News & market updates

Hatton National Bank (HNB) will introduce 0% Merchant Discount Rate for LANKAQR transactions below Rs.10,000 for HNB-appointed merchants from 1 April to 30 June 2025. The move targets higher digital uptake during the Avurudu season and to capture cross-border tourist payments via LankaQR's UPI/UnionPay/Alipay links.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 4.64% (712.90 points) to 14,660.45 as investors awaited government action after US tariffs. Banks and capital goods were hardest hit — Commercial Bank -8.6%, Sampath Bank -6.0%, Hayleys -5.5%, Brown & Company -6.9%.

Sri Lanka stocks fell sharply as the ASPI closed down 4.64% (712.90 pts) at 14,660.45 and the S&P SL20 fell 5.92% to 4,264.84. Negative sentiment followed a US "Liberation day" tariff announcement; top losers included Commercial Bank (-8.58% to 122.50), HNB (-7.96% to 269.00), Sampath (-5.9% to 102.75), Melstacorp (-5.7% to 120.25) and John Keells (-4.6% to 18.70).

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) hosted its 3rd SME Trade Fair in Colombo, with nearly 200 SMEs exhibiting over three days and an Industry Helpdesk providing advisory support. The event included government bodies, IFC/ADB, Hayleys and DIMO, with sessions on export readiness and digital/cybersecurity.

Hatton National Bank will waive Merchant Discount Rates on LANKAQR transactions under Rs.10,000 for HNB-appointed merchants from 1 April–30 June 2025. The three-month offer targets more than 30,000 HNB merchants to boost digital payments during the Avurudu season and leverage LankaPay/UPI/Alipay integrations.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) hosted its 3rd SME Trade Fair in Colombo, showcasing nearly 200 SMEs with corporate and government participation. The three-day event included sessions on making products export-ready, digitisation and cybersecurity, and featured renewable-energy and agri stakeholders.

Colombo market fell after announcement of a 44% US reciprocal tariff, with ASPI down 1.8% to 15,373 and S&P SL20 down over 2%; banking sector led losses and SAMP, COMB and HNB were among top decliners. Turnover was Rs. 3.1bn and foreign investors were net buyers of Rs. 169.7m.

Colombo stocks fell after the US 'Liberation day' tariff announcement, with the ASPI down 1.82% (284.25 pts) to 15,373.35 and the S&P SL20 down 2.19% to 4,541.71. Banks and export-linked stocks led losses, with top negative contributors including Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, John Keells, HNB and LOLC and turnover sliding to 3.17 billion rupees.

Sri Lanka stocks plunged for a second day as the ASPI fell 362.66 pts (2.32%) to 15,294.94 and the S&P SL20 fell 125.95 pts (2.71%) to 4,517.37 after a US executive order imposing a 44% tax on Sri Lanka. Major banks and exporters including Commercial Bank, Sampath, HNB, LOLC, John Keells, Teejay Lanka, Hela Apparel, Haycarb and Dipped Products dropped roughly 0.2–5.6%.

Colombo stock market plunged over 2% as the ASPI fell 350 points after the US imposed reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lanka, hitting export-oriented counters. Turnover rose to Rs.3.8bn with heavy selling in Commercial Bank, Hayleys, Melstacorp, HNB and Sampath, while a 38% TSML stake sale by JKH drove turnover.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) topped K Seeds Investments' 2024 ranking as the best-performing bank in Category 1 (domestic systematically important banks) among 15 licensed banks. The ranking, based on nine KPIs, comes as interest rates fell, the rupee strengthened and a sovereign rating upgrade boosted banking-sector stability.

A US 44% reciprocal tariff on Sri Lanka exports triggered a market sell-off, sending the ASPI down 2.19% (349.84 pts) and hitting exporters and other stocks (e.g., Hela Apparel -8.11%, Teejay Lanka -8.66%).

JAT Holdings relaunched its JAT Loyalty Program on 3 Dec 2024, adding tiered Gold/Silver/Bronze rewards, insurance coverage for painters and their families, and conversion of loyalty points to cash via an exclusive Commercial Bank debit card. The program also includes education grants and school resources.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC won the Overall Gold Award for Excellence in Digital Payments at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025. LOLC Finance PLC won Overall Gold in the Non‑Bank Financial Institutions category, with DFCC, L B Finance, Seylan, Amana and Hatton National Bank among other winners.

The Colombo market opened April higher, with the ASPI up 119 points (0.76%) on turnover of Rs. 1.9 billion. Banking stocks saw early selling around XD dates while blue-chips and capital goods (e.g. Hayleys, John Keells, Melstacorp) were key contributors.

LOLC Finance (LOFC) exited its 40% stake in Commercial Insurance Brokers Ltd. for Rs. 333 million. The stake was acquired by CIBL itself; Commercial Bank retains 60%, and CIBL reported post-tax profit of Rs.45.192m and assets of Rs.834m for the year ended 31 Dec 2024.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc (COMB.N0000) won five Gold awards, including the Overall Award for Excellence in Digital Payments, at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025, taking its total to seven awards. The wins highlight the bank's payment-tech leadership, noting it enabled its full ATM network for EMV and activated EMV chip cards across the LankaPay network.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 0.76% to 15,934.38 as buying interest returned, but turnover remained light at 1.91 billion rupees. Top contributors included Melstacorp, Hayleys, HNB, NDB and LOLC, with banks, capital goods and diversified financials leading turnover.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC won the Overall Gold Award for 'Excellence in Digital Payments' at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025. Other shortlist winners included DFCC Bank, Hatton National Bank, Seylan Bank, Amana Bank, LOLC Finance, L B Finance and Dialog Finance.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon won five Gold awards, including the Overall Award for Excellence in Digital Payments, at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025, taking its total to seven awards and highlighting its leadership in digital payments.

ASPI fell 67 points (0.4%) on low turnover of Rs.1.65bn; HNB was the largest negative contributor after its ex-dividend date, while SAMP, RICH, HAYL, HHL and SUN were top positive contributors and banks led turnover.

The Colombo market closed marginally up with the ASPI +0.2% and S&P SL20 +0.4% as turnover rose to Rs.2.14bn, led by Lankem Ceylon (LCEY) which accounted for about Rs.1.1bn. Capital goods and banking drove activity, with notable movers including HNB, SAMP, COMB, JKH and LIOC.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher: ASPI +0.22% at 15,882.06 and S&P SL20 +0.38% at 4,759.86. Capital goods led turnover with LKR 1.2bn, banks LKR 446mn, and top contributors were HNB, SAMP, COMB, JKH and BUKI.

Colombo market closed lower as the ASPI fell 60 points to 15,848 despite net foreign inflows of Rs.133.8m and turnover of Rs.1.6bn (down 23.4% vs monthly average). Banking-led turnover (HNBN top at Rs.297m) saw HNB, CINS, JKH, DFCC and CFIN drag the market while CCS and Richard Pieris attracted buying.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon launched a vehicle-leasing promotion valid until 31 May offering special interest rates, reduced rentals (Rs.1,598 per Rs.100,000 for a seven-year lease), 50% commission waiver on LCs (min Rs.10,000), insurance discounts and waived credit-card fees.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) launched a limited-time vehicle leasing promotion valid to 31 May 2025 offering special interest rates, reduced lease rentals (Rs 1,598 per Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease), insurance discounts, fee waivers and quick approvals for unregistered vehicles.

ASPI rose 33 points (0.2%) as turnover hit Rs.1.9 billion, led by crossings in Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and CIC Holdings; banking stocks were the main drivers while materials also saw heavy trading.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon was voted the ‘People’s Private Banking Services Brand of the Year’ at the SLIM Kantar People’s Awards 2025 for the third consecutive year. The accolade, decided by consumer votes, highlights the bank’s brand strength and digital marketing reach.