*JKSB Opening Bell – News Snippets* 🔔 *02.06.2025* *Trade deficit nearly doubles MoM to $ 717 m in April* “The trade deficit in April had nearly doubled as against March due to higher imports and slower growth in exports.” https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Trade-deficit-nearly-doubles-MoM-to-717-m-in-April/26-777192 *CCPI in May 2025 indicates continued easing of deflationary conditions* “Sri Lanka average coconut prices slid 2.1 percent on Wednesday after the weekly auction was postponed on May 22, an industry official said.” https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CCPI-in-May-2025-indicates-continued-easing-of-deflationary-conditions/44-777193 *Over 120,000 tourist arrivals recorded in May* “The number of tourists who arrived in the country in the month of May has increased to 120,120, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has announced.” https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=109065#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20tourists%20who,India%20which%20accounts%20to%2035.7%25. *HNB Assurance Group maintains 30% growth momentum in Q1 2025* “HNB Assurance Group (HNB Assurance and HNB General Insurance) delivered an outstanding performance in the first quarter of 2025, continuing its growth momentum and building on the success achieved in the previous year.” https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/HNB-Assurance-Group-maintains-30-growth-momentum-in-1Q-2025/273-310372 *Aitken Spence reports healthy financial results* “Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate with a diverse regional presence, has recorded a strong EBITDA of Rs. 25.4 billion, reflecting resilient growth for the 12 months ended 31 March 2025 (FY25).” https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Aitken-Spence-reports-healthy-financial-results/44-777197 *SDB bank demonstrates resilience and strategic progress in Q1 2025* “SDB bank reported a resilient performance in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to steady progress, stakeholder value, and long-term sustainability.” https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business-news/SDB-bank-demonstrates-resilience-and-strategic-progress-in-1Q-2025/273-310373#:~:text=SDB%20bank%20reported%20a%20resilient,value%20and%20long%2Dterm%20sustainability. *PickMe delivers Rs. 1.17 b net profit in first full year post-IPO* “PickMe, Sri Lanka’s homegrown technology platform facilitating ride-hailing and delivery, has reported a standout year of performance, recording a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 1.17 billion for the financial year ending 31 March 2025.” https://www.ft.lk/front-page/PickMe-delivers-Rs-1-17-b-net-profit-in-first-full-year-post-IPO/44-777194 *Sunshine Holdings delivers steady FY25 results with 7% top-line growth* “Diversified Sri Lankan conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC has recorded resilient revenue growth during the year ended 31 March 2025 (FY25), amidst macroeconomic headwinds and evolving consumer dynamics.” https://www.ft.lk/business/Sunshine-Holdings-delivers-steady-FY25-results-with-7--top-line-growth/34-777191 *Sri Lanka imports US$107mn of vehicles in April 2025* “Sri Lanka has imported 107 million US dollars of personal vehicles in April 2025 after an import ban was lifted from the people, two months earlier, official data shows.” https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-imports-us107mn-of-vehicles-in-april-2025-223583/ *Sri Lanka construction slows in April festival holidays: PMI* “Sri Lanka’s construction sector slowed in April, reflecting the seasonal slowdown in construction activities during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period, according to a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank.” https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-construction-slows-in-april-festival-holidays-pmi-223509/ *Sri Lanka rupee closes weaker, bond yields up on profit taking* “Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 299.50/60 to the US dollar in the spot market Friday, weaker against Thursday’s close of 299.35/45, dealers said, while bond yields closed marginally up on profit taking.” https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-weaker-bond-yields-up-on-profit-taking-223501/ *Sri Lanka sells extra Rs16.2bn Treasury bills after auction* “Sri Lanka has sold 16.2 billion rupees of treasury bills offered on tap at average rates of 7.77 percent and 7.98 percent, the state debt office said.” https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-sells-extra-rs16-2bn-treasury-bills-after-auction-223374/