*BRS Newsflash 18.06.2025* • The Colombo Bourse ended in red as ASPI lost 78.24 points (-0.45%) to close at 17,281.95 while the S&P SL20 index moved down 3.74 points (-0.07%) to close at 5,151.74. 📉 💼 📊 Source: https://research.bartleetreligare.com/reports/traders-daily-digest-17062025-1219 • The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) yesterday confirmed that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.8% in the first quarter of 2025, lower in comparison to 5.3% achieved a year ago as part of the recovery following the economic crisis. 📈 Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Economy-loses-steam-in-1Q-with-lower-growth/44-777811 • Sri Lanka’s economy continued humming as both manufacturing and services sector activities have expanded in May as reflected in the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for the month. Manufacturing activities picked up backed with an index value of 55.5 after a seasonality driven dip in April when the index fell to 40.1. The services activities meanwhile recorded an index value of 57.0, slightly easing from 60.6 in April, signalling continuous expansion in the services sector, largely led by the relaxed monetary conditions which made possible increased lending activities. 🏭👩‍🏭 Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Manufacturing-and-services-PMI-expand-in-May/273-311844 • Marking a major step forward in ongoing external debt restructuring efforts, the Finance Ministry yesterday announced the signing of a bilateral agreement with France to reschedule € 390mn in outstanding loans. The official signing ceremony took place on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s path toward stabilising its debt and restoring financial sustainability. 🤝 Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-and-France-sign-external-debt-restructuring-agreement/44-777875 • There has been some modest pickup in credit card spend in April reflecting that consumers are ramping up spending on everything from their staples to discretionary such as dine-outs and recreational activities as conditions turn relatively better while prices ease and the interest rates decline.💳🛒 Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Credit-card-spend-picks-up-in-April-by-Rs-4-4bn/273-311843 • The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) said yesterday it is set to launch a Central Counterparty (CCP) framework next month, marking a significant advancement in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s capital market infrastructure. This move is aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency, and transparency of the market, ensuring the smooth settlement of trades. 💵 💹 Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CSE-clear-to-operate-as-Sri-Lanka-s-Central-Counterparty-for-equity-transactions-from-next-month/44-777872 • Vidullanka PLC yesterday announced that its issuance of five million Listed, Rated, Secured, Redeemable Sukuk, each priced at Rs. 100, has been fully subscribed on the day of opening, 17 June. The company said it received applications exceeding the Rs. 500 million target, indicating strong investor demand. 💵💡 Sourcehttps://www.ft.lk/front-page/Vidullanka-s-pioneering-Rs-500-m-Sukuk-issue-snapped-up-on-opening-day-itself/44-777870 *BRS Equity Research*