May 06, Colombo: Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CSE: CTC) has declared Rs. 1.85 per share less withholding tax, first interim dividend for the period of 12 months ending December 31, 2008.

In compliance with the listing rules of Colombo Stock Exchange the company has announced that the Board of Directors pursuant to the authority given by Article 124 of the Articles of Association of the CTC and having reviewed the profits for the period three months to March 31, 2008 and further having concluded that there is reasonable grounds to believe the company would satisfy the solvency test recommended this payment on May 23, 2008.