*ACS Capital Research* *News Alert 15.05.2025* *Colombo stock market gains sharply as investor sentiment rebounds* The Colombo stock market yesterday shot up sharply, with the benchmark index reverting back to the 16,000-points level amidst healthy investor sentiment and activity. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Colombo-stock-market-gains-sharply-as-investor-sentiment-rebounds/44-776485 *ComBank ends 1Q as first private sector banking group on cusp of Rs. 3 t assets milestone* The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group said yesterday it has made a characteristically strong start to 2025, recording healthy profit and balance sheet growth in the first quarter of the year. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/ComBank-ends-1Q-as-first-private-sector-banking-group-on-cusp-of-Rs-3-t-assets-milestone/44-776488 *Sri Lanka’s Sampath Bank net up 149-pct in March quarter* Sri Lanka’s Sampath Bank profits grew 135 percent in the March 2025 quarter to 8.92 billion rupees, helped by forex gains on depreciation and capital gains on rupee bonds, interim accounts show. Source:https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-sampath-bank-net-up-149-pct-in-march-quarter-220839/ *NDB pre-tax profits surge 118% to Rs. 4 b; marks strong start for 2025* National Development Bank PLC (NDB) yesterday announced its financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2025, reflecting solid growth in line with the revival of economic activity and rising private sector credit demand. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/NDB-pre-tax-profits-surge-118-to-Rs-4-b-marks-strong-start-for-2025/44-776487 *Nations Trust Bank posts Rs 4Bn PAT in 1Q 2025* Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the three months ending March 31, 2025, achieving a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs 4 billion, up 8% YoY. Source:https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/05/15/business/777993/nations-trust-bank-posts-rs-4bn-pat-in-1q-2025/ *Sri Lanka Tourism sees strong early May recovery* Industry analysts observing Sri Lanka’s tourism performance in early May suggested that the island nation was experiencing a robust recovery, further solidifying its position as a preferred destination in South Asia. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/yP3qAzdJHMIUCcPZDB3F *Credit to private sector accelerates to Rs.173bn* The licensed commercial banks have accelerated their pace of credit to the private sector in recent times, as the borrowing rates stay low while the economy picks up steam, generating demand for fresh credit from individuals and businesses. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Credit-to-private-sector-accelerates-to-Rs-173bn/245-308932 *India-Pak restrictions reroute ships via CMB* The Colombo Port has seen an increase in transshipment vessels in the past few weeks bound to Pakistani ports due to port access restrictions imposed by India. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/84GP3nnZ8LjLkaSWvvAL