News & market updates

John Keells Logistics (part of John Keells Holdings) has expanded its engagement with Colombo West International Terminal to provide inter‑terminal transport (ITT) services at the Port of Colombo, using real‑time fleet tracking and tech‑enabled operations to boost efficiency and coordination.

John Keells CG Auto launched the BYD SEALION 8 seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV in Sri Lanka on 10 March 2026, including the high-performance DM-p variant; the model is now available at BYD showrooms nationwide.

ACP Asset Management launched the first Sri Lanka-focused UCITS fund, seeded with $10m and expecting a further $25m within 30 days, targeting $100m AUM in 6–12 months. The fund will invest in Sri Lankan equities, sovereign eurobonds and liquid treasury instruments and aims to draw foreign capital into sectors including banking, construction, F&B and tourism.

The ASPI plunged 3.51% to 21,904.14 as panic selling and a >25% surge in crude to about $115/bbl on Middle East conflict hit the CSE; banking and blue-chip stocks (Commercial Bank, HNB, JKH, Sampath, C T Holdings) led declines while Lanka IOC rose.

Colombo's ASPI plunged 797.77 points (3.51%) to 21,904.14 as global oil prices surged over 20% after West Asia supply shocks. Major negative contributors were Commercial Bank, John Keells, Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and National Development Bank, with heavy selling in banks (Rs.1.86bn).

John Keells Holdings’ John Keells Foundation marked International Women’s Day by highlighting programmes that have empowered hundreds of women—covering livelihoods, scholarships and a Rural BPO in partnership with Infomate—and noting beneficiaries now supply Keells Supermarket.

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS.N0000) has installed an extrusion line at its Avissawella BOI facility to roll out new Elephant House Wonder and IMORICH ice‑cream formats, enabling layered cores, premium coatings and new formats (cakes, logs, frozen sandwiches) to boost its product portfolio.

BOI will host the 'Invest in Sri Lanka' Forum on 30 March 2026 at Cinnamon Life to showcase sustainable, technology-driven and high-value investment opportunities. The forum highlights include a 70% renewable electricity target by 2030 and prospects across hospitality, logistics, manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

The CSE fell, with the ASPI down 4.34% (1,032.15 points) for the week as index-heavy banking and diversified holdings stocks dragged the market. Foreign investors were net sellers (week net outflow Rs.791.2m); large declines came from JKH, HNB and SAMP while ACL, CINS and RAL saw heavy off‑board turnover.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower as the ASPI fell 0.58% to 22,701.91 and the S&P SL20 fell 1.01% to 6,360.75 on Friday amid profit-taking. Ceylinco Holdings was the top positive contributor (up 3.12%), while John Keells, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank were among the top negatives.

Colombo Stock Exchange trended down midday, ASPI fell 0.68% to 22,678.41 and S&P SL20 fell 0.96% to 6,364.32, with turnover Rs 3.36bn and capital goods contributing Rs 1.075bn. Royal Ceramics announced an interim dividend of Rs 1 per share; Ceylinco led gains and John Keells was the top detractor.

John Keells CG Auto (part of John Keells) received 835 BYD ATTO 1 electric cars—the largest single consignment—some available for immediate delivery, expanding NEV availability amid strong BYD demand and market share gains in Sri Lanka.

The ASPI rose 1.13% to 22,833.53 as Colombo stock market extended its rebound in a second session, with turnover near Rs.5.7bn and foreign net inflows of Rs.189.4m. Gains were led by John Keells, DFCC, NDB and Commercial Bank, with HNB Finance among top turnover contributors.

The ASPI rose 256.12 points (1.13%) to 22,833.53, with the S&P SL20 up 68.14 points to 6,425.80; heavyweight contributors included John Keells, DFCC Bank, NDB, Dialog Axiata and Commercial Bank, and turnover was Rs.5.68bn.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed up 1.13% to 22,833.53, led by gains in John Keells, DFCC and National Development Bank while Senkadagala Finance fell 10.66%. National Development Bank received CSE approval in principle to list Rs.16 billion of debentures at 11.50%, 11.04% and 11.85%.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is offering two curated wellness experiences at Kurundu Wellness this March: a 90-minute "Celebrate Her – Moments Together" spa (available 8–15 Mar) and a "Spa Day Surprise" voucher valid for three months from purchase.

ASPI plunged 1,290.68 points (-5.4%) to 22,443.38 on Feb 3 after Middle East tensions triggered panic selling and a 30-minute circuit breaker; the S&P SL20 fell 322.32 pts (-4.9%). Turnover was Rs.9.6bn (up 62.9%); foreign investors net sold Rs.59.6m; decliners included COMB, SAMP, HNB, JKH and HAYL, while LIOC, CFLB, BOPL, MRH and MADU were among gainers.

Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection will host Indian mixologist Ami Shroff for a Signature Bar Takeover from 9–11 March 2026, with the main event on 10 March at Fuze Bar. A bartending training session for the resort team is scheduled for 11 March.

Colombo Stock Exchange's ASPI plunged 1,290.68 points (5.44%) to 22,443.38 after trading reopened following the Middle East conflict, with the exchange briefly halting trade after the S&P SL20 fell over 5%. Major contributors included Commercial Bank (-11.5%), Hatton National Bank (-18%), Hayleys (-14.5%) and Sampath Bank (-6.75%).

Colombo stock market closed February lower: ASPI fell 47 points (0.2%) and the S&P SL20 dropped 74 points (>1%) with turnover of Rs.7 billion. Banks, conglomerates and blue-chips (COMB, JKH, HNB, CTC, LLUB) weighed on the index while Renuka Agri Foods rose and foreign investors were net sellers of Rs.363.8m.

Colombo stocks rose with the ASPI up 0.33% to 23,781.23, led by blue-chip gains from JKH, HAYL, MELS, AEL and LMF. Banking counters faced selling pressure after Q4 results while capital goods drove turnover (27%); foreigners were net buyers of Rs.194m.

Global Biz Connect 2026 will be held in Colombo at Cinnamon Life on 3 March 2026, bringing diplomats, trade bodies, multinationals and investors together to connect Sri Lankan enterprises with international markets. Panels will cover industries including value-added tea, confectionery, hospitality and medical tourism.

Altair has attracted flagship showrooms from global automotive brands—TATA, JAECOO and OMODA are operational while BYD, DENZA and KIA will open shortly—enhancing the development's retail profile and involving corporate groups John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and DIMO.

Colombo market closed marginally higher: ASPI +0.05% (12.48 pts) at 23,703.10 and S&P SL20 +0.06% at 6,685.27 on turnover >Rs.4bn. Diversified financials, capital goods and banking led activity with CDB, DIAL, PLR, JKH and DOCK as key positive contributors while foreigners were net sellers (Rs.72m; YTD outflow Rs.15.9bn).

Colombo stocks closed in red, with the ASPI down 0.39% (92.40 pts) to 23,690.62 and the S&P SL20 down 0.71% to 6,681.12 on turnover of nearly Rs.3.7bn. Price losses in John Keells, Melstacorp and Nations Trust Bank were key negatives while ACL Cables, Access Engineering and Dialog were top turnover names.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts (John Keells Hotels) signed an MoU with the National Olympic Committee naming Cinnamon as Official Hospitality Partner and Walkers Tours as Official Transportation Partner, offering preferential rates and hosting/transport services for visiting teams. The partnership includes joint promotions to boost Sri Lanka's sports tourism.

John Keells CG Auto (John Keells group) opened the Altair Showroom in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first showroom to house BYD and DENZA vehicles together. The outlet showcases models including the BYD SEALION 6, BYD SHARK 6 and DENZA B5/B8 and forms part of BYD's ninth and DENZA's second openings in under a year.

SLID held a directors' accountability session on Sri Lanka's PDPA on 30 Jan 2026, warning that stronger enforcement increases regulatory, financial, reputational and personal risks for boards. A repeat session is scheduled for 5 Mar 2026.

Colombo bourse ended the week lower: ASPI down 0.40% (96.43 pts) at 23,773.64 and S&P SL20 down 0.32% at 6,721.47. Leading negatives were COMB, CTHR, MELS, BUKI and JKH; banking sector led turnover (23%) and foreign investors were net sellers of Rs. 11.3m.

Colombo bourse dipped as the ASPI fell 0.21% to 23,870.07 despite net foreign inflows of Rs.37 million after 22 days of outflows. Capital goods led turnover; John Keells and Hayleys rose while Sampath, Colombo Dockyard, Dialog, DFCC and Commercial Bank were among the negative contributors.