News & market updates

NDB Bank partnered with Bishop’s College to launch NDB Pixel, a youth banking awareness program introducing a teen account for 13–17-year-olds with NEOS mobile banking and a dedicated, customizable debit card. The account includes parental oversight via SMS alerts and e-statements.

NCGIL issued its first guarantees to Commercial Bank (COMB), Hatton National Bank (HNB) and Citizens Development Business Finance (CDB) to partly cover MSME loans under a new ADB-funded program (USD 50m), offering guarantees currently up to 67% of principal.

The CSE opened May on a mixed note as turnover hit a new high of Rs. 6 billion while the ASPI rose 52 points to 15,852; crossings in CT Holdings and Cargills dominated activity, together accounting for the bulk of turnover. Banking and food retail stocks, including Pan Asia Banking and Lankem, were also among top contributors.

NCGIL began operations and issued its first guarantees to Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Citizens Development Business Finance to partly cover loans to three MSMEs; the ADB-funded, GOSL-backed vehicle has USD50m funding and offers guarantees up to 67% for term loans (LKR 0.5m–25m).

The SEC, with ADB technical support, released a regulatory framework enabling issuance and trading of Green, Blue, Social and Sustainability‑Linked (GSS+) bonds on the Colombo Stock Exchange, allowing sovereigns and corporates to raise capital for environmental and social projects.

ASPI rose 0.33% to 15,851.74 while the S&P SL20 fell 0.12% to 4,638.29, with John Keells Holdings the top negative contributor. Banking stocks were mostly negative (HNB, Sampath, Commercial, NDB down; DFCC, NTB up) and exporters showed mixed moves (Teejay, Hayleys Fabric, Dipped Products, Haycarb).

ASPI rose 51.80 points (0.33%) to 15,851.74 as turnover hit Rs. 5.9bn, driven by Rs. 2bn crossings in C T Holdings and Cargills. Pan Asia Banking, C T Holdings, DFCC, Melstacorp and Nations Trust were top contributors while John Keells, HNB, Commercial Bank, NDB and Access Engineering weighed on the index.

Colombo market ended a four-day winning streak as the ASPI fell 0.4% (67 points) to 15,800 and the S&P SL20 dropped 0.6%. Turnover was Rs.2.37bn; banking, diversified financials and Food & Beverage led declines, and foreign investors were net sellers of Rs.90.6m.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 0.31% to 15,818.77 ahead of local elections, led by selling in banking counters such as Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank; export-linked stocks including Hayleys, Teejay Lanka, Haycarb and Dipped Products also slipped.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower: ASPI fell 67.40 points (-0.42%) to 15,799.94. Broad profit-taking hit banks (HNB, SAMP, COMB, CTHR, NDB) while MELS, GLAS, SINS and DIST were among gainers; turnover was Rs.2.37bn with net foreign outflow.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB.N0000) is promoting Avurudu offers with up to 70% discounts at 400+ merchants and 0% installment plans up to 36 months on NDB Cards. Offers include 0% installments for education, health, home appliances, travel benefits and zero fuel surcharges.

NDB Bank is the official banking partner of the fifth International Inventions and Innovations Exhibition and Competition “Sahasak Nimavum” run by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission. The national phase (25–27 April at BMICH) showcased over 1,000 inventions and NDB framed the partnership as part of its sustainability and inclusive innovation support.

NDB Bank has reaffirmed its role as Official Banking Partner of the fifth 'Sahasak Nimavum' International Inventions and Innovations Exhibition (national phase 25–27 Apr 2025), showcasing 1,000+ inventions and highlighting its support for innovation, sustainability and digital entrepreneurship.

NDB Bank hosted a free medical eye camp at its Vavuniya branch under its NDB Aachara pensioner product, providing free eye exams and discounts to over 75 pensioners. The initiative aimed to support senior citizens' wellbeing and strengthen NDB's community presence in Vavuniya.

Colombo Bourse closed the week higher, with the ASPI up ~2% and finishing at 15,742 after a 126-point gain on Friday. Market gains were led by LOLC, RCL, NDB, SUN and MELS, with Friday turnover at Rs.2.4bn (Capital Goods, Food & Beverage and Diversified Financials leading) while foreigners were net sellers (Rs.103.6m).

Colombo stocks rose 0.81% as exporters rallied on expectations of a US–Sri Lanka trade deal, with the ASPI closing at 15,742.04 (up 126.41 pts). Key contributors included Teejay Lanka, Hayleys Fabric, Haycarb, Dipped Products, LOLC and Royal Ceramics, while selected banks (Sampath, HNB, Amana) fell.

National Development Bank (NDB.N0000) partnered with Ananda College and Jaffna Hindu College for their annual joint sports festival 'උතුරින් නෑගම්' on 4 April 2025. The partnership is a CSR initiative supporting youth empowerment, community unity and student sports.

NDB Bank (NDB.N0000) partnered with Clean Ocean Force Lanka to complete three dives at Bar Reef and the east coast, removing over 130 kg of marine debris (90 kg ghost nets, 38 kg plastic, 5 kg fishing hooks) as part of its sustainability agenda.

Colombo market slipped for a third day as the ASPI closed at 15,544 (down ~12 points) while the S&P SL20 rose 0.05%; turnover was Rs.1.09bn, 57% below the monthly average. Food, Beverage & Tobacco led turnover, banking sentiment stayed weak; JKH, SUN, CCS rose while CFIN, DFCC and MELS lagged.

Colombo market stayed bearish as the ASPI fell 43 points (0.28%) and the S&P SL20 dipped 0.68% on turnover of Rs.991.4m, with foreign net selling of Rs.63.4m. Banking names (COMB, HNB, NDB) and JKH weighed on the index while pockets of interest were seen in CINS, ASIR and COCR and retail interest in PAP, LVEF and LOFC.

Colombo stocks fell with the ASPI down 0.28% at 15,555.86 as uncertainty over US tariffs and Fed interest-rate commentary hit exporters and banks; key decliners included John Keells, Hayleys, Teejay, Haycarb and major banks, with a net foreign outflow of Rs 64m.

NDB Bank's Toastmasters club won multiple prizes at the 2025 Area E4 contests: Mohamed Fazlan (1st, Table Topics), Jeewantha Induruwa (2nd, International Speech) and Senal Ratnayake (2nd, Table Topics); winners advance to the Division E Year-End Conference 2025.

NDB Bank partnered as a strategic partner for the Association of Professional Bankers' 35th Anniversary Convention in Colombo, with NDB's CEO participating on a panel addressing sustainable economic recovery, digital banking and risk management.

The Trade Finance Association of Bankers held its 28th AGM on 19 February and re‑elected Shyam De Silva of Hatton National Bank as President; the body unveiled a new Vision/Mission and emphasised digital innovation, industry collaboration, global standards and professional development in trade finance.

The CSE and SEC held an Issuer Forum in Gampaha to guide SMEs on raising capital via listing on the Empower and Diri Savi Boards. NDB Investment Bank delivered the main presentation and Mahaweli Coconut Plantations' MD participated on the panel.

NDB Bank has signed the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code, committing to expand access to finance for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises as Sri Lanka adopts the Code nationally.

NDB Bank (NDB.N0000) served as a strategic partner for the Association of Professional Bankers' 35th Anniversary Convention and CEO Kelum Edirisinghe participated on a panel on sustainable economic recovery. The event drew 300+ banking leaders, including the Central Bank governor, and covered digital banking and risk-management strategies.

National Development Bank (NDB) hosted an Exporter’s Forum in Kurunegala on 4 April 2025 to present tailored business banking, trade finance and advisory solutions aimed at helping exporters and SMEs scale internationally.

Colombo market reopened after Avurudu with the ASPI up 99.68 pts (0.64%) to 15,626 and the S&P SL20 up 29.95 pts, on low turnover of Rs.792.8m; foreigners were net sellers of Rs.50.1m. Top contributors and turnover drivers included CFIN, NDB, CCS, COCR, CTC and HNB.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 0.67% (104.32 pts) to 15,630.52 as apparel and export stocks fell while financial stocks gained. Teejay Lanka and Hayleys Fibre slid, while Central Finance, NDB and LOLC Finance were among gainers; several finance names saw high volumes.