News & market updates

Colombo Stock Exchange rebounded with the ASPI rising 0.63% (≈99 points) to 15,954 on turnover of Rs.5.2 billion. Key contributors included Sampath, Melstacorp, LB Finance and Commercial Bank, with the banking sector leading turnover and a net foreign outflow of Rs.229.6m.

ASPI fell 0.15% (24 pts) to 15,855 as profit-taking continued, with turnover Rs.4.56bn and net foreign outflow of Rs.48.3m. Banks and diversified financials led turnover (22% and 38% combined), with HNB, CFIN, HHL, Browns Investments and John Keells among notable movers.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell for a third straight day as the ASPI closed down 0.15% at 15,854.64 amid heavy profit-taking, with turnover of 4.5 billion rupees. Banks HNB, NTB and NDB and other contributors Central Finance, Hemas and Lion Brewery were among the top decliners.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) has appointed Bimal Perera as Deputy General Manager and Chief Growth Officer, and Chandima Cooray as Deputy General Manager and Chief Innovation Officer. Perera joins with experience from NDB Bank and L B Finance in strategy and digital finance, while Cooray comes from Hemas with 25 years in technology and digital transformation.

Colombo bourse fell with the ASPI down 1.06% and S&P SL20 down 1.14%, while net foreign inflow was Rs. 188.1 million. Banking led turnover (25%) and several stocks (SAMP, COMB, CINS, RICH, NDB) were top negative contributors; JKH, HHL and BIL recorded small gains.

Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000) appointed Bimal Perera as Deputy General Manager & Chief Growth Officer and Chandima Cooray as Deputy General Manager & Chief Innovation Officer to drive growth and innovation. Perera brings 20+ years in strategy and digital finance; Cooray has 25+ years in technology and digital transformation.

Colombo bourse ended a four-week winning run as the ASPI fell 299 points to 16,049 (-1.83%) and the S&P SL20 dropped 2.24%; turnover was Rs.11.48bn and foreigners were net buyers of Rs.142m. Sampath, Commercial Bank, LOLC, Melstacorp and Hayleys were among the top negative contributors while JKH gained.

After a 26-day rally, the CSE reversed course: ASPI fell 299.13 pts to 16,049.42 and the S&P SL20 dropped 46.05 pts to 4,925.82. Turnover was Rs.11.48bn led by Browns Investments (Rs.1.03bn), John Keells (Rs.882m), HNB (Rs.401m), Sampath (Rs.350m) and LOLC (Rs.305m); 189 stocks closed lower.

HNB PLC launched the 'Santa Brigade' campaign with Visa to provide hearing aids, pledging Rs 1,000 for every Rs 100,000 spent on HNB credit cards. The holiday-season initiative includes a digital milestone tracker to show collective impact and invites customer participation.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed at a record high, with the ASPI up 1.88% to 15,827.39 and the S&P SL20 up 3.14%, led by bank and financial stocks including HNB, NDB, Sampath, DFCC and CTC. Declining interest rates and expectations of foreign inflows were cited as drivers.

Indra Silva bought a 1.6% voting stake in Hatton National Bank (HNB) for Rs. 2.2 billion. The purchase comprised 7.47m shares at Rs.298 via three crossings (seller Finco Holdings); HNB closed at Rs.301.50, up 2.64%.

Colombo market saw nearly Rs.10bn turnover yesterday as ASPI rose 0.8% (week +4.9%), led by banking and diversified financials; top contributors were HNB, LOLC, DFCC, RCL and MELS, with notable gains in HNB, Commercial Bank, DFCC and LOLC.

Bank of Ceylon has been reappointed as the settlement bank for Sri Lanka’s USD Online and UITS systems for a further three-year term from 2024. The renewal reinforces BOC’s role in remittances and USD clearing infrastructure, affecting other domestic banks that use these systems.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed up as the ASPI rose 0.88% to 15,535.60 with turnover of Rs9.8bn, led by banks and diversified financials. Top contributors were HNB (trading contribution Rs2.6bn), LOLC, DFCC, Royal Ceramics and Melstacorp.

ASPI rose 1.5% (232 pts) for a 22nd straight gain while the S&P SL20 is about 50% YTD, with turnover of Rs.7bn led by heavy activity in LOLC, HNB, SUN, SAMP and SPEN as T‑bill yields eased and retail participation rose.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed up after the holiday: ASPI +1.53% (232.13 pts) at 15,400 and S&P SL20 +1.48% (67.15 pts) at 4,602, with turnover Rs7bn. Top positive contributors were LOLC Holdings, Hatton National Bank, Sunshine Holdings, Sampath Bank and Aitken Spence.

Colombo market notched a 21st consecutive gain as the ASPI rose 1% (148 pts) to 15,168 on turnover of Rs.5.5bn, led by banking-sector activity; top contributors and heavy turnover included Hayleys, Central Finance, C T Holdings, Sampath, Richard Pieris, Commercial Bank, Royal Ceramics and Browns Investments.

HNB PLC hosted its annual carol service at HNB Towers themed 'O Come, All Ye Faithful', attended by Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis and HNB leadership including MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte; the Hatna family choir performed and the MD emphasized collective commitment to national improvement.

The ASPI crossed the 15,000 mark, closing at 15,021 after a 210-point (1.4%) gain on Rs.8.5bn turnover, led by heavy activity in banking and contributions from Browns Investments, HNB, Sampath, LOLC and JKH.

HNB General Insurance has entered a strategic bancassurance partnership with Regional Development Bank (RDB) to offer tailored motor and non-motor insurance to RDB’s rural and SME customers, expanding HNB’s reach into underserved segments.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher as the ASPI rose 1.42% (209.91 points) to 15,020.61, surpassing the 15,000 mark. Top contributors were LOLC, Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Browns Investments amid Rs 8.44 billion turnover, Rs 43 million net foreign inflow and a Fitch rating upgrade cited as a confidence booster.

HNB PLC was named among Sri Lanka's Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens at the BCCSA 2024 and won three awards (Triple Bottom Line - Profit, Economic Contribution, Best Project Sustainability), marking its 15th consecutive Top-10 recognition. The bank highlighted green financing, tech innovation and the Sarusara agricultural programme reaching about 30,000 agripreneurs.

HNB General Insurance signed an MOU with Regional Development Bank to provide tailored motor and non-motor insurance solutions to RDB’s rural and SME customers, expanding HNB group's insurance distribution into underserved areas.

The Association of Professional Bankers Sri Lanka held a felicitation ceremony honoring six senior bankers, including Hatton National Bank MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte and Union Bank Director/CEO Dilshan Rodrigo. The event celebrated their contributions to the banking sector.

Turnover at the Colombo Stock Exchange climbed to a 10-month high of Rs.9.2 billion as the ASPI recorded a 19th consecutive daily gain. Top contributors included Sierra Cables, Hatton National Bank, Royal Ceramics and Access Engineering, with a net foreign outflow of Rs.227 million.

HNB Assurance PLC won the Gold Award for the PDF Version of the Annual Report – Insurance, Life and Health at the 38th Annual International ARC Awards, recognising its excellence in corporate reporting and stakeholder communication.

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB.N0000) renewed its partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka, signing an MoU on 5 December to extend collaboration into 2025. The agreement includes an exclusive co-branded credit card and Visa Signature access for CFA candidates, and CFA SSL will run educational programs and events for HNB staff.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher as the ASPI rose 0.67% to 14,614.30 on turnover of 6.01 billion, with banking stocks rallying and foreign investors net buyers of LKR 100.7 million; top contributors included HNB, DIMO, CFIN and CTC.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher — ASPI +0.11% at 14,516.46 and S&P SL20 +0.80% at 4,384.75, with turnover of 6.35 billion. Top contributors included John Keells, Commercial Bank, NDB, Cargills and Lanka IOC; net foreign inflow was Rs 336 million and there was notable activity in banking, consumer and hotel stocks.

HNB PLC renewed its partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka, signing an MOU on Dec 5, 2024 to continue collaboration into 2025, including an exclusive co-branded Visa Signature credit card for members and CFA-focused education, networking and staff training.