Category: Economy and Markets
Wealthtrust Securities (WLTH) explodes higher in stock market debut
January 8, 2026 (LBO) – Wealthtrust Securities (WLTH), a leading primary dealer of government securities in Sri Lanka, has spiked 167% from its IPO price in its stock market debut. WLTH shares closed the day at LKR 18.70/share after coming public at an IPO price of just seven Sri Lankan Rupees. The IPO was heavily […]
Central Bank’s Gross Official Reserves Surpasses USD 6.8 Bn in Dec 2025, Highest Level Since Crisis
The Central Bank has announced that Gross Official Reserves (GOR) surged to over US dollars 6.8 billion by the end of 2025, marking the highest level of reserves recorded since the economic crisis. This was largely supported by US dollars 2.0 billion in net foreign exchange purchases made by the Central Bank (on value date […]
CSE Halts Market Trading to Ensure a Fair and Orderly Market
WealthTrust Securities Limited commenced trading on Diri Savi Board on 07th January 2026 and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) observed unusually high prices of certain transactions of WealthTrust Securities Limited due to market orders being matched with these unusually high sell orders. The CSE further observed that those clients who have sold the shares at […]
SEC and CSE Collaborate to Expedite Listings Through Advisor Awareness
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) conducted an awareness session for Corporate Finance Advisors focusing on enhancing regulatory compliance and streamlining the listing process. The forum brought together Corporate Finance Advisors and senior officials from the SEC and CSE to enhance the listing process […]
SEC Eases Minimum Public Holding Rules for Listings via Introductions to Boost Market Flexibility
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has approved amendments to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Listing Rules to provide greater flexibility regarding the Minimum Public Holding (MPH) requirement for companies listing through the Introduction method. These revisions were proposed and deliberated under Project 6 – New Listings (Public and Private), one of […]
CoPF Chairman Harsha de Silva urges President to appoint an Auditor General
Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately fill the Auditor General vacancy, which has been open since December 7. In a letter dated December 22, Dr. de Silva emphasized that the absence of an Auditor General disrupts constitutional mandates under Articles 148 […]
The Chamber of Northern Exporters (CNE) Delivering Goods and Services From Jaffna and the Northern Province
By Jekhan Aruliah We have heard it so many times, “We must export more!”. We have heard it from politicians and economists and assorted commentators of assorted quality through miscellaneous channels. “We must export more” deserves the internet acronym SOTBO. Internet slang for a “Statement Of The Bleeding Obvious”. A statement so basic, so self-evident, […]
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2025 Year End rebalance. The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd December 2025 (after the market close of 19th December 2025) are presented below. […]
Exports Record USD 15.8 Bn as Sri Lanka Maintains Upward Trade Momentum
Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its strong upward trajectory, recording a significant 5.8 % y-o-y growth during the period from January to November 2025. Based on Sri Lanka Customs statistics and estimated export figures for Gems & Jewellery, Petroleum Products and services, total exports reached US$ 15,776.36 Mn, the performance signals sustained growth and […]
IMF Executive Board Approves USD206 Mn in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a disbursement of SDR150.5 million (about US$206 million, equivalent to 26 percent of quota) for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). This emergency support will help address urgent balance-of-payments and fiscal pressures arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah, which hit the country on […]
Lion Brewery reaffirms commitment to flood resilience and community support in Biyagama
Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC (Lion) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community partnerships through its flood response efforts and ongoing work to build long-term flood resilience and community support in Biyagama, home to the Company’s core operations. During the recent floods along the Kelani River, Lion supported the Biyagama community throughout the emergency response and recovery […]
Subsidiary of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, CBC Finance Lists on Colombo Stock Exchange
CBC Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC commemorated its listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) by way of the issuance of LKR 1.5 bn worth of debentures by the ceremonial ringing of the market opening bell on the CSE trading floor. CBC Finance Ltd raised LKR 1.5 Bn on […]