News & market updates

Dividend · Rs 22.90 · XD May 26, 2026

Second Interim dividend of LKR 22.9/share; XD 2026-05-26; record 2026-05-26; payable 2026-06-15; FY 2025/26

The Sri Lankan rupee has fallen more than 5% so far this year, risking higher inflation and possible monetary tightening that would raise borrowing costs; rising import, fuel and medicine prices threaten household purchasing power and could drag on growth.

Vertex HD Distribution has formally launched operations in Sri Lanka, bringing international brands (Verbatim, Marvo, Microlab, Bestoss, Synomax) to the gaming, storage and computer accessories market. It aims to build a nationwide distribution platform for retailers, resellers and corporate customers with competitive pricing and after-sales support.

Branding in Sri Lanka is shifting toward people-centered co-creation supported by AI—with nearly 90% of digital content ignored—offering opportunities for firms (e.g., Dialog Axiata) and hotel, tea and consumer brands to use community-driven storytelling and creator networks.

LG Electronics showcased region-specific laundry, kitchen and AI-powered home solutions at LG InnoFest 2026 APAC in Busan, and outlined ThinQ ON rollout (starting with Australia and Thailand) plus expansion of its LG Subscribe appliance subscription across key Asian markets.

Diesel & Motor Engineering (DIMO) expanded its Solar Solutions into residential markets and launched integrated Solar + Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) under the DIMO Solar brand, offering modular 5–16 kWh systems and partnerships with GoodWe, Huawei, Jinko and others.

Dividend · Rs 3.35 · XD May 25, 2026

Final dividend of LKR 3.349/share; XD 2026-05-25; record 2026-05-25; payable 2026-06-12; FY 2025/26

Dividend · Rs 12.75 · XD May 25, 2026

Second Interim dividend of LKR 12.75/share; XD 2026-05-25; record 2026-05-25; payable 2026-06-11; FY 2025 - 2026

Dividend · Rs 2.67 · XD May 25, 2026

Final dividend of LKR 2.67/share; XD 2026-05-25; record 2026-05-25; payable 2026-06-12; FY 2025/26

Harischandra Mills PLC appointed four new directors, effective 12 May 2026, following Ambeon Capital PLC’s acquisition of a controlling stake via its subsidiary Ambeon Essentials. Appointments are Sujeewa Mudalige, Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, Savanth Sebastian and Aravinda de Silva (representing Ambeon Essentials).

Colombo bourse slipped below 23,000 as the ASPI fell 0.41% to 22,920.32 with turnover over Rs.2.8bn and net foreign outflows of Rs.29.5m. Market weakness was blamed on Middle East tensions and weaker Q1 banking earnings; CINS, MELS, BUKI, NDB and DFCC were key negative contributors.

Ambeon Essentials (a subsidiary of Ambeon Capital PLC) has appointed Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, Aravinda de Silva, Savanth Sebastian and Sujeewa Mudalige to the Board of Harischandra Mills PLC with effect from 12 May.

Beauty by Rosh served as the official makeup sponsor for Karla Špetić’s Resort 2027 'COMPOSE' show at Australian Fashion Week 2026. Founder Rosh Kumarasinghe attended and the brand has a second AFW sponsorship scheduled, marking the first Sri Lankan founder to sponsor an AFW show.

Colombo Stock Exchange was slightly higher midday Thursday — ASPI +0.04% (22,930) and S&P SL20 +0.11% (6,276). Top gainers included John Keells, Alumex, RIL Property and Lion Brewery while Sampath, Vallibel One, Hayleys and Malwatte fell; NDB reported a High Court order in a derivative action and Harischandra appointed four board members.

Sri Lanka and Nepal launched cross-border QR payment connectivity on 12 May 2026, allowing Nepali users to pay at more than 400,000 LankaQR merchants in Sri Lanka using Nepali payment apps. The interoperability is expected to ease payments for travellers and expand digital acceptance for local merchants and SMEs.

Cabinet approved a fresh international tender to select a service provider for Sri Lanka’s liquor security stamp system for the next five years, with the current contract due to expire on 1 January 2027. The selected provider will handle security stamp printing and system management under the Excise (Amendment) Act provisions to improve traceability and revenue collection.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell as the ASPI dropped 104.80 points (0.46%) to 22,910.52. Top negatives were Melstacorp, Sampath Bank and HNB; Ceylon Tobacco declared a Rs34 dividend and Kapruka said it will inject Rs41,510,541 into its subsidiary to buy shares to fund electric delivery vehicles and working capital.

Colombo market ended marginally higher as the ASPI closed up 0.02% at 23,015.32 with turnover near Rs.3.7bn and foreign net outflows of Rs.361.3m; MELS.N0000, RIL.N0000, CIC.N0000, BUKI.N0000 and CARG.N0000 were among the leading positive contributors. Investors stayed cautious amid escalating US‑Iran tensions and rising oil prices.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell, with the ASPI down 0.41% (95 points) to 22,920 and the S&P SL20 down 0.40% to 6,269. Banking stocks saw profit taking while top movers included Nawaloka Hospitals (+8.44%), LOLC (+0.83%) and Seylan Bank (+1.65%), and Ceylon Tobacco declared a first interim dividend of Rs.32.40.

Sri Lanka Expo 2026 has been rescheduled to 14–17 January 2027 at BMICH in Colombo. The EDB expects about 750 local exporters and 1,500 international participants and has extended exhibitor registration to 31 July 2026, citing geopolitical uncertainties.

The Book Studio Pvt Ltd launched Sri Lanka’s first fully automated book vending machine to enable instant self-service purchases. The company plans island-wide expansion and will open two flagship outlets in the Southern and Northern regions.

Dividend · Rs 34.00 · XD May 21, 2026

First Interim dividend of LKR 34/share; XD 2026-05-21; record 2026-05-21; payable 2026-06-10; FY ended 31st December 2026

Sri Lanka will introduce extended producer responsibility in amendments to the Environmental Act, legally requiring producers to collect and recycle a set portion of plastic packaging (example: 40%), with a three-year grace period to build infrastructure and fines for non-compliance.

Mordor Intelligence forecasts the coconut oil market to grow from USD 7.75bn in 2026 to USD 11.05bn by 2031 (CAGR 7.36%). Growth is driven by rising demand in cosmetics/personal care, clean-label cooking oils and pharmaceutical/nutraceutical uses, with Asia-Pacific leading production and government support improving supply.

China Duty Free Group opened CDF Duty Free at Port City Colombo in September 2024 with a USD 5 million investment and has served nearly 120,000 travelers. The downtown store offers international brands and a digital Customs-verified 'Pre-Order & Collection' service for pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport, serving arriving/departing passengers and diplomats.

LANKATILES opened its 60th showroom in Borella (No. 85, Dr. N.M. Perera Mawatha, Colombo 08), expanding its retail presence to serve homeowners, architects and developers in a key urban corridor.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board has rescheduled Sri Lanka Expo to 14–17 January 2027 at BMICH citing geopolitical uncertainty. The event is expected to host about 750 local exporters and 1,500 international participants across apparel, tea, ICT, pharma, renewable energy and other sectors.

John Keells Holdings chair Krishan Balendra will lead a 19-member Sri Lankan corporate delegation to Mumbai for the India–Sri Lanka Business Forum on 13 May to engage Indian counterparts on trade, investment and partnerships. Sri Lanka and India have also discussed a proposed $450m post-conflict reconstruction package.