News & market updates

First Capital says listed plantation firms AGAL, KGAL, KOTA and HOPL are well positioned to benefit from rising rubber prices as rubber makes up about 15%+ of their revenue. Dipped Products and exporters may also gain from higher rubber prices and rupee depreciation, while Kelani Tyres could face margin pressure.

Dividend · Rs 6.50 · XD Aug 25, 2025

First Interim dividend of LKR 6.5/share; XD 2025-08-25; record 2025-08-25; payable 2025-09-12; FY Year ending 31st March 2026

Kelani Tyres PLC (CEAT) was ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Tyre Brand for 2025, with brand value up 15% to Rs 2.325 billion and a Brand Strength Index of 83.3 (AAA-). The report notes CEAT's market leadership, 1.2m tyres sold annually and exports to over 110 countries.

ASPI crossed 18,000 to close at 18,026 as both indices rose about 7% for June, with turnover of Rs. 6.38bn led by LFIN, AEL, JKH, CFIN and SAMP.

Kelani Tyres PLC will invest Rs. 4 billion to upgrade its production infrastructure, financed by CEAT Kelani Holdings, following a board decision on 2 April.

Kelani Tyres' 50%-owned JV CEAT Kelani will invest Rs4 billion to upgrade production infrastructure. Kelani Tyres PLC's stock closed up 1.95% at Rs78.40.

Kelani Tyres (CEAT Kelani) was granted Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I status by Sri Lanka Customs, providing expedited customs clearance, reduced inspections and enhanced trade facilitation. The certification supports its export operations (around 20% of production) and recognises strong compliance and supply-chain security.

CEAT will acquire Camso's Off-Highway tyres and tracks business from Michelin for about $225 Mn (SLR 65 Bn), including two manufacturing plants and global brand rights. CEAT's long-running joint venture with Kelani Tyres PLC in Sri Lanka may gain from the expanded OHT portfolio, export earnings and employment.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower with the All Share Index down 0.84% to 11,361 and the S&P SL20 down 1.05% to 3,254 on turnover of 1.2 billion. Brokers said selling was driven by funds and individuals awaiting election clarity; net foreign inflow was 41 million.

Colombo stocks slipped as the S&P SL20 fell 0.4% and the ASPI 0.2%, with turnover rising to Rs. 798 million aided by crossings. Banking counters (Commercial Bank, HNB, Sampath) and blue chips (JKH, CTC) led losses while Kelani Tyres gained and foreign investors were net buyers (+Rs.15.6m).

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down: All Share Index fell 0.21% to 11,458 and S&P SL20 fell 0.43% to 3,288; turnover was 797 million with a net foreign inflow of 15.5 million. Top foreign buying included Melstacorp and John Keells, while foreign selling hit Commercial Bank, Ceylon Cold Stores, Associated Motor Finance and Talawakelle; top turnover contributors were Commercial Bank, Dialog, Kelani Tyres, HNB and John Keells.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed down—All Share Index fell 0.24% to 11,504 and S&P SL20 fell 0.24% to 3,300, with turnover of 539 million as election polls increased investor uncertainty.

Dividend · Rs 6.00 · XD Aug 27, 2024

First Interim dividend of LKR 6/share; XD 2024-08-27; record 2024-08-27; payable 2024-09-13; FY 31st March 2025

Colombo market edged up as S&P SL20 rose 0.3% and ASPI closed at 11,312, with turnover just Rs. 337.4m (down 60.3% vs the month’s average). Commercial Bank, Melstacorp, NDB and Tokyo Cement were top contributors amid mixed activity across banking, capital goods and tourism stocks.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed up (All Share Index +0.08% to 11,312; S&P SL20 +0.28% to 3,233) while turnover remained low at 337 million rupees. Net foreign outflow was 5.7 million, Dialog reported weaker quarterly results, and several banks and listed stocks saw modest foreign buying/selling.