil prices and Mideast tensions; principal detractors included John Keells, NDB, Hayleys, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank while Lanka IOC and Browns Investments saw gains.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down 1.33% as Brent crude stayed above $115/bbl; ASPI fell 283.49 pts to 21,092.24 and S&P SL20 dropped 91.03 pts to 5,908.96. Turnover was Rs 4.76bn with diversified financials contributing Rs 1.612bn; JKH and Sampath saw crossings.

ASPI rose 3.56% for the week but closed yesterday down 0.21% at 21,375.73 as the bourse ended a volatile week; foreign investors were net sellers of over Rs.1.2 billion and market turnover was about Rs.2.7 billion.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell 3.4% over the week; ASPI closed at 21,375.73 (-0.21%) and S&P SL20 at 5,999.99, with turnover of 2.67 billion rupees. Top negative contributors were John Keells, NDB and Cargills, while Ambeon Capital's subsidiary offered to buy 1,919,600 Harishchandra shares at Rs 3,400.

Colombo market fell 2.05% (ASPI -448.91 pts to 21,419.94), wiping out Rs.173 billion after oil rose ~2% to ~$104/bbl amid escalating Mideast tensions. HNB, MELS, COMB, CTHR and JKH were the top negative contributors; turnover was near Rs.3.3 billion.

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC won the Gold Award in the Large Category of the Confectionery Products Sector at the NCE Export Awards 2025 for its 2024/25 export performance. The John Keells subsidiary exports to 16 countries and is expanding ties in India via a partnership with Reliance.

John Keells Hotels (KHL.N0000) will host an Easter Brunch at Quizine on April 5 at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, featuring an extensive buffet, family activities and seasonal Sweet Labs treats.

A presidential tourism task force chaired by Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath met to shield the sector after arrivals fell 5.15% in the first 15 days of March amid Middle East conflict-related flight cancellations (447 arrivals, 451 departures). The industry faces heavy losses (estimated $80–100m/month) even as cumulative 2026 arrivals topped 708,348 year-to-date.

CSE extended its rebound as the ASPI rose 3.79% (797.62 pts) to 21,868.85, with market value gaining Rs.284.1 billion in the session and recouping about 48% of the Rs.1.1 trillion loss since the Middle East conflict began. Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, Melstacorp, John Keells and Hayleys led gains; turnover topped Rs.6.4bn and foreigners were net sellers (Rs.525m).