News & market updates

Hayleys PLC will raise Rs. 7 billion via a listed debenture issue: the board resolved to issue 50 million listed, rated, unsecured, senior, redeemable debentures of Rs.100 each, with an option to issue a further 20 million, subject to regulatory approvals.

The ASPI fell about 211 points (1.35%) as the CSE opened lower on a selling spree with turnover of Rs.1.27 billion. Banking counters led the decline while capital goods and food & beverage drove turnover; major laggards included MELS, NDB and SAMP.

Hayleys Plantations (Hayleys PLC) hosted its 3rd Best Tea Harvester Competition, where Anthony Iresha Rajaletchumi of Talawakelle harvested 6.2 kg in 15 minutes to win Rs. 500,000. Winners from Kelani Valley, Talawakelle and Horana estates received cash prizes and Singer Sri Lanka-sponsored goods.

ALFT Packaging ran a three-day 'Unboxing the Future of Flexible Packaging' masterclass with Miraclon in Colombo (3–5 March), attended by major Sri Lankan brands including Hayleys PLC and Keells Food Products. The sessions covered modern flexo technology, packaging design, sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Hayleys PLC plans to raise up to LKR 7,000,000,000 by issuing up to 70 million listed, rated, unsecured senior redeemable debentures at LKR100 each, subject to regulatory approval, and intends to have the debentures quoted on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

ALFT Packaging held a three-day 'Unboxing the Future of Flexible Packaging' masterclass (3–5 March) in Colombo on flexography and packaging innovation, attended by leading Sri Lankan brands including Hayleys PLC and Keells Food Products.

ASPI rose 0.1% yesterday but is down 3.8% so far in March; turnover fell to Rs. 792.5m, led by Food, Beverage & Tobacco (28%), Banking (20%) and Capital Goods (18%). Agarapatana, Hayleys, Hemas and Sampath were among gainers while Bukit Darah, C T Holdings, Access Engineering and NDB were notable laggards.

Hayleys Power (part of Hayleys PLC) signed a partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to become the authorised distributor of Mitsubishi marine engines in Sri Lanka. Hayleys Power, consolidating its power and engineering portfolio and with 48 MW of renewables, will provide sales, O&M, repowering and spare parts support.

Colombo market rebounded as ASPI rose 151 pts (0.96%) to 15,861 on turnover of Rs.24bn, led by banking and blue‑chip gains; top contributors included COMB, HNB, SAMP, HAYL and JKH while BOGA, JKH and SAMP led turnover.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 0.96% to 15,861.14 and the S&P SL20 gained 1.07% as turnover was Rs 2.42bn with a net foreign inflow of Rs 49m. Top contributors included Commercial Bank, HNB, Sampath Bank, Hayleys and John Keells.

Colombo market fell 1.9% as the ASPI dropped 290 points to 15,711 on turnover of Rs.2.5bn, led by a selling spree; major negative contributors included HNB, SFCL, LOLC, COMB and HAYL. The banking sector accounted for 41% of turnover and its index lost 2.01%.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam held a forum to discuss enhanced cooperation in shipping and logistics to improve connectivity, streamline trade processes and promote Sri Lanka's logistics capabilities. Presenters included Sri Lanka EDB, BOI and Hayleys Advantis, outlining port development and investment opportunities.

The EDB hosted a webinar to boost Sri Lanka–Vietnam cooperation in shipping and logistics, featuring speakers from Hayleys Advantis, GAC, BOI and the Vietnam Logistics Business Association to discuss port development, supply chain integration and investment opportunities.

Talawakelle Tea Estates Plc's Somerset Estate (Nanu Oya) fetched a record Rs. 3,050 per kg for a BOP Western High Grown tea lot at the weekly online auctions on 10-11 March. This surpasses its 2022 record of Rs. 2,600/kg; the lot was bought by Tea Tang Ltd. and marketed by Forbes & Walker.

Fitch affirmed Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC’s national long-term rating at 'AA-(lka)' with a Stable outlook. Fitch cited expected revenue growth of 18% in FY25, improved margins and lower borrowing costs, while noting about LKR70bn of group debt including LKR40bn at Singer Finance.

Hayleys Solar (Hayleys Fentons) completed a 1.2 MWp solar installation at the University of Peradeniya, cutting the university’s average monthly electricity bill by 31% and raising planned campus capacity to 1.5 MWp; the project also projects a ~1.5 tonne CO2 reduction.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 1.81% to 15,710.57 and the S&P SL20 dropped 1.97% to 4,680.82 as selling pressure and profit-taking hit the market; Hatton National Bank, Senkadagala Finance, Commercial Bank and Hayleys were among the top negative contributors.

Hayleys PLC held its Chairman’s Awards on 21 Feb 2025, recognising 200 employees across 26 project teams, including MGT’s FemFlexTex PFAS-free fabric, HAYC’s rainwater-harvesting project and Advantis’ LKR 109 million in efficiency savings.

Colombo market opened lower as the ASPI fell 0.71% (115 points) and the S&P SL20 dropped 0.69% amid low turnover of Rs. 824.6 million, with banks and blue-chip counters leading the decline.

Hayleys PLC held its 21 Feb 2025 Chairman’s Awards, recognising 200 employees from 26 project teams for innovation, ESG, service excellence and quality improvements. Winners included Haycarb (ESG rainwater harvesting), Hayleys Fabric (FreshWick Pro and FemFlexTex) and Advantis (31 lean projects delivering LKR 109m savings).

Colombo bourse ended the first week of March lower, with the ASPI down 2.2% and the S&P SL20 down 2.5%; average daily turnover was Rs. 2.73bn and yesterday's turnover Rs. 2.18bn. Primary negatives included LLUB, SAMP, DFCC and COMB, while MELS, HHL and HNB were the top gainers.

ASPI fell 43 pts (0.27%) to 16,123 as turnover dropped to Rs.2.36bn. CTC, MELS, CCS and BIL were notable negatives while HAYL, SEYB, HHL and CARS led gains; John Keells dominated turnover and its share rose 10c.

Hayleys Solar (Hayleys Fentons) completed a 300.31 kW solar installation at the CIC Ekala warehouse, projected to reduce carbon emissions by 308 tonnes annually.

The ASPI rose 1.87% (about 296 pts) to 16,167 as the Colombo market staged a strong rebound and turnover doubled to Rs.5.18bn. The Banking sector led gains (Hatton, Nations Trust, National Development Bank, Sampath among top contributors) while capital goods and select stocks also saw heavy activity.

Sri Lanka's ASPI closed up 1.94% (308.22 pts) at 16,178.47 with turnover of Rs 5.17 billion despite volatility. Banks regained investor interest and top contributors included Sampath, HNB, Hayleys and Bukit Darah, while John Keells, Hemas, Nations Trust and Browns saw high volumes.

CIOB will hold Construction Expo 2025 from 14–16 March at BMICH Colombo, showcasing construction technologies and sustainable solutions. Major supporters include St. Anthony’s Ventures (main sponsor), Tokyo Cement Group, Alumex PLC and Hayleys Fentons Ltd.

Hayleys Solar (Hayleys Fentons' renewable arm) has secured exclusive distribution rights for Bluetti portable power stations in Sri Lanka, offering 300W, 1000W and 2400W models. The units will be sold island-wide via online stores and Hayleys Fentons/Hayleys Solar experience centres.

CFA Society Sri Lanka honoured the top 25 employers supporting CFA charterholders and candidates. Recognised local listed firms include John Keells, Hayleys, DFCC Bank, Hatton National Bank, Hemas, Commercial Bank and Capital Alliance.

CIC Holdings had a 300.31 kW solar system installed at its Ekala warehouse, expected to cut carbon emissions by 308 tonnes annually. The installation was carried out by Hayleys Solar, the renewable arm of Hayleys Fentons.

Trident Corporation hosted a Lenovo ISG event on 16 January to showcase Lenovo enterprise solutions and recognised partners, including Hayleys Fenton Ltd. The event highlighted Lenovo's focus on AI integration and sustainable practices.