News & market updates

Hayleys Solar (part of Hayleys PLC) completed a 4,036 kW solar PV installation across six farm locations for Pussalla Meat Producers. The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 3,392,247 tonnes annually.

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.

Hayleys Fentons won the Gold Award in the Electronic & Electrical Products (Medium Category) at the National Chamber of Exporters 2025 Export Awards, driven by export performance of Hayleys Solar's internationally certified renewable energy systems.

Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake has been appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (his third stint) and has resigned as Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC to take the new post on an honorary basis.

Chinthaka Jayaweera was appointed Independent Non-Executive Director of Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust (GUAR.N0000) and Ceylon Investment PLC (CINV.N0000). He previously led internal audit at A.P. Moller Maersk and has held independent directorships at Bukit Darah, Carson Cumberbatch, Equity Two and Pegasus Hotels.

Union Assurance PLC (UAL.N0000) won three awards at the 6th Emerging Asia Insurance Conclave and Awards 2025, including Joint Winner — Best Life Insurance Company of the Year, Best Strategies for Insurance Coverage, and recognition for Women in Insurance Leadership.

The ASPI fell 0.07% to 23,882.82 in a volatile session with turnover of Rs.4.2bn and foreign net outflow of Rs.42.3m. Leading negative contributors were CTHR, PABC, DIMO, DFCC and RICH, while Softlogic Capital and Prime Lands led turnover.

Dr Parakrama Dissanayake assumed office as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority on 17 Feb 2026 and will focus on improving port operations and logistics efficiency. He previously held senior leadership roles at Aitken Spence PLC.

Vallibel One PLC appointed Yanika Amarasekera as an Independent Non-Executive Director. She is Founder and CEO of Silver Aisle, holds an MSc from Imperial College, and has previously served on boards including L B Finance and Multi Finance.

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.

Hayleys PLC held the Chairman’s Awards 2025, with Haycarb PLC winning the Overall Award for innovation in specialty activated carbon for silicon‑carbon anode materials and Hayleys Fabric PLC winning an ESG award for a smart energy‑saving stenter system that cuts fuel use and CO₂ emissions. The awards highlighted innovations across energy transition, agriculture and logistics supporting exports and sustainability.

John Keells Stock Brokers (part of John Keells group) has partnered with XpressJobs on the #SHEinvests initiative to deliver one-hour financial literacy sessions to XpressJobs clients' female employees throughout March 2026, covering money management and basic investing.

ASPI rose 0.80% (190.27 pts) to 23,900.11 and the S&P SL20 gained 1.38% to 6,710.33, led by strength in large-cap banking stocks. Market turnover was over Rs.5.6bn, foreign investors were net sellers of Rs.167.6m, with HNB, SAMP, COMB, DOCK and NDB among top positive contributors.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams has appointed Kamal Munasinghe as General Manager effective 15 February 2026. He will continue as Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and brings over 30 years of international and local hospitality experience.

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and C T Holdings PLC sold a combined 10.05% stake in Cargills Bank PLC (6.05% for Rs.509.3m and 4% for Rs.337.5m) with trades between Rs.8.90–9.70. The Central Bank has ordered the Cargills group to cut its voting stake in the bank to 15% by end-2029.

Chinthaka Jayaweera has joined the boards of Bukit Darah (BUKI.N0000), Carson Cumberbatch (CARS.N0000), Equity Two (ETWO.N0000) and Pegasus Hotels (PEG.N0000) as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He was VP and Chief Internal Audit Executive at A.P. Moller Maersk with 28 years' experience in governance, risk and finance.

Hayleys Mobility (Hayleys PLC) opened South Asia’s largest OMODA & JAECOO flagship showroom in Colombo 2, showcasing premium EV, PHEV and ICE models. The exclusive OJ distributor also offers charging infrastructure, guided test drives and a dedicated delivery centre.

John Keells Hotels (KHL.N0000) appointed Kamal Munasinghe as General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, effective 15 Feb 2026. He will continue as Senior VP – Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and brings over three decades of hospitality experience.

The Board of Investment will host the Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2026 on 30 March at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, focusing on green transition and sector-led investments including renewable energy, green finance, services, manufacturing, infrastructure and leisure. The EU, ADB and ESCAP are supporting the event, which includes parallel sector sessions and a closed-door EU–SL investor dialogue.

Lankem Ceylon PLC expanded its partnership with Axalta Coating Systems to introduce advanced industrial, marine and powder coating solutions across Sri Lanka. The move targets infrastructure, energy, agriculture, heavy equipment, rail and steel sectors to improve corrosion protection and reduce maintenance needs.

Hayleys PLC reported consolidated Profit After Tax of Rs.14.02 billion for the nine months to 31 Mar 2026, with consolidated revenue up 16% y-o-y to Rs.421.40 billion. The board approved a Rs.9 billion rights issue, paid an interim dividend of Rs.6 per share, and Fitch reaffirmed its 'AAA (lka)' rating.

ASPI rose 0.24% to 23,709.84 with turnover above Rs.8.5bn and foreign investors net sold Rs.986.2m. Top positive contributors were HNB, RICH, CTEA, COMB and AEL; TKYO led materials-sector turnover (Rs.2.05bn) and JINS recorded a 7.8% price gain.

Hayleys PLC reported consolidated Profit After Tax of Rs. 14.02 bn for the nine months to 31 March 2026 while consolidated revenue rose 16% to Rs. 421.40 bn. The Board approved a Rs. 9 bn rights issue and paid an interim dividend of Rs. 6 per share; Fitch reaffirmed its 'AAA (lka)' rating.