News & market updates

International Lifestyle Brand (Private) Limited is expanding its Subway and Segafredo outlets in Colombo, opening a new Subway at Colombo City Centre in October and another at Colombo Port City on New Year's Eve; Segafredo opened at BIA in 2023 and at One Galle Face Mall in December 2024.

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC launched its ESG Roadmap 2030, "Progress Through Purpose," committing to renewable energy (solar) and GHG reductions, waste reduction and nationwide e-waste collection across 400+ outlets and broader social and governance initiatives aligned with Hayleys Lifecode and the SDGs.

Marks & Spencer is revamping its supply chain to double annual online non-food (FH&B) sales to nearly £3bn, backed by a £120m three-year automation programme and £600–650m planned capital spend in 2025/26.

Akram Cassim was unanimously re-elected President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association for 2025–2026. The AGM highlighted policy wins (airport VAT refund counter, Customs 'Gem Bag'), the AGTA radiation response, plans for FACETS 2026 at Cinnamon Life (3–5 Jan) and called for reforms to boost exporters and livelihoods.

ISMM held National Supply Chain Day 2025 on 24 October 2025, featuring technical sessions, a CEO Forum and the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards focused on innovation and resilience. Speakers from Singer (SINS.N0000), DIMO (DIMO.N0000) and Lion Brewery (LION.N0000) joined sessions on digital transformation and AI.

Several listed firms, including Hayleys (HAYL.N0000), Aitken Spence (SPEN.N0000), Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS.N0000), Alumex (ALUM.N0000), Dipped Products (DIPD.N0000) and Lion Brewery (LION.N0000), received awards or commendations at the ISMM National Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2025.

Sri Lanka participated in the 8th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, showcasing exporters including Ceylon Tea and debuting Ceylon Cold Stores’ Elephant House beverage brand at the event that concluded on 10 Nov 2025.

Dividend · Rs 37.00 · XD Nov 21, 2025

Third Interim dividend of LKR 37/share; XD 2025-11-21; record 2025-11-23; payable 2025-12-11; FY 2025

Sri Lanka Customs reached its 2025 revenue target on 11 Nov, collecting Rs 2,117.2 billion (USD 7.06bn) — 50 days before year-end. Officials attributed the surplus to higher vehicle import taxes, stronger enforcement and valuation, a rebound in import volumes, and digitisation of Customs procedures.

Dr. Roshan Perera warned Sri Lanka’s 2026 revenue targets are likely ambitious given few new tax measures, rigid recurrent spending and heavy reliance on import taxes, and urged fiscal discipline after the IMF program ends. She said gains must come from better tax administration (e‑invoicing, RAMIS 3.0) and warned shortfalls would force cuts to capital expenditure and strain the wage bill.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher as the ASPI rose 0.33% to 23,659.70, led by capital goods and banks with turnover of Rs1.85bn and Rs1.58bn. Top contributors included John Keells, Senkadagala Finance and Aitken Spence, and Three Acre Farms said it will merge two subsidiaries.

The EDB organized Sri Lanka’s national pavilion at the 8th CIIE in Shanghai (5–10 Nov 2025), featuring 16 companies across food, tea, gems and consumer goods and drawing strong international buyer interest and new business inquiries.

Daraz Sri Lanka's 11.11 Biggest Sale runs from 10 November at 8:00 p.m., featuring flash deals, gem redemptions (up to 80% on selected items), voucher+bank stacks (up to 25% extra), Brand Rush Hour 50% off, Rs.1/Rs.11 mechanics and instalment options for larger purchases.

Lion Brewery (LION.N0000) took delivery of 44 new Suzuki FRONX SUVs from Associated Motorways, with financing facilitated by Central Finance (CFIN.N0000).

Cabinet approved a Rs. 774 million vehicle procurement for the Department of Prisons, awarding Lanka Ashok Leyland PLC contracts for 30 (44-seat) and 10 (30-seat) buses and Brown & Company PLC contracts for three tractors.

CSE extended its post-Budget rally as the ASPI rose 0.34% to 23,582.16 with turnover topping Rs.8.2bn; RICH, DIAL, DFCC, AEL and HNB were key positive contributors. Foreign investors were net buyers (Rs.26mn) and capital goods led activity (28% of turnover) while banking and F&B accounted for 35%.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's 2026 budget frames IMF-linked reforms to stabilise recovery, citing 4.8% growth in H1 2025 and reserves above $6bn while aiming to bring debt below 90% of GDP by 2032. It advances FDI-friendly rules, PPPs, SOE reform, tariff liberalisation and a $15bn digital push, keeps cost-reflective energy pricing and VAT changes, and includes measures that could hurt plantations and small businesses.

SLABA welcomes the Budget after the Government implemented VAT on imported fabrics and lowered the VAT threshold to protect domestic apparel manufacturers and SMEs. The Budget also includes CESS and duty revisions, investments in industrial estates and mandatory e-invoicing.

The Sri Lanka–Korea Business Council held its 30th AGM where Shamil Mendis was elected president and Korea's Ambassador Miyon Lee urged deeper trade and investment ties, citing opportunities in port development, food exports, manufacturing and digital/AI. The council highlighted initiatives to boost collaboration and market access.

Odel PLC's GLOMARK launched the 'ගෙට BETTER LIFE' wellness-focused rebrand, repositioning the supermarket from premium to purpose-driven, wellness retail. The relaunch includes educational product curation and a wellness-themed children's storybook to promote healthy eating.

New Anthoney’s Group is investing an additional Rs. 500 million to expand its value-added chicken range and launch the premium Chicken Havens line, targeting a fourfold increase in value-added production capacity within six months. The expansion targets HORECA and retail channels, incorporates European processing technology, and aims to grow exports.

Dividend · Rs 17.00 · XD Nov 19, 2025

First Interim dividend of LKR 17/share; XD 2025-11-19; record 2025-11-19; payable 2025-12-09; FY 2025/26

Dividend · Rs 2.00 · XD Nov 19, 2025

First Interim dividend of LKR 2/share; XD 2025-11-19; record 2025-11-19; payable 2025-12-09; FY 2025/26

SiS International’s Hong Kong unit World Elite has acquired a controlling stake in Gestetner of Ceylon PLC, and SiS chairman Lim Kiah Meng is the incoming chairman of Gestetner.

Hemas Holdings reported 1H FY26 earnings of Rs. 3.3 billion, up 32.5%, driven by a strong 2Q where consolidated earnings rose 36.6% to Rs. 2.1 billion. The group announced a conditional acquisition of a Kenyan consumer products company and a Rs.0.25 first interim dividend, subject to regulatory approvals.

Ceylon Federation of MSME president Mahendra Perera criticised Budget 2026's cut of the VAT registration threshold from Rs.60m to Rs.36m (effective April 2026), warning it will push small retailers into the tax net and raise consumer prices. He also said many MSMEs face liquidity challenges and lack access to loans for NPLs.