Business
NDB Bank to raise Rs. 8 billion via rights issue
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
NDB Bank announced plans to raise Rs. 8 billion via a rights issue to enhance its capital base and finance business growth, stock market analysts said.
The bank has resolved to issue 106.78 million shares on the basis of 28 new shares for 61 held at Rs. 75 each, CSE sources said
NDB share price closed unchanged yesterday at Rs. 83.40. Its net asset value per share as at June 30 was Rs. 184.25, up from Rs. 178 as at December 31, 2019. The current stated capital is Rs. 8.79 billion represented by 232.63 million shares.
NDB Bank has 9,922 public shareholders. Among the biggest shareholders of NDB Bank are EPF (10percent ), BOC (8 percent ), Sri Lanka Insurance (11percent ), Dr. Sena Yaddehige (4 percent ), Softlogic Life Insurance (4 percent ), and ETF (4 percent ). The proceeds of the NDB rights issue are to be utilised to further strengthen the equity base of the bank and thereby improve capital adequacy ratios in line with BASEL III guidelines of the Central Bank and to part finance the growth in the loan portfolio of the bank.
However, CSE activities were positive yesterday morning but subsequently became negative with the government announcement on the imposition of a quarantine curfew for the Gampaha district coupled with the disclosure of certain negative provisions in the 20th amendment to the Constitution.
Amid those developments both indices turned negative. The All Share Price Index went down by 249.56 points down and S and P SL20 declined by 95.46 points. The turnover stood at Rs. 3.25 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in Cargills where 778,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs. 147.8 million; a share price trading at Rs. 190, Keells Hotel 3.1 million shares crossed for Rs. 24.7 million, its shares trading at Rs. 8 and Melstacorp 600,000 shares crossed for Rs. 21 million at a per share value of Rs. 35.
In the retail market top five companies that contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Rs. 488 million (27.4 million shares traded), JKH Rs. 267.8 million (two million shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Non Voting) Rs. 183 million (3.5 million shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Voting) Rs. 153.2 million (2.5 million shares traded) and HNB (Voting) Rs. 93.4 million (796.000 shares traded). During the day 196.7 million share volumes changed hands in 36983 transactions.
Corporate earnings of listed companies plunged by 52 percent year-on-year (YOY) to Rs. 33.5 billion in 2020 March quarter, First Capital Research revealed yesterday. The analysis was based on reported earnings of 266 listed companies.
It said the plunge was primarily owing to sluggish performance in Diversified Financials (-87 percent YOY), Capital Goods (-63 percent YOY), Food, Beverage and Tobacco (-72 percent YOY), Telecommunication (-52 percent YOY) and Consumer Services (-101 percent YOY).
However, an upbeat quarterly performance was witnessed in the following sectors, Banks (+32 percent YOY) followed by Food, Staples and Retailing (+96 percent YOY) and Materials (+8 percent YOY).
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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