News & market updates

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 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.

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.

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.

Maliban presented a cash reward of LKR 3,000,000 to the Sri Lanka national rugby team and served as main sponsor of the New Zealand U85kg Rugby Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 to support youth development and community engagement in rugby.

The Ceylon Chamber will lead a senior corporate delegation to Mumbai for the India–Sri Lanka Business Forum on 13 May 2026, with leaders from John Keells, Aitken Spence, Hayleys, Sierra Cables and Vidullanka among participants to engage Indian investors on trade and investment opportunities.

CEAT Kelani Holdings opened a new premium Shop-in-Shop outlet at Olympic Tyre House on Havelock Road, Colombo 6, expanding its premium retail network and offering its full range of tyres and related services in a modern customer-focused setting.

Dynawash hosted Pepsi Lipton CEO Bjorn Bernemann and a senior delegation to view “Tea Dye”, a sustainable apparel dye made from Lipton Ice Tea byproducts, at its Biyagama facility. The collaboration highlights waste reduction and scalable circular manufacturing for global apparel supply chains.

Remarko Bakers and Caterers has entered a strategic partnership with Orzone Mineral Water Exports, with Orzone designated as the official mineral water partner across Remarko's franchise network.

Sri Lanka's national poverty line rose to Rs. 16,690 per person per month in March 2026, up from Rs. 16,571 in February. Colombo recorded the highest threshold at Rs. 18,000 and Monaragala the lowest at Rs. 15,958, while levels are above March 2025 across districts.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed up 1.13% as the ASPI rose 258.09 points to 22,997 with turnover of Rs 5.28 billion and materials leading turnover (Rs 1.38bn). SMB Finance announced CEO Supul Chamikara Wijesinghe will resign effective June 3.

Colombo bourse rebounded as the ASPI rose 0.69% (155.47 pts) to 22,739.77 after Middle East developments pushed oil below $100, with turnover over Rs. 4.1bn and net foreign inflow of Rs. 62.4m. JKH, MELS and RIL were among top positive contributors while LIOC fell and REEF gained.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher: ASPI rose 0.69% to 22,739 and S&P SL20 gained 0.51% to 6,245, with John Keells, Melstacorp and Hayleys among top positive contributors and DFCC, Lion Brewery and CDB leading declines; market turnover was Rs.4.13bn.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose as the ASPI gained 0.72% (162.12 pts) to 22,746 and the S&P SL20 was up 0.51% to 6,244, with turnover of 2 billion rupees. Top contributors included John Keells, Melstacorp and Lanka Realty while DFCC and Carson Cumberbatch lagged; Equity Two declared a 4.41 rupee dividend.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives pledged deeper economic cooperation at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo, with Maldives announcing investment‑friendly reforms and leaders urging expansion of bilateral trade (US$137m in 2025), tourism, infrastructure and sector partnerships.

Daraz Sri Lanka launched its 5.5 Best Price Sale (4 May 8 PM–9 May), offering up to 65% off, Rs. 50 million in vouchers, free delivery and partner discounts including 20% offers from Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank.

Russel’s (Pvt) Ltd recognised its top-performing employees for April at its monthly awards programme, naming Kaushalya Chathurangi Employee of the Month, Ramesh Madhushan Best Chef, Chathuranga De Soyza Best Steward, Chathurika Darshani Best Stewardess and K. A. Chehan Lakshitha Most Hardworking Employee.

ASPI rose 0.65% (145.47 pts) to 22,695.00 while the S&P SL20 gained 0.6% to 6,244.64. Market turnover exceeded Rs. 4.8bn with Ceylon Tobacco Company dominating turnover (Rs. 2.4bn) even as foreign investors were net sellers, extending YTD foreign outflows to Rs. 27.6bn.

Sri Lanka has seen four fuel price hikes in five weeks, the latest effective May 3 under a cost-reflective formula tied to higher global crude, driving a sharp rise in inflation and living costs. The CPI jump leaves the Central Bank weighing rate hikes against rupee depreciation risks.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose as ASPI gained 145.47 pts to 22,695 and turnover hit Rs. 4.8bn, led by a Rs. 2.38bn crossing in Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) of 1,341,170 shares at Rs. 1,780 between a foreign seller and a local buyer.

Colombo posted its biggest monthly gain since July 2025, with the ASPI up 7% and the S&P SL20 up 5.1% in April, with average daily turnover of Rs.3.66bn. Yesterday the indices fell (ASPI -0.38% to 22,550) on losses in John Keells, Sampath and Commercial Bank amid net foreign outflows of Rs.75mn.

The Palm Oil Industry Association said expanding local palm oil cultivation could cut import expenditure — Sri Lanka spent about Rs. 140,022 million on palm oil imports in 2025. POIA and industry experts (including Watawala Plantations) argued that 8,000 hectares identified for cultivation could boost domestic production, reduce FX pressure and support rural employment.

Sri Lanka's rupee closed at 319.75/320.00 to the US dollar, slipping below 320 as inflation reached the central bank's 5% target; the central bank intervened around 319.50 and conducted repo operations while bond yields remained broadly steady.