Business
CSE’s initial bullish spurt fizzles out in the wake of profit-takings in blue-chips
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE kicked off on a bullish note but subsequently witnessed some mixed reactions yesterday as profit- takings were noted in index- weighted blue- chip companies, stock market analysts said.The All- Share Price Index went up by 61 points and S and P SL20 declined by 8.57 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.65 billion with eight crossings.
Those crossings were reported in CTC, which crossed 100,000 shares to the tune of Rs 95 million; its shares traded at Rs 950, Melstacope 1.09 million shares crossed for Rs 87.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 82.50, Vallible One 2 million shares crossed for Rs 78 million, its shares sold at Rs 70, Sampath Bank 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 70 million and its shares fetched Rs 70, HNB 336,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 59.7 million and its shares traded at Rs 183, Sunshine Holdings 1.06 million shares crossed for Rs 57.4 million and its shares traded at Rs 54, DFCC Bank 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 45 million, its shares fetched Rs 90 and JKH 185,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 35.7 million, its shares fetched Rs 193.
In the retail market top five companies that contributed to the turnover were Pan Asia Bank Rs 332 million (15.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 314 million (1.6 million shares traded), DFCC Bank Rs 314 million (3.4 million shares traded) and Central Finance Rs 286 million (2.3 million shares traded) and Capital Alliance Rs 280 million (four million shares traded). During the day 134 million share volumes changed hands in 32383 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in JKH, Melstacorp and Expolanka Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Capital Alliance, Teejay Lanka and Commercial Bank, while retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Browns Investments.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Pan Asian Bank), while the sector index gained 2.31 percent. The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by 1 rupee to reach Rs. 183.25.
The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Capital Alliance) while the sector index increased by 3.78 percent. The share price of Capital Alliance recorded a gain of Rs. 5 to reach Rs. 65.40.
Yesterday, the rupee opened at Rs 320.50/321.50 to the US dollar, after closing on the previous day at 321.50/321.70 to the US dollar, dealers said.
Bond yields were down. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted stable at 12.95/05 on Thursday, up from Wednesday’s at 12.95/10 percent.A bond maturing on 01.05.2028 was quoted at down 12.85/95 on Thursday, up from Wednesday’s 13.00/20 percent.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”