News & market updates

The ASPI edged up 0.01% to 22,256.49 with turnover above Rs.1.56bn and foreign investors net-selling Rs.225mn. Hemas, NDB and Hayleys Fibre were top turnover contributors (Hemas and Hayleys up, Panasian Power down).

ASPI plunged 1,290.68 points (-5.4%) to 22,443.38 on Feb 3 after Middle East tensions triggered panic selling and a 30-minute circuit breaker; the S&P SL20 fell 322.32 pts (-4.9%). Turnover was Rs.9.6bn (up 62.9%); foreign investors net sold Rs.59.6m; decliners included COMB, SAMP, HNB, JKH and HAYL, while LIOC, CFLB, BOPL, MRH and MADU were among gainers.

Colombo market rebounded as the ASPI rose 38 points (+0.2%) and S&P SL20 gained 6 points (+0.1%), with turnover up to Rs.5.1 billion led by Teejay Lanka, Sierra Cables and Sampath Bank. Construction and banking stocks led gains; DFCC, SAMP and DIAL were top index movers and foreigners net bought Rs.56.1m.

Colombo market extended its rally after the Central Bank held policy rates, with the ASPI up 151.15 pts (0.79%) to 19,243. Turnover was Rs.6.23bn (235.33m shares) while foreigners were net sellers (Rs.99.6m); DFCC, Richard Pieris, NDB, Carson, NTB, JKH, Dockyard, Sunshine and RIL were among top contributors/movers.

Madulsima Plantations PLC's El Teb Estate reported an overall profit of Rs. 110.76 million in 2022. The Uva tea estate produces high-quality tea, operates a Pelton hydro-power plant and has invested in forestry, crop diversification and community development.

Hasitha Jayawardena has been appointed Chairman of Melstacorp PLC, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC and Madulsima Plantations; Stasshani Jayawardena was appointed Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC and named Deputy Chairperson of Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC. Both continue to hold or assume directorships across the group.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher: ASPI +1.38% to 16,734 and S&P SL20 +1.48% to 4,996, with turnover Rs2bn and net foreign outflow Rs75mn. Top contributors included Ceylinco Holdings, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank; several chairperson appointments were made following Harry Jayawardena's death.

Hasitha Jayawardena was appointed chairperson of Melstacorp and Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, effective 6 February, in stock exchange filings. He was also named chairperson of Balangoda Plantations and Madulsima Plantations; Melstacorp holds 92.44% of Distilleries.

Madulsima Plantations PLC appointed Reyaz Mihular and Dr. Ravi Fernando as Independent Non-Executive Directors, filling vacancies from the resignations of Dr. A. Shakthevate and D.S.K. Amarasekera. Both appointees have extensive board and sector experience, including roles at other listed companies.