News & market updates

John Keells Holdings' John Keells Foundation ran Project WAVE activities for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women; Project WAVE has reached over 5.8 million people since its November 2014 launch.

The Sri Lanka–Russia Business Council held its 22nd AGM highlighting export opportunities in tea, rubber, spices and fisheries and renewed focus on promoting tourism with Russia remaining a top inbound market. The Council also flagged plans on trade settlement, SME access, tech transfer, renewables, logistics and education.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell 5.35% for the week, wiping out nearly Rs. 424 billion in market value. The ASPI hit a two-and-half-month low at 21,497.08 yesterday, with heavy losses in banking and capital-goods counters including JKH, HHL, COMB, SAMP, DFCC, NDB and HNB.

Over 25,000 tourists arrived during and after Cyclone Ditwah and Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams received Five-Star certification. Sri Lanka recorded over 2.1 million arrivals in the first 11 months, with November posting the highest monthly arrivals since March 2025.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams (COD), operated by John Keells Hotels, received a Five Star certification from Sri Lanka Tourism. The award was presented by Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam to COD CEO Sanjiv Hulugalle.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 5.4% over the week after Cyclone Ditwah, closing Friday at 21,497.08 as selling pressure hit the market. Banks and John Keells were top negative contributors, while some construction stocks (e.g., Swisstek) saw buying ahead of expected reconstruction projects.

Colombo bourse fell 1.87% to 21,826.59, wiping Rs.143 billion off market value with turnover of nearly Rs.3.78bn and foreign net selling of Rs.295.5m. Brokers said price losses in counters including Ceylinco, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank drove the slide amid adverse weather forecasts.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts (part of John Keells Hotels) has resumed operations at all previously cyclone-affected resorts and reports all properties are fully operational as of 1 December 2025. The John Keells Group and Foundation are assisting flood-affected communities while bookings and activities continue as scheduled.

Aitken Spence's local operator handled the luxury cruise Mein Schiff 06 arrival in Colombo with over 2,000 passengers onboard and more than 1,600 guests taking excursions. The visit mobilized 72 coaches and 30 vans and is being cited as a sign of tourism recovery.

Colombo Stock Exchange opened December sharply lower as the ASPI fell 3.04% to 22,022.06 following Cyclone Ditwah; the S&P SL20 lost 2.89% and turnover topped Rs.5.2bn with foreign net outflow of ~Rs.106.2mn. Capital Goods and Banking led turnover while Access Engineering rose and several banks and John Keells fell.

Cabinet approved the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' Fund to finance recovery from Cyclone Ditwah and appointed a management committee chaired by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando that includes private-sector representatives from Hayleys, John Keells, Aitken Spence and LOLC.

Government will establish a post-disaster rebuilding fund managed by a joint public–private committee to finance reconstruction of highways, irrigation, houses and plantations; the World Bank's GRADE damage assessment is expected in about two weeks.

Keells Supermarkets (part of John Keells) was recognised at the 2025 Meta Reels Impact Awards for Best Use of Innovation and Generative AI for campaigns managed by Roar AdX. Roar AdX also had 10 further client entries shortlisted at the event.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed 0.22% higher after trading ceased early at 12:30pm due to cyclone Ditwah; the ASPI rose 50.73 pts to 22,712.82 with turnover Rs 1.93bn. Top contributors included John Keells, Ceylinco, Aitken Spence, Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank.

Colombo market slid as the ASPI fell 0.80% (182.14 pts) to 22,662.09 and turnover dropped to about Rs.2.34 billion, a near five-month low. Banking counters (SAMP, COMB, HNB) and names including RICH, Hemas, Access Engineering, ACL Cables and Diesel & Motor drove the declines and top turnover.

John Keells Properties will be the Official Real Estate Partner for FACETS 2026 and will use the show (3-5 Jan 2026 at Cinnamon Life) to showcase the remaining 20% of its luxury residential properties.

A Germany-based Sri Lankan executive is promoting investment in Sri Lanka's cruise tourism, seeking to attract 5,000–7,000-passenger liners and link international cruise lines with local hotels. He is engaging SLPA, AHK and BOI and aims to establish operations in Colombo by 2027 pending feasibility studies.

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka held CATALYZE 2025 on 24 November, convening business leaders including John Keells, Aitken Spence, Hemas, Hayleys, DIMO and Kelani Valley Plantations to discuss digital supply chains, gender equality, climate action, water stewardship and other sustainability priorities.

John Keells' CG Auto facilitated DENZA's first Sri Lanka showroom at the Shoppes at City of Dreams and showcased the brand at Colombo Motor Show 2025, marking DENZA's market entry and staged rollout of its premium NEV lineup.

John Keells' authorised distributor JKCG Auto launched the all-new BYD ATTO 1 (300 km range) and BYD ATTO 2 in Sri Lanka, and both models are now open for bookings.

Colombo market ended a three-day decline as ASPI rose 0.77% (174.03 pts) to 22,819.91 and S&P SL20 gained 0.30% to 6,298.75. Market turnover exceeded Rs.4bn with banking counters (led by Hatton National Bank and DFCC) dominating activity while foreign investors were net sellers of ~Rs.213.2m.

ASPI fell 1.47% to 22,644.88, a five-week low, while the S&P SL20 dropped 1.33% to 6,279.71. Declines in banks and blue-chips led losses (notably HNB, RICH, NDB, SAMP and JKH); turnover was Rs.4.95bn with foreigners net buying ~Rs.83.2m and heavy activity in Hemas, DOCK and York.

Roar AdX secured 3 wins and 10 shortlisted entries at the 2025 Meta Reels Impact Awards, with Keells Supermarkets (John Keells group) and Spa Ceylon recognised in multiple categories for their reels and innovation.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell 1.47% to 22,644 as profit taking continued, with the ASPI down 338.72 points and the S&P SL20 down 1.21% to 6,287.81; turnover was 4.95 billion rupees. Top negatives included HNB, NDB, Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings.

The Colombo bourse fell, with the ASPI down 0.53% to 22,982.72 (slipping below 23,000) and the S&P SL20 down 0.28% to 6,364.61. Foreigners were net sellers (Rs.163.8m yesterday; Rs.461.8m net outflow for the week); Bukit Darah and Ambeon were among decliners while Renuka Agri and Access Engineering drew buying interest.

Elephant House Ice Cream (Ceylon Cold Stores) was crowned Brand of the Year at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2025 on 13 November, also winning Gold for Product Brand of the Year and Silver for Local Brand of the Year. John Keells said the awards reflect its consumer-focused investments and brand-strengthening efforts.

Colombo Bourse closed higher as ASPI rose 0.33% (75.10 pts) to 23,104.96 and the S&P SL20 gained 0.32% to 6,382.18 on turnover of Rs.3.49 billion, with foreign investors net selling Rs.40.9m. Sampath, Richard Pieris, Bukit Darah, John Keells and Carson were key positive contributors while Commercial Bank and CIC rose and Melstacorp fell.

John Keells Foundation (the CSR arm of John Keells Holdings PLC) sponsored a cutting-edge investigative software and delivered training to the Sri Lanka Police’s bureau for child and women abuse, contributing to the rescue of 22 children, arrest of 21 suspects and filing of 111 court cases in its first year.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI rose 0.33% (75.10 pts) to 23,104.96, ending a five-day losing streak as diversified conglomerates and financials led gains. Top contributors included Sampath Bank, John Keells, Bukit Darah, Carson Cumberbatch, CIC, Access Engineering and ACL Cables.

Union Assurance celebrated over 65 Partnership Distribution IROs who qualified for MDRT status for 2024, including two Top of the Table and 14 Court of the Table qualifiers. The event was held at Hilton Colombo and Union Assurance is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH).