Dhammika invests Rs. 4.6 b more in Hayleys via historic Rights Issue as billionaire investor and industrialist Dhammika Perera strengthened his stake in Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerate. The latest investment signals continued confidence in the long-term growth prospects of Hayleys PLC amid ongoing expansion and balance sheet restructuring efforts.
Dhammika invests Rs. 4.6 b more in Hayleys via landmark Rights Issue
According to market disclosures, Perera subscribed to 22.95 million shares at Rs. 200 each, amounting to a total investment of Rs. 4.6 billion through the company’s ongoing Rights Issue. The transaction further consolidates his position as the controlling shareholder of Hayleys, where he currently holds a 51% stake.
The Rights Issue marks a significant milestone for the conglomerate, being the first such capital raising exercise undertaken since Perera acquired control of Hayleys in 2009. The move is expected to generate Rs. 9 billion in fresh capital, which the company plans to utilise to strengthen its balance sheet through partial debt settlement while also supporting future investments.
Industry analysts view the participation of the company’s largest shareholder as a strong signal of confidence to the market, particularly at a time when Sri Lankan corporates continue to navigate a challenging but gradually stabilising economic environment. By investing heavily in the Rights Issue, Perera appears to be reaffirming his long-term commitment to the conglomerate’s growth strategy and financial stability.
The Hayleys PLC Rights Issue comes as several major Sri Lankan companies seek to improve liquidity positions and optimise capital structures following recent economic pressures, high financing costs and tighter credit conditions. Companies raising capital through rights issues often aim to reduce leverage, improve operational flexibility and position themselves for expansion opportunities once market conditions improve.
Hayleys, one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified business groups, operates across multiple sectors including transportation, agriculture, consumer products, textiles, plantations, renewable energy, construction materials and logistics. Its broad sector exposure has helped the conglomerate maintain resilience despite economic volatility in recent years.
Market participants note that the latest Dhammika Perera investment also reflects investor expectations of long-term value creation within the Hayleys Group. Perera has historically played a major role in driving strategic transformation initiatives within the company since taking control more than a decade ago.
The investment also arrives at a time when the Colombo stock market has shown signs of improved investor activity and stronger sentiment toward fundamentally stable blue-chip companies. Analysts believe that shareholder participation in large-scale capital raising exercises can positively influence market confidence, particularly when supported by controlling stakeholders.
Shares of Hayleys PLC closed at Rs. 233.60 yesterday, gaining Rs. 3 or 1.3% during trading. The share price performance indicates continued investor interest in the conglomerate despite broader market fluctuations.
As at 31 December 2025, the public float of Hayleys stood at 37%, held by 15,172 shareholders, reflecting a substantial retail and institutional investor base. The company remains one of the most actively followed diversified groups on the Colombo Stock Exchange due to its scale, sector diversification and strategic importance within Sri Lanka’s corporate sector.
The Rights Issue is expected to provide Hayleys with additional financial flexibility as it continues to evaluate investment opportunities across its operating sectors. Analysts say that strengthening the balance sheet could help the group manage future expansion plans more effectively while reducing exposure to elevated borrowing costs.
Corporate observers also note that continued shareholder backing from Perera may enhance investor confidence in the company’s medium- to long-term outlook. As Sri Lanka gradually recovers from recent economic challenges, diversified conglomerates such as Hayleys are expected to play a significant role in driving industrial activity, exports and private sector investment.
With the latest capital infusion, Hayleys is likely to focus on maintaining operational stability while pursuing strategic investments that align with evolving market opportunities both locally and internationally.