*ACS Capital Research* *News Alert 28.05.2025* *JKH ends ‘pivotal’ FY25 setting stage for higher growth* Leading blue chip John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) yesterday announced the conclusion of what it described as a “pivotal” financial year 2024/25 with performance in line with its expectations but more importantly, setting the stage for higher growth. Source:https://www.ft.lk/top-story/JKH-ends-pivotal-FY25-setting-stage-for-higher-growth/26-776946 *Nandana nestles on top of HNB with Rs. 14 b buy of Ishara’s 9.9% stake* Expanding his business empire, low profile tycoon Nandana Lokuwithana yesterday forayed into commercial banking, investing over Rs. 14 billion to buy a strategic voting 10% stake in Hatton National Bank (HNB). Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Nandana-nestles-on-top-of-HNB-with-Rs-14-b-buy-of-Ishara-s-9-9-stake/44-776952 *FC’s comprehensive income grows y-o-y* First Capital Holdings PLC has recorded a total comprehensive income of Rs. 5 billion for the year ended 31 March, compared to Rs. 10.1 billion in the previous year. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/oGU9N7dyxOrrqZsnZXF0 *Tourist arrivals top 1 million* Sri Lanka crossed the 1 million mark in international tourist arrivals for 2025 as of May 23, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed, hitting the milestone nearly a month earlier than in 2024 and returning to pre-pandemic levels last seen in 2018. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Tourist-arrivals-top-1-million/245-309958 *SL, China to sign deal to boost SMEs* Sri Lanka and China will this week sign a deal to boost Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) via greater bilateral cooperation. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/SL-China-to-sign-deal-to-boost-SMEs/44-776951 *Boost for tourism with ‘Marine Nights: Awakening Colombo’* In a bid to boost tourism and entertain existing visitors, the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved to implement a new initiative, ‘Marine Nights: Awakening Colombo.’ Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Boost-for-tourism-with-Marine-Nights-Awakening-Colombo/44-776950 *Over 15,000 new Govt. jobs approved by Cabinet* The Cabinet has granted approval to recruit 15,073 individuals to fill existing vacancies across various sectors of the public service, according to Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Over-15-000-new-Govt-jobs-approved-by-Cabinet/44-776949 *BYD price cut not applicable to local market* Recent price reductions announced by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD have sparked speculation over whether these discounts would extend to international markets, including Sri Lanka. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/KUq0PtQ28MQtvNUvS0l2