📈 CSE Trends Up; Kotagala Plantations to Amalgamate Subsidiary

• Market Overview: Benchmark ASPI gained 0.37% (+79.28 points) to 21,474.39, while the S&P SL20 rose 0.47% (+27.95 points) to 6,023.20 in Friday morning trading. Overall market turnover reached Rs. 248.3 Mn. • Sector & Stock Drivers: The materials sector led market turnover at Rs. 108.98 Mn. Key positive contributors included banking giants Hatton National Bank (up 0.66% to Rs. 379.75) and Sampath Bank (up 0.18% to Rs. 139.00), alongside telecommunications firm Dialog Axiata (up 0.86% to Rs. 46.90). Royal Ceramics Lanka (up 2.51%), Ceylon Cold Stores (up 1.85%), and Sunshine Holdings (up 2.08%) also supported gains. Commercial Development Company was a top loser, down 2.51% to Rs. 35.00. • Corporate Restructuring: Plantations sector constituent Kotagala Plantations gained 1.23% (trading at Rs. 8.20) following its decision to amalgamate with its 99.999% owned subsidiary, Rubber and Allied Products (Colombo), subject to shareholder approval. Minority shareholders holding 9 combined shares will receive Rs. 8.10 per share in cash, with parent company shares cancelled.