News & market updates

WindForce secured Letters of Award for 12 standalone BESS projects totalling 120 MW/480 MWh with a combined investment of Rs. 20.79 billion under Sri Lanka’s first grid-scale standalone BESS program. Projects are to be developed on a 15-year BOO basis (80:20 debt-to-equity); WindForce will hold 100% in 11 sites and 50% with Vidullanka at Vavunathivu.

Hayleys PLC held the Chairman’s Awards 2025, with Haycarb PLC winning the Overall Award for innovation in specialty activated carbon for silicon‑carbon anode materials and Hayleys Fabric PLC winning an ESG award for a smart energy‑saving stenter system that cuts fuel use and CO₂ emissions. The awards highlighted innovations across energy transition, agriculture and logistics supporting exports and sustainability.

WindForce was awarded 12 standalone BESS projects (120 MW / 480 MWh, ~LKR 20.79bn) and Vidullanka secured the 10 MW / 40 MWh Vavunathivu project (~LKR 1.73bn) under CEB's first grid-scale storage programme. Projects are BOO with a 15-year operating period and ~80:20 debt-to-equity financing; WindForce will fully own 11 projects and partner with Vidullanka on Vavunathivu.

Ceylon Electricity Board has requested a 13.56% electricity tariff increase for 1 April–30 June 2026 to cover an estimated Rs. 15,847 million deficit. CEB forecasts total generation of 4,578 GWh (hydro 1,218 GWh, thermal 1,957 GWh, other renewables 1,402 GWh) and sales of 4,230.3 GWh.

Radisson Blu Resort Galle, Radisson Hotel Colombo and Radisson Hotel Kandy are introducing a fleet of electric vans supplied by Evolution Auto to electrify operations and reduce emissions. The fleet (KYC and King Long vans) will support staff, guest and logistics movements, include charging facilities, and cut fuel and maintenance costs.

The BOI, with the EU, ADB and ESCAP, will host the Sri Lanka Investment Forum on 30 March 2026 at Hotel Cinnamon Life to promote the country for high-value, sustainable and technology-driven investment.

Hayleys Mobility (Hayleys PLC) opened South Asia’s largest OMODA & JAECOO flagship showroom in Colombo 2, showcasing premium EV, PHEV and ICE models. The exclusive OJ distributor also offers charging infrastructure, guided test drives and a dedicated delivery centre.

The Board of Investment will host the Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2026 on 30 March at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, focusing on green transition and sector-led investments including renewable energy, green finance, services, manufacturing, infrastructure and leisure. The EU, ADB and ESCAP are supporting the event, which includes parallel sector sessions and a closed-door EU–SL investor dialogue.

Aitken Spence PLC reported Profit Before Tax of Rs. 5.6 billion for the nine months to 31 Dec 2025, up 30% year-on-year. Group revenue was Rs. 67 billion and Profit After Tax rose 42% to Rs. 3.4 billion, with Tourism contributing 68% of revenue.

Dividend · Rs 0.60 · XD Feb 24, 2026

First Interim dividend of LKR 0.6/share; XD 2026-02-24; record 2026-02-24; payable 2026-03-16; FY Year ending 31st March 2026

Aitken Spence PLC reported 9M PBT of Rs. 5.6 billion, a 30% increase year‑on‑year, and PAT up 42% to Rs. 3.4 billion for the nine months ended 31 Dec 2025. Tourism drove gains (PBT Rs.2.0b) while Maritime & Freight Logistics contributed Rs.3.3b; plantations, power and services also improved, offset by apparel losses.

DFCC Bank (DFCC.N0000) has issued a Basel III-compliant GSS+ Bond to channel long-term capital into green, social, sustainability and sustainability‑linked projects. The bond builds on DFCC's prior green and blue bonds and aims to strengthen regulatory capital while funding renewable energy, healthcare and inclusive infrastructure.

Huawei hosted the 1st Global C&I Visionaries Summit with over 550 C&I customers, partners and installers from 45 countries to promote its C&I Smart PV+ESS solutions and accelerate green, low‑carbon transformation across industries.

John Keells CG Auto and BYD opened Sri Lanka’s largest BYD‑dedicated body shop in Seeduwa, capable of accommodating over 100 vehicles simultaneously. The facility boosts collision repair capacity and turnaround for BYD and DENZA owners and forms part of BYD’s broader after‑sales expansion.

HUTCH Sri Lanka launched its first two sustainability-centric 'Signature' outlets (Signature+ at Colombo Fort and Signature in Negombo) featuring sustainable materials, wind and solar power and e-waste collection to promote a circular economy.

LOLC Finance (LOFC.N0000) renewed its ISO 14064-1:2018 greenhouse gas verification certificate for the third consecutive year, with independent verification of Scope 1–3 emissions covering its head office and more than 200 branches nationwide.

Hayleys PLC presented Haycarb PLC with the Overall Winner Award at the Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025 for its HCE 400 Series silicon‑carbon anode materials for lithium‑ion batteries. Hayleys Fabric PLC won the ESG Category Award for a smart energy‑saving system for stenter machines.

Sri Lanka will make sustainability reporting mandatory by 2028 for private companies with revenue above Rs. 10 billion, with the top 100 CSE-listed firms required to comply from 2025 under IFRS S1/S2. Parallel National Environmental Act reforms introduce strategic environmental assessment, load-based licensing and extended producer responsibility, and require board-level ownership of climate risks.

Hayleys Group held its Chairman’s Awards 2025, naming Haycarb PLC the Overall Winner for its specialty activated carbon for silicon‑carbon anodes for lithium‑ion batteries. Hayleys Fabric PLC won an ESG award for a Smart Energy Saving System (avoiding 159,600 kg CO₂e per machine annually) and group projects in coconut processing and logistics were also recognised.

Indian Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey said Sri Lanka can leverage India’s growing trade and investment network to boost ports, renewable energy, connectivity and integrated supply chains. He highlighted Colombo Port’s handling efficiencies and urged aligning policies with India to diversify beyond apparel and tourism.

ADB has appointed Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka, and she assumed office in Colombo today. Cowlin, with 26+ years' experience including work on energy, climate and public health, said ADB will support Sri Lanka's recovery and resilience, including cyclone damage.

Emirates Flight Catering commissioned a large-scale Power Knot LFC-3000 biodigester to process food waste, projected to avoid more than 2,000 tCO₂e annually at full capacity and biological maturity. Since December 2025 it has processed up to 3.5 t/day (capacity may reach ~6 t/day) and EKFC also cited solar generation and EV rollouts.

Hemas Holdings PLC reported 9M earnings of Rs.5.9bn, up 7.5% YoY on revenue of Rs.95.8bn (9.4% growth). Healthcare revenue grew 14.6% to Rs.57.6bn and the share price is up 68% YoY; the group also launched a digital transformation and Hemas AI Labs.

Cabinet approved tenders to install independent battery storage at 16 substations—10 MW/40 MWh each (total 160 MW/640 MWh) under a BOO model to boost solar integration and grid stability; 153 bids were received after the tender period was extended.

Cabinet approved the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2025–2030 to target 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity from renewables by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan outlines land prioritisation, a Renewable Energy Map, floating solar projects and stakeholder consultations on environmental and land-use concerns.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon signed an MoU with GAIA Greenenergy to expand its Green Loans and Green Leases, offering preferential rates from 10.00% p.a. and up to seven-year repayment to finance solar installations (promotion until 2 Dec 2026). GAIA will provide supply, installation, warranties and one year free service.

A Sri Lanka delegation led by Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeyasinghe met Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in Riyadh on 25 Jan 2026 to pitch investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and its capital market. PIF outlined its 2026–2030 strategic plan and both sides agreed to open follow-up channels and pursue a bilateral investment protection agreement.