News & market updates

National Development Bank (NDB.N0000) has detected a fraud involving employees and third parties with initial estimated losses of around Rs380mn and warns final losses could be substantially greater. The bank has referred the matter to law enforcement, informed the central bank and says customer deposits remain secure.

NDB Bank will launch NDB Rewards, a fully digital points-earning programme for eligible credit cardholders effective 1 March 2026. Points are valued at LKR1 each, earn up to 5X on international and up to 2X on domestic lifestyle spends, and are redeemable across 180+ partners with automatic enrolment for eligible Platinum+ cardholders.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed marginally down as the ASPI fell 0.12% to 21,066.18 after an intra-day dip below 21,000, with turnover ~Rs.3.6bn and foreign net outflows of Rs.125m. Sampath, NDB, Hayleys, ACL Cables and PGP Glass were cited as top negative contributors and the ASPI was down 11.24% for March.

Deputy Minister says some Sri Lanka bank branches are blocking access to a Rs95bn government-subsidized SME credit facility, and that Commercial Bank, HNB and NDB have exhausted initial quotas. The Finance Ministry is expected to allocate additional funds to these banks next quarter.

The ASPI fell 1.33% (283.49 pts) to 21,092.24 as Colombo market opened lower amid rising oil prices and Mideast tensions; principal detractors included John Keells, NDB, Hayleys, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank while Lanka IOC and Browns Investments saw gains.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) was named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank and secured the #1 domestic ranking at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026. The client-voted award highlights NDB’s trade finance, transaction banking, treasury services and digital platforms (NEOS, TradeLinc) supporting exporters.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB.N0000) was named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank and secured the #1 domestic ranking at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026. The client-voted accolade highlights NDB's trade finance, treasury and digital capabilities supporting exporters.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down 1.33% as Brent crude stayed above $115/bbl; ASPI fell 283.49 pts to 21,092.24 and S&P SL20 dropped 91.03 pts to 5,908.96. Turnover was Rs 4.76bn with diversified financials contributing Rs 1.612bn; JKH and Sampath saw crossings.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell, with the ASPI down 0.86% to 21,192.24 as Brent crude climbed past $115/bbl. Turnover was Rs 1 billion; top gainers were Bukit Darah (up 8.96%) and Browns Investments (up 8.77%), while Hayleys, Commercial Bank and NDB were among the biggest losers.

ASPI rose 3.56% for the week but closed yesterday down 0.21% at 21,375.73 as the bourse ended a volatile week; foreign investors were net sellers of over Rs.1.2 billion and market turnover was about Rs.2.7 billion.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell 3.4% over the week; ASPI closed at 21,375.73 (-0.21%) and S&P SL20 at 5,999.99, with turnover of 2.67 billion rupees. Top negative contributors were John Keells, NDB and Cargills, while Ambeon Capital's subsidiary offered to buy 1,919,600 Harishchandra shares at Rs 3,400.

Dossiers won $350,000+ in Google Gemini AI credits to expand its proprietary compliance database across South Asia. Sri Lankan banks and NBFIs, including existing clients tied to NDB and Sampath (via their securities/wealth units), could benefit as the country prepares for its 2026 FATF/APG evaluation.

Colombo Stock Exchange opened higher, ASPI up 0.71% to 21,571.61, led by consumer durables and apparel with Teejay Lanka contributing Rs.546.8 million to morning turnover. Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank were top positive contributors; National Development Bank was the top negative contributor.

National Development Bank (NDB) raised Rs. 16 billion via its inaugural Basel III-compliant Tier II GSS+ thematic bond, oversubscribed on 10 March 2026 and now Sri Lanka’s largest such issuance. GGGI provided technical assistance and has supported NDB, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and DFCC in developing sustainable finance frameworks.

Dividend · 1:80.418074 at Rs 144.27 · XD Mar 27, 2026

Dividend; XD 2026-03-27; record 2026-03-29; payable 2026-04-21; FY 31st December 2025

National Development Bank (NDB.N0000) raised LKR16 billion in Sri Lanka's largest GSS+ BASEL III-compliant tier-2 bond issuance, selling 160 million bonds after an initial offer was oversubscribed with coupons around 11.04–11.85%. Proceeds will fund SMEs, women's empowerment and green/blue economy projects and the bonds are listed on the CSE.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher: ASPI +1.35% to 20,360.27 and S&P SL20 +4.24% to 5,927.87, led by gains in Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, John Keells, Hatton National Bank and Hayleys. Market turnover was Rs.4.22bn; capital goods saw the most turnover and NDB raised Rs.16bn in a green/sustainability-linked bond.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB.N0000) raised Rs. 16 billion through its first BASEL III‑compliant GSS+ bond issuance, the largest GSS+ bond issue in Sri Lanka. The tier-2 listed, rated, unsecured subordinated issue was oversubscribed and proceeds will finance SMEs, women’s empowerment and green/blue initiatives.

National Development Bank PLC raised LKR 16 bn through its first BASEL III compliant GSS+ bond issuance, the largest GSS+ bond issue in Sri Lanka to date. Proceeds will finance SMEs, women’s empowerment and green and blue initiatives.

Dividend · Rs 2.04

Dividend of LKR 2.04/share; FY 31st December 2025

Dividend · Rs 6.46 · XD Mar 27, 2026

First And Final dividend of LKR 6.46/share; XD 2026-03-27; record 2026-03-29; payable 2026-04-21; FY 31st December 2025

Sri Lanka's banks will operate shorter hours on Wednesdays to conserve fuel, with most branches open 9:00–13:00; Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank have issued islandwide notices (Commercial Bank: mini/supermarket branches 9:30–15:00, others 9:00–13:00; NTB also suspends Saturday services).

Colombo Stock Exchange has lost over Rs. 1.1 trillion in value since the Middle East war began, with the ASPI down 2.49% (521.17 pts) to 20,418.09 yesterday. Panic selling hit retail investors, with COMB, HAYL, DOCK, NDB and AEL among 227 decliners and net foreign selling of Rs.104.7m.

National Development Bank (NDB.N0000) has allotted 160 million Basel III-compliant Tier 2 GSS+ bonds, raising Rs. 16 billion after exercising an oversubscription option. The allotment (including 50 million preferential bonds) is subject to cheque realisation and applicant verification.

Commercial Bank, HNB and NDB have fully exhausted their current MSME loan quotas and the Ministry of Finance expects to provide new allocations for these banks. As of March 10 the government had approved Rs 17.4 billion in loans and 7,100 people had qualified, with larger concessionary schemes planned.

National Development Bank (NDB) raised LKR 16.0 billion through a Basel III-compliant Tier II GSS+ bond issuance that was oversubscribed on the opening day; proceeds will fund eligible green, social and sustainability projects.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) raised Rs. 16 billion via Basel III-compliant Tier II Unsecured Subordinated GSS+ Bonds to be listed on the CSE; the issue opened on 10 March 2026 and was oversubscribed the same day. Proceeds will fund eligible green, social and sustainability projects, including renewable energy.

National Development Bank PLC said its Basel III-compliant GSS+ Tier 2 bond issue was oversubscribed, with applications exceeding 160 million bonds against an initial offering of up to 120 million (plus a 40 million oversubscription option), potentially raising Rs.16 billion. The bank will notify the Colombo Stock Exchange of the basis of allotment.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) partnered with Home Lands at the Property Investment Roadshow 2026 and introduced a specialised home loan package offering up to 120% financing (100% of property value plus 20% for furnishing/remodeling). The event also launched about 1,000 resort apartments and NDB provided on-site relationship officers and flexible repayment options.