Business
News of USD 100 million hospital project boosts Asiri Hospital shares
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Asiri Hospital Holdings’ shares appreciated by five per cent yesterday following news of the launching of a US $ 100 million hospital project within the Port City Colombo premises by the company, market analysts said.
The Softlogic Group said a lease agreement was entered into for a hospital with a “500 plus bed capacity, with an estimated investment of US $ 100 million” within Port City, in line with the master plan of Colombo’s China- backed Port City Economic Commission.
“The proposed hospital will be one of the four main strategic and large-scale social infrastructure development projects identified within PCC, sources said.
Meanwhile, Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide PLC (BDJW), the only listed jewellery company at the CSE, has been able to lift the suspension on the trading of its shares after showing positive revenue growth and reduced losses for the nine-month period ending on December 31, 2022.
The CSE said the trading suspension imposed on Blue Diamonds has been lifted as the company has resolved the Emphasis of Matter on Going Concern in the Independent Auditors Report.
Amid those developments, the CSE indicated dull sentiments yesterday due to the festive season. Both indices, the turnover level and investor participation did not reach satisfactory levels. Therefore, shares edged- down in mid- day trade , with stable levels of turnover generated through selling pressures as the market continues amid fears of domestic debt restructuring, an analyst said.
Both indices were down. The All- Share Price Index went down by 60.37 points and S and P SL20 declined by 23.55 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.14 billion with one crossing. The crossing was reported in JKH, which crossed 430,000 shares to the tune of Rs 58.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 135.
In the retail market, top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 230 million (1.3 million shares traded), Dialog Rs 130.6 million (12.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 79.6 million (589,000 shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Non- Voting) Rs 65.3 million (1.3 million shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 63.3 million (487,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 34 million (5.6 million shares traded) and Tokyo Cement (Voting) Rs 31.1 million (616,000 shares traded), During the day 58.4 million share volumes changed hands in 13000 transactions.
“Banks are declining in value, scrip dividends and new shares are being listed, prices are being readjusted down, which is why the counter is running on a decline, an analyst said.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in JKH and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Expolanka Holdings and Asiri Hospital Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Marawila Resorts (rights) and SMB Leasing non-voting.
The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings), while the sector index gained 6.38 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 10.50 (6.39 per cent) to Rs. 174.75.
The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to JKH and Aitken Spence) while the sector index decreased by 0.62 per cent. The share price of JKH lost Rs. 2.25 to register Rs. 135.25. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a gain of Rs. 1.75 to reach Rs. 129.75.
Yesterday the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 312.41 and the selling rate Rs 327.46.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
