Local News:

SOEs borrow Rs. 184bn in pandemic pinch: Central Bank (Daily FT)
Annual report of Central Bank stated that stronger credit demand by state-owned Enterprises (SOEs) saw lending to the state sector rise by Rs.184.2bn in 2020 but private sector loans also performed better than expected increasing 6.5% to Rs.374.1bn. Bank borrowing by the Road Development Authority (RDA) increased by Rs.53.6bn during 2020, In addition, credit obtained by SriLankan Airlines, National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWS&DB), State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) and Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) increased notably during 2020, while Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) made repayments to LCBs during the year
http://www.ft.lk/top-story/SOEs-borrow-Rs-184-b-in-pandemic-pinch-CB/26-717288

15,000 doses of Sputnik V arrive in Sri Lanka (Daily FT)
Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation State Minister stated that the first batch of Sputnik V (15,000 doses) COVID-19 vaccines were arrived in the country 03 May 2021. Sri Lanka has ordered a total of 13mn doses of the vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia, at US$9.95 per dose.
http://www.ft.lk/front-page/15-000-doses-of-Sputnik-V-arrive-in-SL/44-717279

European Palm Oil Alliance disappointed over impending Lankan ban (Daily FT)
The European Palm Oil Alliance (EPOA) in a statement has expressed its grave disappointment caused by the intention of the Sri Lankan Government to ban palm oil. They further stated that ban on palm oil would most probably increase costs of food for the consumers in Sri Lanka and might mean that much more plantation land would be needed for alternative edible oil production.
http://www.ft.lk/front-page/European-Palm-Oil-Alliance-disappointed-over-impending-Lankan-ban/44-717284

Corporate Announcements:
Sanasa Development Bank (SDB) announced that EGM will be held virtually on 28 May 2021 for the Secondary Public Offering (SPO).
https://cdn.cse.lk/cmt/announcement_portal_prod/Announcement_7424570077490408.pdf

Dividend Announcements:
Harischandra Mills (HARI)- First Interim Dividend Rs.20.00 per share – XD – 12/05/2021- PD – 01/06/2021
SDB – First and Final Dividend Rs.2.25 per share – XD – 31/05/2021- PD – 18/06/2021

Results for the period ended 31 March 2021:
Pan Asia Banking Corporation (PABC) reported a 1Q2021 net profit of Rs.750mn (+81% YoY)
Tal Lanka Hotels (TAJ) reported a 4Q21 net loss of -Rs.393mn (vs. a 4Q20 net loss of -Rs.154mn), resulting in a FY21 net loss of -Rs.1,095mn (vs. a FY20 net loss of -Rs.260mn)