Business
Increased buying interest in banking sector stocks as CSE reflects mixed reactions
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE indicated mixed reactions yesterday and banking sector stocks increased their buying interest amid an expectation that lending rates would come down. However, bank interest rates have already come down, market analysts said.
The main All- Share Price Index was down 21.69 points, while the most liquid index S&P SL20 was up by 6.73 points. Turnover stood at Rs 923 .3 million with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Agstar, which crossed 2.8 million shares to the tune of Rs 29.20 million, its shares traded at Rs 29.50 and Dialog 2.3 million shares crossed for Rs 23 million; its shares traded at Rs 10.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Dialog Rs 153 milli0n (15.3 million shares traded), SLT Rs 58.5 million (618,000 shares traded), Agstar Rs 54.8 million (5.3 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 52 4 million (418,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 46 million (639,000 shares traded), Expolanka Rs 34.5 million (261,000 shares traded) and LOLC Rs 32 million(5.6 million shares traded). During the day 56.1 million shares volumes changed hands in 10115 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys. Mixed interest was observed in C.W. Mackie, CIC Holdings and Piramal Glass, while retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Browns Investments and Vallibel Power Erathna.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys), while the sector index lost 0.30 percent. The share price of Hayleys closed flat at Rs. 72.
The Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to CIC Holdings and Piramal Glass), while the sector index increased by 0.53%. The share price of CIC Holdings moved up by Rs 1 to Rs. 62.60. The share price of Piramal Glass recorded a gain of 80 cents to reach Rs. 22.80.
Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 297.28 and the selling rate Rs 314.30.
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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