News & market updates

Hayleys Agriculture Holdings was appointed the exclusive Sri Lanka distributor for Evonik Industries AG’s specialty animal nutrition portfolio, giving Hayleys PLC exclusive rights to introduce Evonik products (GUTCARE, SPEOCARE T60, GUANAMINO) to the local poultry industry.

Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC (MBSL) recalibrated the MBSL Midcap Index effective 1 January 2026, setting the midcap market-cap range at Rs. 8.45 billion–Rs. 84.5 billion and selecting 25 constituents. New inclusions include Sierra Cables, Aitken Spence, Vallibel Finance, Lanka IOC, JAT Holdings and Prime Lands; Citizens Development, CIC, Ceylon Grain Elevators, John Keells, Hayleys Fabric, Teejay Lanka and Watawala Plantations were excluded.

John Keells Holdings PLC led a consortium donating Rs. 400 million to the government's 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' Fund for Cyclone Ditwah relief; contributors included Nations Trust Bank (Rs.100m), SAGT (Rs.100m), Union Assurance (Rs.50m) and Elephant House (Rs.50m).

Colombo market rose for a ninth straight session as the ASPI gained 1.21% to 23,292.91, with market turnover about Rs. 6.6bn; banking counters led activity and top positive contributors included HNB, COMB, JKH, NDB and SAMP.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts reports female workforce participation of 19.5% and 22% female leadership, targeting 30% workforce representation by 2030. The group highlights the appointment of Thanuja Mudiyanselage as Resort Manager at Trinco Blu as a leadership milestone supporting inclusion and empowerment initiatives.

John Keells Holdings PLC-led consortium contributed Rs. 400 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund for Cyclone Ditwah relief; contributions included Nations Trust Bank Rs.100m, SAGT Rs.100m and Rs.50m each from Lanka Marine, Jaykay Marketing, Union Assurance and Elephant House.

Melstacorp's Melsta Hospitals became Sri Lanka's first hospital to earn Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation under the 8th edition. The hospital says it will expand specialties, upgrade infrastructure and pursue medical tourism to attract international patients.

Colombo stocks rose as the ASPI gained 1.21% to 23,292.91 and the S&P SL20 hit a six-week high of 6,379.11, led by gains in HNB, Commercial Bank, John Keells, NDB, Sampath Bank and Lanka IOC.

CT Smith said the Colombo bourse hit record highs in 2025, with the ASPI up 42% YoY to 22,624 and the S&P SL20 up 27% YoY to 6,157. Net foreign outflow was Rs. 38,563mn, average daily turnover rose to Rs. 5,181mn, with net foreign buying in DIAL, PKME and RICH and selling in JKH, CTHR and HNB.

Colombo market rose as the ASPI gained 0.66% (150.67 pts) to 23,014.75, with market value up Rs.58.89 billion and turnover ~Rs.5.8 billion. Top contributors included Commercial Bank, ACL Cables, Dipped Products, Carson Cumberbatch, LOLC and Sampath, and foreigners were net buyers (~Rs.87.8m).

Hayleys PLC's logistics arm, Hayleys Advantis, signed a Terminal Service Agreement with SLPA Terminals and CMA CGM to formalise vessel scheduling and cargo handling, aiming to increase container volumes and improve terminal efficiency at the Port of Colombo.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose 0.66% as the ASPI closed 150.67 points higher at 23,014.75. Top contributors included Commercial Bank, Carson Cumberbatch, ACL Cables, LOLC and Sampath Bank; turnover rose to 5.7 billion rupees and net foreign outflow was 87 million rupees.

Sunshine Holdings PLC partnered with Great Place To Work, secured recurring GPTW Certification and was named one of Sri Lanka’s Best Workplaces 2024 after implementing initiatives that improved onboarding, retention, leadership communication and talent attraction, including in healthcare roles.

Sunshine Holdings' Healthguard Distribution obtained ISO 9001:2015 and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certifications for all seven of its regional distribution centres in Sri Lanka. The Bureau Veritas/UKAS-backed credentials validate its quality management and bolster its regulated island-wide pharmaceutical distribution (DaaS) capabilities.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, the 33rd edition of Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition, opened at Cinnamon Life in Colombo, drawing international buyers and highlighting sustainable sourcing. The event occupies two floors and is expected to support hotel bookings and broader tourism activity in Colombo.

Sunshine Holdings PLC strengthened its workplace culture after partnering with Great Place To Work, earning recurring GPTW certification and being named one of Sri Lanka’s Best Workplaces in 2024. It launched onboarding reforms, a feedback platform, career clinics and other HR initiatives to improve retention and talent attraction.

Sunshine Holdings PLC (SUN) has been included in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, effective 22 December 2025 (after market close on 19 December 2025), reflecting its ~LKR70 billion market capitalisation and six‑month median daily value traded of LKR45.6 million which meets index thresholds.

Sunshine Holdings PLC has been included in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index following the 2025 year-end rebalance, effective from 22 December 2025. The group reports a market capitalisation of ~LKR 70 billion and a six‑month median daily value traded of Rs.45.6 million, above the index liquidity threshold.

John Keells Properties' TRI‑ZEN residential development (897 units) has launched an on-site Tea Avenue Daily Brew café exclusive to residents, enhancing on-site amenities and living experience.

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS.N0000) won the Winner Award at the Sri Lanka National Quality Awards 2023 in the Large, Manufacturing category. The SLSI-presented accolade recognizes organisational and manufacturing excellence and reinforces CCS's leadership in Sri Lanka's FMCG sector.

Port City Colombo has commissioned public utility connections to Colombo’s main grid and attracted over $1bn in land development investments as it moves into full commercial operations. Browns Investments PLC (part of the LOLC group) has broken ground on a $120m Luxury Marina with berthing for 200 vessels.

ASPI rose 42% in 2025, lifting market capitalization 41.67% to Rs. 8.07 trillion and generating Rs. 2.4 trillion in value. Final-day turnover exceeded Rs. 4.6 billion, three firms (CALH, JFP, WTS) listed during the year, and JKH, SFCL, ACL, SAMP and HASU were top contributors.

The WCIC Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025 will be held on 13 January 2025 at the Colombo Hilton to recognise outstanding women entrepreneurs from Sri Lanka and the SAARC region; event partners include DFCC Bank and Hayleys PLC.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI rose 41.7% year-on-year in 2025, closing 0.79% higher at 22,624.31 on Dec 31. Capital goods, food & beverage and banking led turnover, with John Keells, Senkadagala Finance, ACL Cables, Sampath Bank and HNB Assurance among top contributors; net foreign outflow was Rs103 million.

Aggregate profits of 273 listed companies fell 12% YoY to Rs.176.5 billion in Sep-25, ending a seven-quarter growth streak. Banks (Rs.52bn, +39% YoY) and diversified financials (Rs.39bn, +112% YoY) underpinned a QoQ rebound, while food, beverage & tobacco and capital goods posted steep declines.

Sri Lanka’s 2025 combined IMF-backed stabilization and reform gains with a late-November setback from Cyclone Ditwah. Key items include a Central Bank rate cut (lending window to 8.25%), DFCC’s sale of a 50% Acuity stake to HNB for LKR 6.5bn, and John Keells launching the $1.2bn City of Dreams resort alongside major energy project deals and rooftop-solar grid issues.

John Keells Foundation and Victoria Golf Resort vested the Nithulemada Model Pre-School in Medadumbara Pradeshiya Sabha, Kandy District, completed in October 2025 to improve access to early childhood education for 3–5 year-olds.

John Keells Properties reports TRI-ZEN in Colombo 02 is achieving rents of >USD1,000 (1-bed), ~USD1,250 (2-bed) and ~USD1,400 (3-bed), implying rental yields of about 5.5–6% as demand and limited availability accelerate interest. The development's amenities and integrated smart-home technology are cited as key drivers.