News & market updates

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.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down as the ASPI fell 0.38% to 15,847.80 and the S&P SL20 fell 0.33% to 4,741.90, with turnover of 1.6 billion. Top negative contributors included Ceylinco Holdings, Hatton National Bank, DFCC Bank and Central Finance Company.

Colombo market closed flat (ASPI -4) despite higher turnover of Rs.2.9bn led by Sampath Bank (Rs.1.2bn); banking drove 52% of turnover while capital goods and food/beverage/tobacco made up 26%. Foreign investors were net sellers (Rs.122m) and several large crossings dominated activity.

Sri Lanka stocks closed flat as the ASPI fell 0.03% to 15,908.23 with turnover of Rs2.89bn driven by crossings and heavy bank trades, including a Rs1.1bn off-board Sampath Bank transaction. Notable movers included Ceylinco Insurance (-5.7%), Dipped Products (-3.0%), HNB and DFCC.

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB.N0000) formalised a group-wide data-sharing agreement with its subsidiaries, including HNB Finance PLC, to strengthen data governance and ensure compliance with Sri Lanka's Personal Data Protection Act. The framework introduces advanced security measures, access controls and regular audits.

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.

Sri Lanka stocks closed marginally up as the ASPI rose 0.21% to 15,912.61 while the S&P SL20 fell 0.16% to 4,759.06; turnover was 1.9 billion rupees and net foreign outflow was 140 million rupees.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) and Singer Sri Lanka have launched an exclusive financing package for John Deere tractors offering preferential interest rates, a waived first-year credit card fee, discounted insurance and HNB Assurance life cover of Rs.4.5m (accidental) and Rs.600,000 (natural), plus Singer's warranty and service benefits.

Hatton National Bank and Singer Sri Lanka launched an exclusive financing package for John Deere tractors offering preferential interest rates, a free first-year credit card, discounted insurance and HNB Assurance life cover (Rs.4.5m accidental; Rs.600,000 natural). Singer will also provide free registration, a two-year/2,000-hour warranty, three free services, spare-parts discounts and 24/7 support.

ASPI rose 0.1% for the week and jumped 1.4% (216 points) on Friday as banking and capital goods stocks led gains. Turnover averaged Rs.1.9 billion for the week and foreign investors were net sellers of Rs.140.2 million.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 1.38% to 15,879.33 as buying interest returned, led by gains in Commercial Bank, HNB, NDB, DFCC and Carson Cumberbatch; turnover fell to 1.66 billion rupees and there was a net foreign outflow of 140 million rupees.

Capital Alliance listed nearly 915 million units of its 'CAL Five Year Closed End Fund' on the Colombo Stock Exchange by way of an introduction. Hatton National Bank is trustee and custodian; the five-year fixed-income unit trust will trade on the CSE at NAV or at a premium/discount and targets capital preservation and interest income.

Capital Alliance Investments listed 914,925,446 units of the "CAL Five Year Closed End Fund" on the Colombo Stock Exchange by way of an introduction. The SEC‑approved five‑year fixed income fund names Hatton National Bank PLC as trustee and custodian; units will trade on the CSE at NAV or at a premium/discount.

ASPI rose 1.67% (256 pts) as turnover reached Rs.3.67bn, led by heavy Sierra Cables volume and buying in banking and diversified-financial stocks. Banking stocks and capital-goods names (notably Sierra Cables, John Keells, CDB, HNB) were key contributors.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 1.67% to 15,662.85, led by a banking-sector bounce that also lifted the S&P SL20 up 2.14% to 4,703.54. Turnover jumped to 3.67 billion rupees; top contributors included Commercial Bank, HNB, John Keells, Sampath Bank and DFCC, while Sierra Cables had the largest turnover.

Capital Alliance Investments Ltd listed 914,925,446 units of the 'CAL Five Year Closed End Fund' on the Colombo Stock Exchange by way of introduction. Hatton National Bank PLC is the trustee and custodian; the SEC‑approved five-year fixed‑income fund targets capital preservation and interest income.

Colombo market closed higher — ASPI +12 points, S&P SL20 +19 with turnover of Rs.1.25bn. Major contributors included Commercial Bank, HNB, Melstacorp, NDB and Sampath while John Keells, Hemas, Browns, LOLC and Ceylon Cold Stores were among laggards; foreigners were net buyers of Rs.14.2m.

The ASPI fell 1.6% (255 points) as selling continued with banking and blue-chip stocks leading declines; turnover was Rs. 1.7bn (below the monthly average) and foreign investors were net sellers of Rs. 50.5m.

Sri Lanka's ASPI closed marginally up 0.18% at 15,421.54 as buying returned after a three-day slide, led by gains in Commercial Bank, HNB, Melstacorp, NDB and Sampath; turnover fell to 1.25 billion rupees and net foreign inflow was 14 million rupees.

Union Bank of Colombo (UBC.N0000) signed a strategic bancassurance agreement with HNB General Insurance to sell HNBGI’s motor and non-motor insurance products through Union Bank’s network. HNB General Insurance is a subsidiary of HNB Assurance and part of the HNB Group.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) hosted an International Women’s Day 2025 program bringing together over 300 microfinance entrepreneurs to provide financial literacy, panel discussions and networking aimed at empowering women-led SMEs.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 1.63% to 15,394.23 and the S&P SL20 fell 1.60% to 4,588.03. Top decliners included Ceylinco Insurance, HNB, Commercial Bank, DFCC and John Keells; turnover rose to 1.77bn rupees and Hayleys plans to raise up to 7bn via a debenture issue.

HNB Investment Bank, part of Hatton National Bank, acted as exclusive advisor and structuring partner for Fintrex Finance's Rs. 1 billion five-year Tier 2 high-yield bond, which was fully subscribed on its opening day (25 Feb 2025). The issuance coincides with Fintrex's transition to a PLC and aims to strengthen its Tier II capital for lending expansion.

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%.

Hatton National Bank's investment banking arm, HNB Investment Bank, extended its partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka as a Silver Partner for the 8th consecutive year. The collaboration aims to support financial education, professional development and strengthen industry standards.

HNB Investment Bank (part of Hatton National Bank) has extended its Silver Partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka for the 8th consecutive year to support financial education, professional development and industry standards.