Share Tweet The CSE closed in the green yesterday after being mired in red territory for a week. The market had dropped 1.83 percent during the week. The All Share Price Index was up 0.35 percent, or 75.53 points, at 21,773.25; while the S&P SL200 was up 0.25 percent, or 14.94 p…
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The CSE closed in the green yesterday after being mired in red territory for a week. The market had dropped 1.83 percent during the week. The All Share Price Index was up 0.35 percent, or 75.53 points, at 21,773.25; while the S&P SL200 was up 0.25 percent, or 14.94 points, at 6,081.43. Turnover was Rs 2 billion. Brokers said investor sentiment had faced pressure due to ongoing global uncertainty and selective profit-taking. Top positive contributors to the ASPI were Ceylon Cold Stores (up Rs 4.25 at 128), Haycarb (up Rs 7.50 at 169.75), and Dialog Axiata (up 40 cents at Rs 44.10). Yesterday the rupee was quoted at 335.75/90 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger from 336.00/30 the previous day, while bond yields were quoted slightly higher, dealers said. The telegraphic transfer rate for Sri Lanka’s rupee against the US dollar was 331.50 buying, 340.50 selling; the euro was 377.3266 selling, 391.2436 buying; and the pound was 444.7771 buying, 458.8227 selling. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted flat at 11.05/15 percent. A bond maturing on 01.03.2030 was quoted at 11.15/30 percent, up from 11.15/25 percent. A bond maturing on 15.05.2030 was quoted at 11.25/35 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 11.35/40 percent. A bond maturing on 01.08.2030 was quoted flat at 11.40/45 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 was quoted at 11.46/48 percent, down from 11.45/50 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 11.65/70 percent, down from 11.65/75 percent. A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 11.75/85 percent. By Hiran H Senewiratne
Business Siyapatha Finance unveils newest branch in Bandarawela
Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/11
Siyapatha Finance PLC recently expanded its island-wide footprint with the successful inauguration of its 64th branch in Bandarawela. Strategically located in scenic hill town in the Badulla District, the latest branch offers convenient and wider access to tailored, customer-centric financial solutions. The branch was ceremoniously declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana, joined by Chief Operating Officer (COO)Rajeev De Silva, Ms.D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, a student of Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya who won the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, the Senior Management and staff members as well as Traffic OIC Kandasami, Trade Association Secretary Sunanda Rathnayaka, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers. Sharing his thoughts, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. It is a region that showcases potential for greater economic development primarily through the country’s traditional agricultural practices. We look forward to reaching as many different communities as possible in the coming years.” The Bandarawela branch offers a comprehensive product portfolio including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to Smart Pay, the Company’s bill payment facility. With a thorough understanding about the current socio-economic dynamics of the region, the well-trained team at the newest branch is dedicated to providing flexible financial solutions to aspiring individuals as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Business Dialog recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Service and Telecommunications Brand for third consecutive year
Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/11
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand in the Service and Telecommunications sectors, while also ranking among the top Corporate Brands in the LMD Brands Annual. Marking its third consecutive year at the top of both categories, the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through technology, while creating value for customers, communities and the nation. The accolades were awarded through the LMD Brands Annual survey, conducted independently by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. Based on responses from 400 readers across Sri Lanka, representing a broad demographic and geographic mix, the survey identified the brands that resonated most strongly with consumers in terms of trust, loyalty and brand affinity. Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand across both the Service and Telecommunications sectors is a meaningful endorsement of the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans continue to place in Dialog. This recognition reflects our commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of our customers while expanding access to digital connectivity, services and opportunities. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focused on creating value for communities and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital and socioeconomic progress.” The recognition also reflects Dialog’s continued focus on innovation, customer-centricity and investments that support Sri Lanka’s digital future, including expanded 5G connectivity, AI-powered digital experiences and broader access to digital services. Beyond connectivity, Dialog continues to support communities, livelihoods and the environment through initiatives such as Govi Mithuru, which provides AI-driven agricultural advisory services to over one million farmers, and Shishyadhara, which has enabled subsidy distribution to more than 450,000 underprivileged students. The company also continues to advance its Net Zero 2050 ambition through energy optimisation, renewable energy adoption and the expansion of solar-powered network infrastructure. Further underscoring the brand’s standing among Sri Lankan consumers, Dialog was also recognised as the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the fifth time and the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 15th consecutive year at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026.
Business The Council for Business with Britain appoints Ameena Ziauddin president at 26th Annual General Meeting
Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/11
The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 26th Annual General Meeting at Westminster House, Colombo, bringing together members and stakeholders committed to strengthening trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. Ms. Ameena Ziauddin, Managing Director of Norfolk Foods, was elected president of the Council for Business with Britain for the 2026–2027 term. Shiluka Goonewardene, Principal and Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG in Sri Lanka, assumed office as Senior Vice President, while Fadhil Jiffry, Chief Financial Officer of LSEG, was elected Vice President. Ms. Krystle Reid Wijesuriya, Chief Executive Officer of We Are Team Rocket, was elected Treasurer. Immediate Past President Mark Surgenor, CEO, of HSBC will continue to serve on the Committee. The following companies were elected to serve on the Council’s Committee for 2026–2027: Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd, GTN Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, Hayleys PLC, Hilton Colombo Residences, John Keells Holdings PLC, MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Ocean Pick (Pvt) Ltd, Point to Point Consulting, Unilever Sri Lanka Limited, Wilton Metal Box Company (Pvt) Ltd. The Council also invited Ms. Asanthi Fernando, Head of Trade & Investment at the British High Commission; Sanath Manatunge, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC; Ms. Hannah Wells, Principal of The British School in Colombo; and Orlando Edwards, Country Director of the British Council Sri Lanka, to serve on the Committee by invitation. Shirendra Lawrence, Ms. Roshanie Moraes, and Ms. Tania Polonnowita were appointed to the Advisory Committee, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance for the Council’s future initiatives.