News & market updates

Foreign investors' net holdings of Sri Lankan government securities surpassed Rs. 80 billion by February 2025, with a net addition of Rs. 1.6 billion in February after inflows of Rs. 11 billion and Rs. 9 billion in December and January respectively. Charts.lk noted currency volatility could slow further inflows.

AIA Insurance celebrated 20 years of bancassurance with a partners' event and previewed a publication, honouring bank partners including NDB, DFCC and Commercial Bank; the publication “In Pursuit of Perfection” will be released later this year.

Fairfirst Insurance opened a new City Office at No. 55 H, Kumaran Ratnam Road, Colombo 02 to enhance customer access and provide personalised insurance services and guidance.

Sri Lanka's rupee closed at 295.30/50 per US dollar, slightly weaker from 295.18/25 the previous day. Government bond yields were broadly steady — 15.12.2026 at 8.72–8.80% and 01.07.2028 at 10.18–10.22%.

Sri Lanka sold all 167 billion rupees of Treasury bills at Wednesday’s auction as yields edged lower: 3-months 22bn at 7.53% (-4bps), 6-months 61bn of 80bn at 7.86% (-1bp), 12-months 83.9bn at 8.34% (-1bp).

Dearo Investment signed an MoU with Ceylinco General Insurance on 26 February 2025 to provide insurance coverage to every customer transacting with Dearo nationwide.

Ceylinco Life retained its position as Sri Lanka's largest life insurer in 2024 with gross written premium income of Rs. 37.14 billion and total income of Rs. 65.54 billion. The company posted PBT of Rs. 10.05 billion, net profit of Rs. 7.07 billion and a CAR of 448%.

Dearo Investment signed an MoU with Ceylinco General Insurance on 26 February to provide insurance coverage to every customer who transacts with Dearo nationwide. Dearo operates over 30 branches and offers SME and entrepreneur financing, with plans for further expansion.

Colombo market opened March down with ASPI -1.9% and S&P SL20 -2.1%, turnover Rs.1.5bn; profit-taking in banks (led by HNB, COMB, NDB) drove the fall while CTC, SPEN and AHUN were among top positive contributors; foreigners net sold Rs.127.4m.

Ceylinco Life retained its No.1 position in Sri Lanka’s life insurance market in 2024 with gross written premiums of Rs 37.14 billion and total income of Rs 65.54 billion. It reported profit before tax of Rs 10.05 billion, profit after tax of Rs 7.07 billion, total assets of Rs 251.43 billion and a CAR of 448%.

Janashakthi Limited (JXG) outlines its evolution as a diversified financial conglomerate operating insurance, finance and leasing through subsidiaries Janashakthi Insurance (JINS), First Capital (CFVF) and Janashakthi Finance (BFN). The profile highlights leadership, workplace awards, innovation efforts and the Janashakthi Foundation's philanthropy.

Commercial Bank (COMB.N0000) and AIA Sri Lanka's exclusive bancassurance partnership secured over Rs.1.2 billion in annualised new premium in under a year. The tie-up has protected more than 3,000 individuals and maintains a life cover portfolio exceeding Rs.32 billion.

Janashakthi Group (JXG) reported group revenue of LKR 18.34 billion and EBIT of LKR 6.18 billion for the nine months ended 31 Dec 2024. Key subsidiaries—First Capital Holdings (revenue LKR 10.72bn, PAT LKR 4.53bn; First Capital Treasuries held LKR 66.19bn in govt securities), Janashakthi Insurance (GWP +44%, PAT LKR 3.53bn) and Orient Finance (PAT LKR 254m)—drove performance and the group was upgraded to BBB- by LRA.

Janashakthi Group (JXG) reported group revenue of Rs.18.34 billion and EBIT of Rs.6.18 billion for the nine months to 31 Dec 2024. Key contributors were First Capital Holdings (Rs.10.72bn), Janashakthi Insurance (Rs.4.89bn) and Orient Finance (Rs.3.52bn), and the group received a BBB- LRA rating.

Dividend · Rs 5.00 · XD Mar 11, 2025

First And Final dividend of LKR 5/share; XD 2025-03-11; record 2025-03-11; payable 2025-04-01; FY 31 December 2024

Fitch assigned Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General a 'CCC+' Insurer Financial Strength rating and an 'A+(lka)' National IFS with a Stable outlook. Fitch cited adequate capital but weak underwriting, high sovereign-related asset exposure and near-term pressure from higher health claims and directives on motor-related premiums.

Fitch assigned Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Life (SLIC Life) a 'CCC+' Insurer Financial Strength rating and an 'A+(lka)' national IFS rating with a Stable outlook. Fitch cited a favourable company profile, high investment/asset risks from sovereign exposure, and a satisfactory RBC ratio (646% at end-1H24).

Janashakthi Insurance (JINS.N0000) reported Rs. 6.6 billion in Gross Written Premiums for 2024, a 43% year-on-year increase, and held its 'Drive Me' campaign awards recognising top sales performers.

Sri Lanka sold Rs27.5 billion of government bonds — Rs15.0bn of 15 June 2029 at an average yield of 10.63% and Rs12.5bn of 15 December 2032 at an average yield of 11.41%; both issues were fully sold, available on tap and settle on March 3.

Janashakthi Insurance Company PLC reported LKR 6.6 billion in Gross Written Premiums for 2024, a 43% year-on-year increase. The company held its 'Drive Me' campaign awards in January 2025 to recognise top sales performers.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL) held its Star Awards on 24 January 2025 to honour top-performing sales professionals. The event, attended by Chairman Nusith Kumaratunga and senior management, highlighted the company's focus on sales performance and service excellence.

Ceylinco Life pledged Rs. 22.4 million for the 24th Pranama Scholarships in 2025, part of a programme totaling Rs. 240 million that will benefit 3,498 students; applications close 30 April 2025.

Allianz SE marks 135 years of global operation, and Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. celebrates 20 years of providing insurance services in Sri Lanka.

Hatton National Bank PLC reported Group PAT of Rs 44.8 Bn (Bank PAT Rs 41.3 Bn) for 2024, up from Rs 23.6 Bn, and declared a cash dividend of Rs 15.00 per share. Asset base topped Rs 2.0 Tn, Net Stage 3 ratio improved to 1.88%, and CASA and digital fee income strengthened.

Sri Lanka sold 140 billion rupees of Treasury bills at Tuesday's auction with yields edging lower: 3-months 7.57% (-4bp), 6-months 7.87% (-3bp) and 12-months 8.35% (-1bp).

Sanasa Life Insurance is the official insurer for the 95th Battle of the Maroons, providing coverage of Rs. 1 million per player and Rs. 500,000 per spectator.

Samson Insurance Brokers appointed industry veteran Nimal Balawardhane as Executive Director and announced expansion into life insurance brokering to broaden its offerings alongside existing general insurance services.