News & market updates

United Motors Lanka PLC donated Rs. 10 million to the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' Fund to support reconstruction and livelihoods recovery after Cyclone Ditwah.

Employers’ Federation of Ceylon donated Rs. 1 million to the "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" Fund to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The donation was presented to Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, with federation officials in attendance.

Colombo Stock Exchange rose 1.49% as the ASPI closed 313.56 points higher at 22,445.89, led by gains in Colombo Dockyard, Melstacorp, HNB and Commercial Bank. Market turnover fell to 3.4 billion rupees and net foreign outflow was 36.73 million rupees, led by John Keells.

Cyclone Ditwah has inflicted widespread damage in Sri Lanka, with reconstruction costs estimated up to US$7 billion and GDP growth seen slowing to about 3% in 2026. Business confidence fell (BCI down from 189 to 164) and the government has sought US$200m in IMF emergency aid.

Sri Lanka's Securities and Exchange Commission is exploring introducing infrastructure and municipal bonds to fund reconstruction and public projects, with a proposal submitted and talks planned with selected municipal councils. The SEC said bonds would be raised project-by-project and open to small investors, but weak municipal creditworthiness and post‑crisis risks remain.

Sri Lanka sought Chinese support to establish a nationwide EV charging network and to urgently restore railway lines and bridges damaged by Cyclone Ditwah; the Chinese ambassador said Beijing will assess the damage and convey the request to authorities.

Sri Lanka has asked China to support installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide, and the Chinese ambassador said he will relay the request to Beijing. The government also sought Chinese help to reconstruct flood‑damaged railway lines and bridges and assist with cyclone relief.

SLIIT’s Civil Engineering honours degree received full five-year recognition from the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), upgrading from prior conditional status. The recognition validates the programme’s curriculum, faculty and facilities and strengthens graduates’ pathway to Chartered Engineer status, supporting the construction sector.

Port City Colombo marks 11 years as CHEC reiterates progress, announcing commissioning of public utility connections to Colombo’s grid and citing over USD 1bn in land development investments, including a USD 120m marina by Browns Investments (LOLC group).

Macksons Tiles Lanka (Macktiles) completed its first export shipment of tiles to Australia, marking the company's entry into international markets. The tiles are produced using Sri Lankan raw materials and Italian technology, highlighting its manufacturing capabilities.

Colombo Dockyard PLC (DOCK.N0000) entered contracts in December 2025 to construct two more underwater restaurant structures for Maldivian resorts. The company has completed multiple underwater restaurant and gallery projects, including a 50-seater for OBLU Ailafushi (2022) and 2025 installations.

The Management Club will host the Northern Investment Summit 2026 on 21–22 January 2026 in Jaffna to showcase KPMG-vetted, district-specific bankable proposals aimed at unlocking investment in the Northern Province; Hatton National Bank (HNB) is the official banking partner.

Government budget deficit for Jan–Nov 2025 fell 73.25% YoY to Rs. 325.6bn while the primary surplus rose 109.28% to Rs. 1.94tn. Parliament approved Rs. 500bn supplementary and Rs. 200bn reallocated (Rs.700bn) for post‑Ditwah relief, and the IMF approved a $206m RFI.

Depositors allege court-appointed controllers of the defunct Finance & Guarantee group diverted asset sale proceeds — including an alleged Rs.200m hotel investment and other withdrawals — contrary to a Supreme Court-approved 51% repayment plan, and will seek renewed Court intervention.

S&P Global says global credit conditions should remain resilient into 2026, supported by steady growth, easing interest rates and investor demand, but warns of uneven sector outlooks and risks from potential overinvestment in AI-driven data centres. It forecasts 3.2% global growth and a US speculative-grade default rate easing to 4% by Sept 2026.

At SLABA's flagship forum, apparel industry leaders warned the sector is on fragile stability and urged immediate structural reforms to boost exports and productivity; speakers cautioned exchange-rate volatility, interest-rate risk and weak domestic demand could force macro adjustments.

Prime Lands donated Rs. 200 million to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to support recovery and rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

ITOCHU, S & D Chemicals, the Irrigation Engineering Diplomates Association and Sciences & Information Technology City Campus donated a total of Rs. 14.1 million to the "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" Fund to support reconstruction and livelihoods after Cyclone Ditwah; cheques were handed to the Secretary to the President.

Damro Group donated Rs. 50 million to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to support rebuilding and restore livelihoods after the Ditwah cyclone. The cheque was handed to the Secretary to the President by Damro MD Nalaka Gunathilake and Director Prasanna Kodippili.

National Development Bank PLC donated Rs. 50 million to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to support Cyclone Ditwah recovery; the cheque was handed over by NDB Deputy CEO K. V. Vinoj to the Secretary to the President.

SITC Campus CEO Cader Rahmathulla donated Rs. 1,000,000 to the government's 'Rebuild Sri Lanka' Fund to support relief and infrastructure rebuilding after Cyclone Ditwah.

The Cabinet approved awarding the contract to Sathuta Builders Ltd to plan and complete the remaining work on the Torrington Mawatha housing project in Colombo 07, covering 115 housing units.

The SEC has deferred the suspension of trading in Millennium Housing Developers PLC shares until 31 August 2026 (previously due 31 December 2025). The company was placed on the Watch List in December 2023 after auditors raised a going-concern emphasis for FY2023, repeated in FY2024 and FY2025; shares closed at Rs.6.60.

Prime Group donated Rs. 10 million and supplied educational materials to 1,000 children of Sri Lanka Police families affected by Cyclone Ditwah to help them continue their schooling.

Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC led flood-response efforts in Biyagama—supporting evacuations, delivering food, clean water and supplies, and clearing debris after water levels rose to nearly 10 feet (~3 m). The company is pursuing a permanent community stronghold on higher ground to boost future flood resilience.

Rhino Roofing Products Ltd donated 300 roofing sheets to the Brothers of Charity Learning Disability Services to complete a new classroom building at Daluwakotuwa, creating a safer learning space for students with learning disabilities.

The Jaffna International Trade Fair will return 23–25 January 2026 at Muttraweli Ground, featuring 400+ stalls; last year the event attracted 78,452 visitors and 5,000 invited business delegates.