News & market updates

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.

Renuka Holdings PLC said its subsidiary Renuka Enterprises Ltd will absorb fellow group company Renuka Agro Exports Ltd, with the amalgamation to take effect on 20 March.

Ceylon Land & Equity PLC proposed a 2-for-1 rights issue to raise Rs.4.3 billion at Rs.7 per share (record date 5 Mar 2026). Proceeds will repay Rs.1.7b of short-term borrowings (including Rs.750m to HNB), fund Rs.1.75b into Galle Face Icon project and Rs.702m into Cargo Boat.

Ceylon Land & Equity (KZOO) will issue 614,156,734 new shares at Rs.7 in a 2-for-1 rights issue to raise about Rs.4.3 billion. Proceeds are to repay short-term borrowings and fund property development and portfolio investments, subject to CSE and shareholder approvals.

Almas Holdings sold a 24.78% stake in Renuka Holdings for Rs. 243 million, disposing 5.16% (1.25m non-voting shares) to the Capital Alliance Quantitative Equity Fund and 19.62% (4.75m shares) on market at Rs. 40.50; Renuka non-voting shares closed at Rs. 43.50 (+Rs. 1.90).

Colombo Stock Exchange closed marginally up as the ASPI rose 0.03% to 23,813 with turnover Rs 8.32 billion. Top contributors included HNB and DFCC; Hayleys fell after announcing a Rs6 dividend and a 3-for-50 rights issue, while Renuka rose after disclosure of a 24.78% non-voting stake sale.

Colombo market ended flat as the ASPI fell 0.02% to 23,623.74 with turnover near Rs.5.17 billion and foreign investors net sold about Rs.91 million. Top negative contributors were SFCL, JKH, BUKI, CTHR and DFCC, while DOCK, ACL and RHL led turnover and HAYL and DOCK supported index performance.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed 0.02% lower as the ASPI slipped to 22,329.69, with banks and capital-goods names dragging the market. LOLC Finance filed to list Rs 15bn of debentures; turnover rose to Rs 3.3bn and net foreign outflow was Rs 130.44m.

Global coconut milk powder market is projected to rise from USD 224.2m in 2025 to USD 409.9m by 2032, a 9% CAGR; growth is driven by veganism, lactose intolerance and expanded food, beverage and personal care applications.

ASPI rose 1.5% (232 pts) for a 22nd straight gain while the S&P SL20 is about 50% YTD, with turnover of Rs.7bn led by heavy activity in LOLC, HNB, SUN, SAMP and SPEN as T‑bill yields eased and retail participation rose.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher: All Share Index +0.27% to 12,290 and S&P SL20 +0.17% to 3,613 on turnover of Rs 1.7 billion. Top movers included Dialog, Digital Mobility, Dipped Products, Maskeliya and Hemas, with net foreign outflow of Rs 317 million and mixed foreign buying/selling across counters.

The Colombo bourse's five-day winning streak ended with a 0.2% drop on Friday, but the week closed with the S&P SL20 up 2.4% and the ASPI up 1.8% and average daily turnover of Rs. 740m. Top negative contributors were C T Holdings, John Keells, DFCC, Central Finance and Lanka IOC, while Access Engineering, Renuka and Melstacorp gained.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down—All Share Index fell 0.24% to 11,504 and S&P SL20 fell 0.24% to 3,300, with turnover of 539 million as election polls increased investor uncertainty.