News & market updates

HNB Investment Bank renewed its partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka as a Silver Partner for the 10th consecutive year, reaffirming support for ethics, professional development and industry engagement in Sri Lanka's financial services sector.

Prime Lands sold its 23.29% stake in HNB Finance PLC (400 million shares) for Rs. 3.5 billion at Rs. 8.80 per share, with Phantom Investments taking a 5.82% stake. Hatton National Bank holds a 51% stake in HNB Finance and the Phantom purchase is Rayynor Silva’s first entry into a listed finance company.

HNB Investment Bank renewed its partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka as a Silver Partner for the 10th consecutive year, reaffirming the group's support for professional development, ethics and industry standards in Sri Lanka's financial services sector.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) appointed three directors effective 1 June: Lahiru Malik Lokuwithana (Non-Independent/Non-Executive; represents Ceylon Steel, 9.99% voting stake), Murtaza Jafferjee (Independent/Non-Executive) and Rachini Rajapaksa (Independent/Non-Executive).

Colombo bourse closed lower with the ASPI down 0.21% to 22,695 as investor sentiment remained subdued after the CBSL rate hike; market turnover was over Rs. 1.7 billion.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down as the ASPI fell 0.24% to 22,256.26. Market turnover was LKR 1.67bn, capital goods led turnover (LKR 286.7m); notable movers included Dialog, RIL Property, HNB and Digital Mobility (up) while JKH and LOLC were down, and ACME reported a 63% rise in losses to Rs.313,538 with shares down 3.51%.

Colombo Stock Exchange midday: ASPI down 0.13% at 22,280 with market turnover Rs.762 million and telecommunications leading turnover at Rs.107.3 million. Notable movers included Dialog +4.93%, RIL Property +8.02% and Digital Mobility +1.69%; Softlogic reported a Q3 loss of Rs.1.70bn (improved from Rs.4.59bn) and shares rose 3.03%.

HNB PLC has signed a strategic partnership with Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd to provide leasing for Kubota and Agrotech agricultural machinery across Sri Lanka. The collaboration aims to improve farmers' access to tractors, combine harvesters and other equipment to boost mechanisation and productivity.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) will serve as title sponsor of the CCWE Fashion Week and International Summit 2026, a four-day event at Cinnamon Life from 16–19 July expected to bring together over 400 women entrepreneurs. The summit, supported by ESCAP-SSWA, will focus on export linkages, training and digital skills for women-led enterprises.

Colombo market closed down 0.85% at 22,175.14 after the CBSL raised the policy rate by 100bps and amid heightened Middle East tensions. Foreign investors were net sellers of over Rs.3bn, turnover was Rs.4.93bn with AAIC crossings accounting for about Rs.3.1bn.

Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000) is the title sponsor of the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026, following an open call that drew 200+ models and 50+ designers; the event runs 16–19 July 2026 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

Colombo Stock Exchange was up midday, ASPI +0.54% to 22,294.71 with turnover Rs.700m and materials leading turnover at Rs.192.7m. Top movers included Hayleys, Sunshine and HNB (positive) while Royal Ceramics, SMB Finance and Aitken Spence fell; Jetwing Symphony declared a final dividend of Rs.0.50 and its shares rose 3.6%.

Dialog Axiata (DIAL.N0000) became the Colombo Stock Exchange's largest listed company with a market cap of Rs. 367.09 billion after its share price rose 7% to Rs. 39.90 on May 25. John Keells stood at Rs. 359.36bn and Ceylon Tobacco at Rs. 341.91bn; Commercial Bank was the largest bank at Rs. 320.88bn.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down as the ASPI fell 0.85% to 22,175.14, with market turnover at Rs.4.92bn and insurance stocks leading turnover at Rs.3.18bn. Top gainers included Ceylon Beverage (+5.20%), Lion Brewery (+3.06%) and Ceylon Guardian (+5.43%), while Sampath Bank, Hayleys and HNB were top decliners.

Dialog Axiata regained the top spot on the Colombo Stock Exchange with a market cap of Rs. 367.1 billion (4.51% of total market cap), overtaking John Keells Holdings at Rs. 359.4 billion.

US dollar selling rates at commercial banks eased below Rs.340 today (22) after peaking at Rs.354 on 21st. Quoted afternoon selling rates included Commercial Bank Rs.342.50, HNB Rs.340.00, Sampath Rs.340.50 and Nations Trust Rs.336.49.

Sri Lankan rupee weakened further, with commercial bank TT rates at Rs. 332.09/342.70 and spot trading around Rs. 329.25–330.25, extending depreciation amid strong dollar demand, higher fuel import costs and Middle East tensions.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose as the ASPI gained 0.21% to 21,833, with banks leading turnover at Rs.599.8 million and the rupee weakening to Rs.352.50. Amana Bank announced a registered address change effective May 19, 2026; its shares closed up 1.85% at Rs.27.50.

HNB PLC has partnered with Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC to expand access to John Deere tractors via HNB leasing, offering special equal structured rentals. Customers also get a waived first-year credit card fee, discounted vehicle insurance and eligibility under the Govi Saviya product.

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) has partnered with Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) to provide tailored leasing solutions and special leasing rates for heavy machinery. HNB General Insurance will offer discounted machinery insurance and customers get a waived first-year credit-card annual fee.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down as the ASPI fell 1.98% to 21,856 amid concerns over rupee depreciation (buy 334.50 / sell 343.50). Top negatives included Melstacorp, Sampath Bank, John Keells, Ceylinco Insurance and HNB; Swisstek rose, and Ambeon reported a Q3 loss of Rs.221.7m with its share down 4.72%.

The ASPI fell 2.59% (592.28 points) to 22,313.47 — its third-largest single-day points decline — as the CSE closed sharply lower with turnover nearly Rs.4.9bn and foreign net outflow of Rs.114.3m. Key negative contributors included John Keells, RIL Property, Hayleys, Commercial Bank and Colombo Dockyard while capital goods and banking sectors led turnover and losses.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed slightly lower—ASPI down 0.07% at 22,298 and S&P SL20 down 0.21% at 6,148, with turnover Rs.2.32bn. Top contributors included Dialog, Vallibel One, Colombo Dockyard and Browns; Singer reported Q4 profit up 77% to Rs.2.48bn and Union Chemicals declared a Rs.44/share dividend.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 on 9 June 2026 at Taj Samudra, shifting focus to implementation, technical readiness and climate-linked finance. Platinum sponsors include Commercial Bank and Dilmah Tea; strategic sponsors include Nestlé Lanka, Cargills and Colombo Stock Exchange.

HNB Life PLC (HASU.N0000) said its Partnership Channel surpassed Rs. 10 billion in gross written premium, rising 58%, and won 'Best Life Bancassurance Provider – Sri Lanka' for the sixth consecutive year. The channel also posted 58% NBP growth and its highest-ever MDRT/COT/TOT achievers, and thanked parent Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000).

National Development Bank is facing allegations of a Rs. 13.2 billion fraud, prompting scrutiny of its audits, governance and supervisory oversight. A shareholder has filed derivative proceedings and commentators are calling for action from auditing and oversight bodies.

Merak 2026 secured the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Sensory Board, a 60-meter installation to raise autism awareness. Hatton National Bank served as Exclusive Banking Partner, with other sponsors including Nyne Hotels, Coca‑Cola and Brandix.

Colombo stock market edged down 0.09% to close at 22,899.53 (ASPI down 20.79 pts). Turnover was Rs.2.62bn with foreign investors net selling Rs.116m; top negative contributors included Dialog, Hemas, HNB, LOLC and Colombo Dockyard.

Nations Trust Bank (NTB.N0000) reported 1Q FY2026 PAT of LKR 4.6Bn (up 12% YoY) and completed the transfer of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail portfolio—about 230,000 accounts and 343 staff—on 1 May 2026. NIM was 5.66%, EPS rose to LKR 13.72, and Tier 1 and total capital ratios were 17.31% and 18.41% respectively.