Colombo Stocks managed to continue upward trend.

With the help of retail investors Colombo ASI gained 12.08 points to close at 1838.45 while more sensitive Milanka index ended 11.81 points higher at 1963.09.

Turnover was rupees 80.8 million. Country’s largest fixed line operator Sri Lanka Telecom closed 50 cents higher at Rs 39.00. Sampath Bank was up by 1.75 to close at Rs 75.75.

Foreign participation was very low with Rs 11.4 million purchases & 13 million sales.
Market will fluctuate within narrow range for few more days unless institutional investors & foreign investors start buying in big way.

Today’s Announcements at Colombo Stock Exchange.

30-Apr-2009 Default Board Transfer out

The following companies have been transferred out from Default Board for submission of Financial Statements for the quarter ended 31-DEC-2008Ceylon Grain Elevators PLCThree Acre Farms PLC

30-Apr-2009 DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CEYLINCO INSURANCE PLCCompany ID: - CINSDate of Announcement: - 03. Apr .2009Rate of Dividend: - Rs.2.00 per share - Final Dividend (Voting & Non Voting)Financial Year:- 2008AGM:- 28.May.2009 XD:- 29.May.2009 Payment:- 08.June.2009 Share Transfer Book OpenNESTLE LANKA PLCCompany ID:- NESTDate of Announcement:- 29.Apr.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.10 per share Final Dividend. Financial Year: - 2008AGM: - 12.June.2009 XD: - 15.June.2009 Payment: - 23.June.2009 Share Transfer Book Open

Colombo Stock Market rebounded.

After two days of declines market reported gains today. ASI was up by 28.52 points to close at 1826.37 & Milanka ended the day 48.95 points higher at 1951.28. Turnover was LKR 183.8 million.

John Keells Holdings gained five rupees to close at Rs 71.75 & contributed rupees 50.5 million to today’s total turnover.

Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC was up by 1.50 to close at Rs 75.50 while Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka PLC closed 1.75 higher at Rs 89.00.

Announcements at Colombo Stock Exchange.

29-Apr-2009 DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

HAYLEYS PLCCompany ID:- HAYLDate of Announcement:- 29.Apr.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.1.50 per share Interim Dividend. Financial Year:- 2008/2009XD:- 12.May.2009 Payment:- 21.May.2009 Share Transfer Book OpenCEYLON TOBACCO COMPANY PLCCompany ID:- CTCDate of Announcement:- 27.Apr.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.2.50 per share(Less Withholding Tax) - First Interim Dividend. Financial Year:- 2009XD:- 07.May.2009 Payment:- 15.May.2009 Share Transfer Book OpenBALANGODA PLANTATIONS PLCCompany ID:- BALA Date of Announcement:- 24.Apr.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.0.75 per share - First & Final Dividend Financial Year:- 2008Dates to be notified CEYLINCO INSURANCE PLCCompany ID:- CINSDate of Announcement:- 03. Apr .2009Rate of Dividend: - Rs.2.00 per share - Final Dividend (Voting & Non Voting)Financial Year:- 2008Date to be notified

28-Apr-2009 MERCHANT BANK OF SRILANKA PLC

The Company has informed CSE the following "Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC has almost finalized an arrangement to infuse fresh capital amounting to LKR 100 Mn into Ceylinco Savings Bank Limited (CSBL) to acquire a controlling stake of over 51% of CSBL. MBSL which was initially appointed as managing agent of the Bank to resolve the liquidity crisis in the Bank by the Monitory Board of the Central Bank has granted its approval in principle to infuse fresh capital into the Bank".

Sri Lanka stocks down again!

Colombo stocks down for the 2nd day of the week. ASI lost 14.5 points to close at 1797.85. MPI lost 28.01 points to close at 1902.33. Main contributors for the lost in indices was JKH, Commercial Bank & Distilleries.

Turnover was Rs 64.2 million.
Commercial Bank lost Rs 4.25 to close Rs 87.25 while JKH ended the day 1.25 lower at Rs 66.75. Heyleys Plc also lost Rs 4.25 to close at Rs 100.75.

Highly illiquid Hunters & Co lost Rs21.00 to close at Rs 239.00.

There were Rs 5.9 million foreign purchases & Rs 6 million foreign sales during the day.
Foreigners are likely to stay away from the market until they see some stability in local currency which was in downward path over last few weeks against US$.

Colombo stocks dip today on profit taking.

Colombo market continuously went up last week but trend reversed today due to selling pressure by investors to book the profit.

Colombo ASI declined 32.68 points to close at 1812.35 while Milanka index fell 40.93 points to close at 1930.34. Turnover was Rs 171.7 million.

Sri Lanka’s largest mobile operator Dialog Telekom lost 25 cents to close at Rs 5.25 while largest fixed line operator lost one rupee to close at Rs 38.00.
John Keells Holdings was up by 50 cents and closed at Rs 68.50. Colombo Dockyard Plc closed unchanged at Rs 68.00.

Announcements at Colombo Stock Exchange Today.

27-Apr-2009 CEYLINCO FINANCE PLC

The Company has informed CSE the following regarding the paper article appearing on the Sunday Observer."The Company made a decision to divest certain selected Business/ Assets includes property in Colombo, Land and Buildings in suburban areas.The aforementioned decision was made mainly to improve the liquidity position of the Company".

Bull Run at stock market today!

24th April 2009.

Colombo stock market experienced another day of price gains in almost all the sectors. ASI was up by 35.03points (Closed 1845.03) & Milanka price index ended the day 63.64 points higher at 1971.27.

Turnover was Rs 376.8 million. John Keells Holdings was up by three rupees to close at Rs 68.00. Dialog Telekom closed 25 cents higher at Rs 5.50.
Hatton National Bank gained 3.50 to close at 88.50. Sri Lanka Telecom touched Rs 40.00 but ended the day at Rs. 39.00.

Heavy trading reported in National Development Bank (NDB) with over 1.3 million shares traded. NDB closed 75 cents lower at Rs 93.75.

Announcements @ CSE

24-Apr-2009 TRADING HALT - Balangoda Plantations PLC

The trade halt will be lifted at 11.05 a.m today.The CSE halted trading of BALA at 8.35 a.m. on 23rd April 2009 due to a pending Corporate Announcement from the company. The trade halt continued till the end of trading on 23rd April 2009.

24-Apr-2009 DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

BALANGODA PLANTATIONS PLCCompany ID:- BALA Date of Announcement:- 24.Apr.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.0.75 per share - First & Final Dividend Financial Year:- 2008Dates to be notified CEYLINCO INSURANCE PLCCompany ID:- CINSDate of Announcement:- 03. Apr .2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.2.00 per share - Final Dividend (Voting & Non Voting)Financial Year:- 2008Date to be notified

24-Apr-2009 RIGHTS ISSUE WITH WARRANTS ATTACHED - Environmental Resources Investment PLC

Proportion:- Three (03) Ordinary Shares for every One (01) existing Ordinary Share held, at a price of Rs.20.00 per share.WARRANTS ISSUE2010 Warrants:- One (01) Warrant for One (01) Right at a price of Rs.22.002011 Warrants:- One (01) Warrant for One (01) Right at a price of Rs.24.00The Current stated capital of the entity is Rs.382,834,600Purpose :- Raising capital for various investment opportunities that meet with the company's objectives and risk control thresholds. The Rights Issue and issue of warrants are subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting.

24-Apr-2009 SERIOUS LOSS OF CAPITAL - Three Acre Farms PLC

The Company has informed CSE the following "we write to inform you that the Board of Directors of Three Acre Farms PLC have decided to summon an Extraordinary General Meeting, to table a Report by the Directors on the Serious Loss of Capital of the Company, in terms of Section 220 of the Companies Act No.7of 2007".

Sri Lanka shares still on upward path.

Colombo market reported healthy gains today. ASI was up by 32.42 points to close at 1810.00. MPI gained by 40.07 points to close at 1967.63. Turnover was extremely good at Rs 423.6 million.

This is the best time to enter to Sri Lankan market as 30 year war against terrorist almost finished. Sri Lankan economy will kick start from next year onwards.

Colombo Dockyard which is fundamentally strong was up by Rs 2.00 to close at Rs 66.25. Commercial Bank of Ceylon closed Rs 4.25 higher at Rs 89.25. Highly illiquid Harischandra Mills Plc gained Rs 26.25 to close at 476.25 but only 400 shares traded.

There were 128 gainers & only 11 losers during the day.

Announcements @ Colombo Stock Exchange.

23-Apr-2009 TRADING HALT - Balangoda Plantations PLC

The CSE halted trading of BALA at 8.35 a.m. on 23rd April 2009 due to a pending Corporate Announcement from the company. The trade halt continued till the end of trading on 23rd April 2009. The trade halt will be removed on receipt of the said announcement.

23-Apr-2009 CEYLINCO FINANCE PLC

The company has made the following press notice in the Daily News dated 23rd April 2009. "The Board of Directors of Ceylinco Finance PLC (the "Board") has been receiving inquiries from customers and investors about its relationship with Ceylinco Consolidated (Pvt) Limited and the "Ceylinco Group" and in particular, whether the assets of Ceylinco Finance PLC could be used by Ceylinco Consolidated (Pvt) Limited, or the "Ceylinco Group" for the purpose of meeting the liabilities of Ceylinco Consolidated (Pvt) Limited or the "Ceylinco Group". The Board has also received expressions of concern whether Ceylinco Finance PLC is prevented from engaging in its normal business operations by virtue of any orders issued by courts of law, in actions instituted by depositors in companies connected with Ceylinco Consolidated (Pvt) Limited and the "Ceylinco Group".The Board of Ceylinco Finance PLC wishes to state that Ceylinco Finance PLC is an independent legal entity which is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and governed by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Colombo Stock Exchange. It is also a licensed Leasing Company and is subject to the supervision of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.The Board Of Ceylinco Finance PLC also wishes to state that Ceylinco Consolidated (Pvt) Limited does not own shares or assets of Ceylinco Finance PLC. Similarly, Ceylinco Finance PLC has also not made any investments in, or granted any loans to Ceylinco Consolidated (Pvt) Limited. Hence, the assets of Ceylinco Finance PLC cannot and will not, be used by any third party, whether directors or shareholders, to settle their personal obligations.The Board of Ceylinco Finance PLC also wishes to assure its customers and the public that there are no orders issued by courts of law on Ceylinco Finance PLC which effect the business operations of Ceylinco Finance PLC".

Colombo Stocks continued its upward trend.

Colombo All Share Index was up by 23.64 points to close at 1777.58 while Milanka Price Index ended the day 18.04 points higher at 1867.56. Turnover also was healthy at 270.9 million rupees.

Nestle Lanka PLc gained 10 rupees to close at Rs 285.00. Most of Carson Group companies recorded gains today.

Over 1.3 million Seylan Bank nonvoting shares traded & closed 25 cents higher at Rs 7.25.
National Development Bank ended the day 1.75 higher at Rs 94.75.

Current trend is likely to continue as three decade old civil war is about to win by government forces within few days. But profit taking also can be expected.

Announcements at CSE.

22-Apr-2009 INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2008 -The Colombo Fort Land & Building Co.PLC

The Company has made an announcement to the CSE that "no steps have hitherto been taken by the Company under Section 220 of the Companies Act No.7 of 2007 (the "Companies Act") for the reason that the Directors are satisfied that the net assets of the Company based on current market values (including the investments in subsidiaries as reflected in the Notes to the financial statements) are substantially in excess of half of its stated capital. The Board of Directors are therefore of the view that Section 220 of the Companies Act does not apply to the Company".

Colombo stocks closed higher.

Colombo Stock Market continued yesterday’s positive trend with 9.80 points ASI gain & closed at 1753.94. MPI also up by 10.94 points to close at 1849.52. Turnover was Rs 210.4 million.

There were 84 positive contributors & 32 negative contributors. Development Finance Cooperation (DFCC) closed three rupees higher at Rs 80.00. Asian Alliance insurance was up by Rs8.25 to close at Rs50.50. Commercial Bank of Ceylon gained Rs 1.50 to close at 83.00 rupees.
Ceylinco insurance lost 14. Rupees on 900 shares & closed at Rs 136.00.

Announcements at Colombo Stock Exchange.

21-Apr-2009 Reorganization of Seylan Bank PLC via increasing its capital - Central Bank of Sri Lanka The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has made an announcement to the CSE with regard to "Reorganization of Seylan Bank PLC via increasing its capital".

Colombo Stocks up with military success!

Colombo local investors are accumulating shares with hoping quicker end of war against terrorist. ASI gained 18.85 points to close at 1744.14 while more liquid MPI closed 13.95 points higher at 1838.58.

Turnover was Rs 129.5 million.

Lanka Cement was up by 50 cents to close at Rs 14.00. Highly illiquid The Bukit Darah Plc gained 82 rupees to close at Rs 880.00.

JKH closed unchanged at Rs 64.00.

Announcements.

17-Apr-2009 MANDATORY OFFER BY JOHN KEELLS HOLDINGS PLC TO PURCHASE ALL THE REMAINING ORDINARY SHARES. OF UNION ASSURANCE PLC - John Keells Holdings PLC

The Company has made further the announcement to the CSE "Mandatory Offer made by John Keells Holdings PLC to the Shareholders of Union Assurance PLC (UAL) by the Offer Document of John Keells Holdings PLC dated 26th March 2009, it is hereby announced that, 1.The Mandatory Offer made by John Keells Holdings PLC has been extended until the 4th of May 2009 (the initial closing date of the Offer was 16th April 2009).2.In terms of Rule 24 of the Company Take - over & Mergers Code we give below the total number of shares (as nearly as practicable) (a)For which acceptances of the Offer have been received as at 16th of April 2009. 811,664 ordinary shares representing 2.16% of the Stated Capital of UAL(b)Held by John Keells Holdings PLC and parties acting in concert (namely its subsidiaries )before the Offer Period (i)John Keells Holdings PLC - 25,275,051 ordinary shares representing 67.40% of the Stated Capital of UAL(ii)Whittal Boustead (Travel) Limited - 2,776,309 ordinary shares representing 7.40% of the Stated Capital of UAL(iii)Mackinnon and Keells Financial Services Ltd - 1,246,169 ordinary shares representing 3.32% of the Stated Capital of UAL(C) Acquired or agreed to be acquired during the Offer Period - Nil"

17-Apr-2009 REVALUATION OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Hotel Services (Ceylon) PLC

The Company has made the following announcement to the CSE "the Property, Plant and Equipment of the Company which had a value of Rs.538,055,985/= as at the date of our last quarterly accounts ended 31st December 2008, has been revalued at Rs.5,121,785,718/= on 27th March 2009 by A.Y. Daniel & Son, Consultant Incorporated Valuers, Negotiators. Auctioneers and the corresponding accounting entries will be incorporated in the books of accounts of 31st March 2009.The change is largely due to taking in the present value of the leasehold land into the books of accounts which hitherto had not been reflected in the company accounts".

Colombo Stocks ends higher with thin trading.

Most stocks at Colombo Market gained, fueled by price gains in Sri Lanka Telecom & Dialog Telekom.

ASI was up by 33.31 points to close at 1725.29. MPI also up by 42.16 points to end at 1824.63.
Turnover was still low at Rs 75.1 million.

Ceylinco Insurance was up by 15.00 rupees but only 200 shares traded. Dialog added 25 cents & ended at Rs 5.00. Sri Lanka Telecom closed Rs 2.00 higher at Rs 38.00.

There were 91 gainers while only 21 losers during the trading day.

Sri Lanka Stocks up but low activity.

ASI gained 8.54 points to close at 1691.98 & MPI was up by 13.10 points to close at 1782.47.
Aitken Spence gained Rs 8.50 to close at Rs 320.00. Colombo Dockyard closed Rs 62.50 up by Rs 1.25. Dialog Telekom was also up by 10 cents to close at Rs 5.00.

Turnover was only Rs 56.4 million.
There were 69 positive contributors (Price gainers) while 24 losers.

Announcements

16-Apr-2009 MANDATORY OFFER BY JOHN KEELLS HOLDINGS PLC TO PURCHASE ALL THE REMAINING ORDINARY SHARES OF UNION ASSURANCE PLC - ACCEPTANCE PERIOD EXTENDED TO 4TH MAY 2009 - John Keells Holdings PLC

The Company has made the following announcement to the CSE " John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) has decided to extend the Acceptance Period for the above Offer until 4th May 2009 as due to the public holidays during the month of April 2009, shareholders may not have had sufficient time to become acquainted with and evaluate the Offer made by JKH along with the Independent Advisor's Report and the views, comments and advice of the Board of Directors of Union Assurance PLC. Extending the Acceptance Period would give all shareholders adequate time to accept the offer if they so wish. All other terms and conditions of the Offer will remain unchanged as per the Offer Document dated 26th March 2009.We the Board of Directors of John Keells Holdings PLC on behalf of John Keells Holdings PLC do hereby declare and confirm that this notification has been seen and approved by us, and we collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information given in this notification and confirm to the best of our knowledge and belief that there are no other facts, the omission of which would make any statements herein misleading".

15-Apr-2009 SAMPATH BANK PLC

The Board of Sampath Bank PLC informed the CSE that it has submitted an Expression of Interest to the Committee of Evaluation of Expression of Interest, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, in response to its invitation to submit such expression to be a Strategic Partner of Seylan Bank PLC.

Colombo stocks gains after long holiday.

Colombo ASI closed 7.26 points higher at 1683.44 while MPI ended the day 12.22 higher at 1769.37. However turnover was low at RS 27.7 million.

Dialog Telekom was the only significant trade reported during the day with 2,093,000 shares traded & closed flat at Rs4.90. Ceylinco insurance (Nonvoting) gained 12 rupees to close at 84.25.Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc closed Rs 2.75 higher at Rs 79.75.

Highly illiquid The Good Hope Plc lost Rs 15.00 to close at Rs 120.00.

Announcements

15-Apr-2009 S K M LANKA HOLDINGS (PVT) LTD
SKM Lanka Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd (SKM) is permitted to trade in the Automated Trading System and the DEX system of the CSE with effect from 15th April 2009 upon compliance with the minimum net capital requirement.

Sri Lanka shares marginally up!

All share index ended the day at 1676.18 up by 0.97 points & MPI gained 5.98 to close at 1757.15. Turnover was Rs 62.5 million.

Lanka Cement is still getting investor attention with high volumes & closed 75 cents higher at Rs 13.50.

Most investors are stay away as long holiday started from today. Colombo Stock Market will reopen for trading on 15th April.

Announcements at CSE

08-Apr-2009 ACQUISITION OF 20% OF FIRST CAPITAL LIMITED - First Capital Holdings PLC

The company informed the CSE that it has agreed to acquire 3,063,715 shares of First Capital Limited which is 20% of the voting rights, for a total consideration of Rs.175,000,000 /=

08-Apr-2009 Carson Cumberbatch PLC

The Company redeemed 5,625,000 Class "A" Redeemable Cumulative Preference Shares - unlisted held by Bank of Ceylon and DFCC Bank (4,375,000 shares and 1,250,000 shares respectively) at Rs. 10/- per share.

08-Apr-2009 Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC

The Company informed the CSE that Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC has acquired 100% ownership of ABC Insurance Company Ltd. in terms of a Share Transfer Agreement entered with the shareholders of the company.Further, they informed that the total consideration for the purchase of 100% ownership in ABC Insurance Company Limited is LKR 77.2 Mn, subject to a downward revision based on findings of the close-up audit & Actuarial Report.

Colombo Stock Market Report – 07-04-2009.

Indices went up mainly due to price advance in Sri lanka Telecom. SLT closed two rupees higher at Rs37.00.

ASI was up by 22.41 points to close at 1675.21 while MPI gained 3.36 points to close at 1751.17.
Turnover was Rs 97.2 million. Over 8 million Dialog Telekom shares traded contributing Rs38.7 to total market turnover.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka forecasted lower growth rate for the current year.

Announcements – Colombo Stock Exchange.

07-Apr-2009 RIGHTS ISSUE - ARPICO FINANCE COMPANY PLC

Please note that 2,625,000 Ordinary Shares of the company were listed on 7th April 2009, pursuant to a 10:7 Rights issue.

07-Apr-2009 ANNUAL REPORTS OF LISTED COMPANIES.

The following Companies have released their Annual Financial Reports for the year ended 31st March/31st December 2008 to the CSE.CEYLINCO INSURANCE PLC - AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008.BANK OF CEYLON - AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008.Released to the Market on 31-03-2009 - COMD & LLUBReleased to the Market:- DFCC, AGAL,ATL, LCEY, SAMP, AAIC COLO, HAPU, RGEM, PDL, EBCR, CTC, HNB, NDB, NTB, OSEA, CTCE, TPL, KVAL,SINI, SINS, REG, DOCK, SLTL, UAR, UDPL,JFIN, COMB and MBSL

Colombo Stocks up!

Colombo stocks gained on increased retail investor activity fueled by military success against terrorist.

All share index was up by 15.61 points to close at 1652.80 while Milanka index ended the day 21.68 points higher at 1747.81.

Turnover was however Rs 46.3 million. Ceylon Tobacco Company was up by Rs 4.00 to close at Rs 100.00. Dialog Telekom gained 10 cents to close at Rs 4.90.

Lanka Cement Plc continued to trade in high volume with 407000 shares traded. JKH added another one rupee and closed at Rs 64.00.

Announcements at CSE.

06-Apr-2009 DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CARGILLS (CEYLON) PLCCompany ID: - CARGDate of Announcement:- 06.Apr.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.0.20 per share - Interim Dividend Financial Year:- 2008/2009XD:- 21.Apr.2009 Payment:- 30.Apr.2009 Share Transfer Book Open CEYLINCO INSURANCE PLCCompany ID:- CINSDate of Announcement:- 03. Apr .2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.2.00 per share - Final Dividend (Voting & Non Voting)Financial Year:- 2008Date to be notifiedJOHN KEELLS PLCCompany ID:- JKLDate of Announcement:- 31.Mar.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.5.00 per share - Interim Dividend Financial Year:- 2008/2009XD:- 08. Apr. 2009 Payment:- 24.Apr.2009 Share Transfer Book OpenASIAN HOTELS & PROPERTIES PLCCompany ID:- AHPLDate of Announcement:- 31.Mar.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.1.00 per share - Interim Dividend Financial Year:- 2008/2009XD:- 08. Apr.2009 Payment: - 24. Apr.2009 Share Transfer Book OpenCOMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLCCompany ID:- COMDDate of Announcement:- 31.Mar.2009Rate of Dividend:- Rs.1.00per share - Final Dividend Financial Year:- 2008AGM:- 06. May. 2009XD: - 07.May. 2009 Payment: - 14.May. 2009 Share Transfer Book Open

06-Apr-2009 DEFAULT BOARD NARRATION CHANGE - The Colombo Fort Land & Building Co.PLC

Submission of Financial Statements for the quarter ended 31- Dec-2008

Colombo Stock Market closed unchanged!

All share price index closed unchanged over previous close at 1637.19. Turnover was Rs 56.8 million. Hatton National Bank was up by Rs3.25 to close at 76.25.

John Keells Holdings lost 25 cents to close at 63.00 rupees. There were no large quantities traded today.

Next week will have only three trading days.

Announcements - Colombo Stock Exchange.

03-Apr-2009 RIGHTS ISSUE - KEELLS FOOD PRODUCTS PLC

Please note that 3,500,000 Ordinary Shares of the company were listed on 3rd April 2009, Pursuant to a 7:10 Rights issue.

02-Apr-2009 REPORT IN TODAYS ISSUE OF THE DAILY NEWS BUSINESS SECTION - PEOPLES LEASING TAKES OVER SEYLAN MERCHANT LEASING PLC MANAGEMENT

The company informed the CSE with regard to the above news paper article "The report which is factually incorrect and misleading could result in a serious loss of reputation and customer confidence for Seylan Merchant Leasing PLC (SMLL) and Seylan Merchant Bank PLC (SEMB). Company wishes to clarify the following points in the report by Mr. Hiran H Senevirathne, 1. No EGM was held for the Shareholders of SMLL but an EGM in terms of Section 220 of the Companies Act No 07 of 2007 was held on 31st March 2009 for the Shareholders of SEMB (Seylan Merchant Bank).2. SMLL is not a leasing company but a Finance company registered by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka 3. SMLL signed Confidentiality and Non Disclosure Agreement with Peoples Leasing Company Ltd. and not with Peoples Leasing Bank as stated in the article. 4. Peoples Leasing Company Ltd. is currently considering investing in a minimum 80% of the shares of SMLL and there is no management takes over as stated in your article. 5. In the said article it is reported quoting "Market Sources" that the net capital of SMLL is below the asset base which is totally incorrect. The core-capital requirement for a Registered Finance Company is Rs. 200 Million and as per our financial statements as at 31st December 2008, SMLL's net capital is more than Rs. 376 Million. 6. The said article quoting Ms.Waniganayaka - Assistant Commissioner - Industrial, reports that the last months salaries of the employees of SMLL have not been paid. We categorically deny the allegation and wish to state that the salaries of all employees of SMLL were paid for the Month of March 2009.

02-Apr-2009 Default Board Transfer In

Ceylinco Insurance PLCCeylon Grain Elevators PLCThree Acre Farms PLCNon Submission of Financial Statements for the quarter ended 31.Dec.2008

Sri Lanka shares down despite Asian gains.

Colombo market opened on positive note with other Asian markets but ended the day in red. ASI lost 3.43 points to close at 166.33 while MPI lost 4.30 points & ended at 1722.92. Turnover for the day was Rs 204.8 million.

Most of stock markets were up as leaders of world’s largest economies begin a meeting to find a solution for world financial crisis.

John Keells Holdings contributed Rs 129 million to the market turnover by trading over two million shares. JKH closed Rs 63.25 up by 75 cents. Lanka Cement was the other stock with heavy trading. Over 1.5 million Lanka cement shares traded today.

Hatton National Bank lost five rupees to close at Rs 73.00.

Colombo ASI up! MPI down!

All share index gained marginally by 1.70 points to close at 1639.76 but Milanka price index lost 8.98 points to close at 1727.22. Turnover was Rs 116.9 million boosted by heavy trading in Lanka Cement & Commercial Bank.

Lanka Cement closed Rs 1.50 higher at Rs 12.50.

Central Bank is now looking for strategic investor who can inject fresh capital to the Seyan bank. With this option holdings of existing ordinary share holders will be diluted. This will be bad news for current share holders of the bank.

Investors should buy stocks with strong financial & management background such as NDB, DFCC, Commercial Bank & Colombo Dockyard & refrain from speculative trading in this uncertain economic environment.