News & market updates

Colombo market slipped as the ASPI fell 73 points (0.36%) and the S&P SL20 declined 0.78% on Rs. 4.4bn turnover, with foreign investors net sellers of Rs. 801.2m amid profit-taking and political uncertainty following the remand of former President Wickremesinghe.

The Exporters' Association of Sri Lanka held its 28th AGM with EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno stressing compliance, sustainability and the CBAM framework for exporters. Yohan Lawrence was re-elected chairman and the executive committee includes representatives from listed firms such as HNB, Hayleys, Sampath, Lion Brewery, CIC, Dipped Products and Dankotuwa Porcelain.

Colombo ASPI fell 0.36% to 20,575.59, weighed down by banks with HNB down 6.25 rupees to 397.75. Commercial Bank, John Keells and Hayleys also declined; turnover was 4.4 billion while hotel and construction stocks saw buying amid tourist arrivals topping 1.5 million.

Hayleys PLC (HAYL.N0000) won the Standard Chartered Cup 2025 and were awarded an all-inclusive trip to Liverpool to watch a live Premier League match. They defeated LOLC Finance PLC (LOFC.N0000) in the final, with the runners-up receiving signed Liverpool FC jerseys.

EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno told the Exporters’ Association AGM that compliance, sustainability and CBAM readiness are vital for Sri Lankan exporters. The event re-elected Yohan Lawrence as chairman and featured an executive committee including major exporters and industry representatives.

S&P SL20 crossed 6,000 for the first time, rising 58.46 points (0.97%) to close at 6,055.92; the ASPI also hit a record 20,571.07 (up 100.55 points, 0.49%) with turnover over Rs.10.8 billion.

The Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council held its 30th AGM on 7 July, electing Chandana Amaradasa as President and hosting a panel on “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy,” highlighting SME market access, tourism investment and export diversification.

The SLANZBC held its 30th AGM on 7 July 2025; Chandana Amaradasa was elected President and a panel discussed accelerating Sri Lanka's digital economy, emphasising tourism, SME market access, export diversification and digitalisation.

Hayleys Energynet (part of the Hayleys group) commissioned Riello NextEnergy NXE 300 kVA transformer-free UPS in Sri Lanka, offering up to 97% online efficiency to ensure uninterrupted operations in high-volume FMCG production.

Colombo stocks closed down as the ASPI fell 0.23% to 19,928.67 with turnover of Rs 7 billion, including a Rs 1.4 billion trade in PickMe; Lanka Ventures rose while Hayleys, Sampath Bank, Central Finance and NDB were top decliners. Sampath Bank's interim profits fell 17% to Rs 6.7 billion in the June quarter.

Hayleys Energynet (part of Hayleys group) deployed Sri Lanka’s first 300 kVA Riello NextEnergy UPS, a transformer-free system offering up to 97% online efficiency. The project covered supply, installation, testing and commissioning to ensure uninterrupted high-volume FMCG production.

Dipped Products PLC (DIPD.N0000) won the Overall Gold Award at the National Business Excellence Awards 2025 and received five additional honours recognising export resilience, ESG and manufacturing excellence. The company, a Hayleys Group member entering its 50th year, also highlights Hayleys PLC's group performance.

Dipped Products (DIPD.N0000) won the Overall Gold Award at the National Business Excellence Awards 2025, also securing five further honours including awards for ESG and corporate governance. The Hayleys Group parent (HAYL.N0000) is highlighted as DPL continues export-focused, sustainable manufacturing and capacity upgrades.

Hayleys PLC’s Hayleys Mobility has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Chery’s OMODA and JAECOO to bring EV and hybrid models to Sri Lanka and will roll out a nationwide fast-charging network in partnership with StarCharge.

Hayleys PLC’s Hayleys Mobility secured exclusive Sri Lanka franchise rights to distribute OMODA and JAECOO electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and will partner with StarCharge to roll out a nationwide fast‑charging network. Initial models include the OMODA E5 and JAECOO J6 and J7.

Alumex PLC received Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I certification from Sri Lanka Customs, enabling streamlined customs procedures, deferred duty/tax payments, lower guarantee requirements and faster cross-border handling that should improve its supply-chain efficiency.

Singer Sri Lanka (SINS.N0000) was appointed SpaceX's authorized Starlink retailer in Sri Lanka, with hardware starting at LKR 69,000 available for preorder online and in Singer outlets. Singer is part of the Hayleys Group (HAYL.N0000).

Singer Sri Lanka has been appointed SpaceX's authorised Starlink retailer in Sri Lanka, offering Starlink hardware from Rs. 69,000 through Singer outlets and online with islandwide delivery and after-sales support. Hayleys Group (Singer's parent) said the partnership advances national digital connectivity.

Colombo's ASPI fell 0.64% to 19,786.23 after earlier crossing the 20,000 mark, with turnover sliding to LKR 4.5bn. Banking counters saw buying while large caps including ACL Cables, Melstacorp, Hayleys and Central Finance weighed on the index.

Nishantha Abeysinghe has been appointed Executive Director/CEO of Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC. He succeeds Senaka Alawattegama, who has become Executive Director/CEO at Kelani Valley Plantations PLC.

Brand Finance published Sri Lanka's 100 Most Valuable Brands for 2025, ranking Bank of Ceylon top with a brand value of Rs.57,411m; Commercial Bank, Dialog and People’s Bank follow the top positions. The list covers firms across banking, telecoms, FMCG, healthcare, hospitality and other sectors.

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC has been appointed the official distributor for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka. Singer is 67.13% owned by Hayleys PLC, which is 51.01% held by Dhammika Perera.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose after US President Trump cut tariffs on Sri Lanka exports to 20%; ASPI gained 1.29% and S&P SL20 rose 2.24%. Exporters saw active trading: Dipped Products (DIPD) and Hayleys (HAYL) gained while Royal Ceramics (RCL) fell.

Colombo market closed July with ASPI up 9% for the month (ASPI YTD +23%) and S&P SL20 up 7.7% (YTD +18.5%), with average daily turnover in July at Rs.7.16bn. Banking-led activity saw HAYL, DFCC, BIL, NDB and COCR as key contributors while foreigners were net sellers (Rs.134m).

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher, ASPI up 0.39% (76.33 pts) at 19,642.48 with turnover LKR 5.66bn. John Keells fell 20 cents to LKR 23.90 amid negative publicity, while Hayleys, DFCC, Browns Investments and NDB were among the top contributors.

Alumex PLC was awarded Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I certification by Sri Lanka Customs, improving customs facilitation. The status enables faster clearance, deferred duty/tax payments, lower guarantees and improved supply-chain reliability for its imports and exports.

Haycarb PLC's fully owned subsidiary Puritas marks 30 years, reporting it has treated over 16 million litres of industrial wastewater, 24 million litres of domestic wastewater and 20 million litres of raw water and plans to scale recycling, reuse and ZLD solutions regionally.

Colombo Stock Exchange sustained an upward trend as the ASPI rose 0.07% and turnover climbed to Rs. 7.59 billion. The banking sector contributed 38% of turnover, while gains in ACL, Melstacorp, Hayleys and Central Finance and active trading in Sierra Cables and Access Engineering underpinned the session; John Keells weakened.

Colombo ASPI rose 0.07% to 19,532.20 while the S&P SL20 fell 0.38% to 5,752.46, turnover rose to Rs 7.5 billion; ACL Cables, Melstacorp, Hayleys, Central Finance and Cargills were notable gainers.

Hayleys Electronics, part of Hayleys PLC, opened a flagship smart hub at No. 311, High Level Road, Nugegoda to centralize its solar, smart lighting, air-conditioning and industrial infrastructure offerings. The hub aims to speed service delivery and support the group's push into renewable energy and engineering solutions.