News & market updates

Hatton National Bank PLC raised Rs. 10 billion from an oversubscribed issuance of 100 million listed, rated “AA-(lka)” unsecured senior sustainable bonds in five- and seven-year tenors. Proceeds will fund renewable energy, energy-efficiency, green buildings, water infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education and women’s entrepreneurship initiatives.

HNB PLC raised LKR 10 Bn from an oversubscribed issuance of 100 million listed, rated (AA-(lka)) unsecured senior sustainable bonds in 5- and 7-year tenors. Proceeds will fund renewable-energy, energy-efficiency, green buildings, water projects and social initiatives including housing, healthcare and education.

Hayleys Fentons Limited was named Sri Lanka’s Best Integrated Solutions Provider in Engineering Services at the World Business Outlook Awards 2025 in Bangkok. Hayleys Fentons, part of Hayleys PLC, is recognised as a leading solar EPC and MEP contractor, highlighting its engineering and renewable-energy credentials.

MAC Holdings Private Limited marked its 29th anniversary, highlighting its diversified operations across freight and logistics, aviation, shipping, hospitality, renewable energy, fisheries and agriculture and its regional presence in Bangladesh, Maldives, UAE and Singapore.

The National Initiative for the Commercialisation of Research and Development (NIRDC) awarded over LKR 227 million to nine projects selected in Q1, with Bank of Ceylon providing funds under MoUs and disbursements tied to project KPIs. Projects span AI, energy supercapacitors, tea and cinnamon processing, coconut oil testing, kitul beverages, export knitting and soil microbial inputs.

Vidullanka PLC (VLL.N0000) was named the lowest-cost bidder on Dec 19, 2025 for the EPC contract to expand and upgrade a 100 kW mini hydropower facility at Buca Village, Fiji; the formal contract award is pending and the company disclosed this to the Colombo Stock Exchange.

David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd's e-Drive Project received a Merit Certificate for Best Sustainability Project at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards. The in-house initiative has deployed 58 electric three-wheelers (2.35M km), avoiding ~156 tCO2e, saving 102,213 litres of fuel and creating 65 livelihoods.

HNB PLC signed an MoU with Gaia Green Energy to offer special personal and SME loan facilities to finance solar electricity equipment for eligible customers. Gaia will provide exclusive discounts on equipment and promote HNB's loan offerings through its channels.

National Development Bank (NDB) received an expected 'BBB+(EXP)(lka)' rating from Fitch for its proposed LKR16 billion five-year green, social and sustainable subordinated bonds. Proceeds are intended to strengthen Tier-2 capital and support loan-book expansion; bonds will be listed on the CSE and include a non-viability conversion clause.

HNB PLC has partnered with Prime EV Automobiles (Senok Trade Combine) to provide HNB Leasing solutions for Deepal electric vehicles in Sri Lanka. The agreement aims to boost EV adoption with streamlined credit evaluation, competitive leasing packages and branch-level customer advisory while Prime EV handles delivery and technical support.

Deep Tec Engineering holds a 28% market share in solar water pumps and delivers nearly $2.0m of solar water pump projects annually with partners including the UN and World Bank to expand rural water access using solar solutions.

WindForce PLC (WIND.N0000) commissioned a 432.2 kWp rooftop solar PV project at Joy Island, Maldives on 13 Dec 2025 under an EPC contract costing US$321,000.

Sampath Bank PLC will raise up to Rs.20 billion through a listed Basel III-compliant Tier II debenture programme over two years, launching with up to Rs.10 billion in the first phase. Debentures may be structured as Green/Sustainability Bonds, include non-viability conversion features, and are subject to approvals and market conditions.

Hayleys Mobility opened a state-of-the-art Delivery Centre at No.75, Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha, Colombo 10 to allow customers to view and collect electric and plug-in hybrid SUVs, showcasing models such as the Jaecoo J7 PHEV and Omoda E5 while offering warranties, after-sales support, EV charging and financing options.

Regen Renewables completed a 450 kW solar PV project across 47 Colombo District sites, generating about 594,000 kWh/year, cutting approximately 445 tonnes of CO2 and offsetting Rs.37.15 million in annual electricity costs.

Pathfinder Foundation and Austrade launched two reports urging development of Sri Lanka's mineral sector and a clean-energy transition, projecting mineral exports could rise from $389 million to $778 million and the sector's GDP share from 2% to 5%. The studies call for policy reforms, value-addition, ESG compliance, technology partnerships and grid/infrastructure investment to attract investment.

WindForce PLC commissioned a 432.2 kWp rooftop solar PV project at Joy Island (Kassanfushi, Maldives) on 13 Dec 2025 at a final project cost of USD 321,000. The project was delivered under an EPC contract with Joy Resort Pvt Ltd, with capacity increased to meet revised client requirements.

WindForce PLC commissioned a 432.2 kWp rooftop solar PV project at Joy Island, Maldives on 13 December at a total cost of $321,000. The company said project capacity and cost were increased from initial plans to meet the client’s revised requirements.

Vallibel Power Erathna PLC (VPEL.N0000) said its 10 MW ground-mounted solar PV project at Dolahena Estate has commenced commercial operations effective 10 September, with the two 5 MW plants connected to the national grid and CEB confirmation.

Sampath Bank signed an MoU with Hayleys Mobility to support purchases of new-energy vehicles, offering eligible customers a 0.5% p.a. reduction on published vehicle lease interest rates. The offer also includes short-term no-interest insurance loans, 0% 12-month card plans for insurance payments, Hayleys warranties/after-sales and EV charging access via StarCharge.

The Cabinet approved raising the cost estimate for the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project to Rs.47.18 billion and extended the completion date to 31 December 2030. Implementation will be locally funded and the project aims to expand irrigation across about 30,000 acres, add hydropower and improve drinking water.

Sri Lanka's cabinet approved resumption of the Lower Malwathu Oya hydro project, with the estimated cost rising 106.02% from Rs22.9bn in July 2019 to Rs47.18bn in Dec 2025. The increase reflects about a 74% rupee depreciation and broader inflation and monetary policy effects.

Evolution Auto launched the Riddara RD6 Active, marketed as Sri Lanka’s most affordable all-electric double-cab with up to 373 km range, unveiled at the BMICH Motor Show. The model offers SUV-like comfort, fast charging, advanced safety and infotainment features plus dedicated after-sales support in Peliyagoda.

Assetline Finance has relocated its Kiribathgoda branch to No. 398, Kandy Road, moving to larger, more accessible premises with improved parking and a layout to support expanded customer services and product offerings including vehicle, solar and specialised financing.

DHL Express is marking 45 years of operations in Sri Lanka, highlighting its 1992 joint-venture partnership with John Keells Holdings and ongoing investments in digital tools for SMEs, e-commerce facilitation, and sustainable aviation fuel (GoGreen Plus).

HNB PLC has partnered with Hayleys Fentons to offer tailored EV leasing, discounted insurance and complimentary life cover (Rs.600,000 natural death; Rs.4,500,000 accidental), plus a 7kW charger and service benefits to support EV adoption.