Business
NSB records again its dominance in raising funds in the Debt Capital Market
National Savings Bank (NSB), the premier most savings bank in the country furthering its dominance, successfully issued yet another debt capital bond to raise Rs.5 Bn.
This time it was a perpetual capital bond issued to augment the additional Tier 1 capital base of the Bank. It carried the customary features required for a bond of this nature; unlisted, unsecured, rated, subordinated and perpetual in maturity. Further, in compliance with Basel III requirements carried non-viability write down features as approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
This is the first time in the history of a savings bank, that a hybrid debt instrument of this nature and in this magnitude was issued, in the Sri Lankan Capital Market. In compliance with the statutory requirements of the Bank, the bond was not listed and was confined to qualified investors. The Bank is at the liberty of exercising a call option at its will only after the expiry of a minimum period of 5 years.
The successful closure of the issue, despite not having a specific date of maturity for the investment is a testament to the confidence, the investors have placed with the Bank.
The investors had an option of opting to earn an interest income at a fixed rate or a floating rate which was priced at very attractive terms for this type of a hybrid instrument. The main objective of the issue was to strengthen the additional Tier 1 capital base of the Bank.
NSB carries the highest credit rating, a bank can have in the country. This issue is just an extension of a series of issues made in the past, namely the largest international sovereign bond issue of USD One Billion, unlisted debenture issue of Rs.20 Bn. and further issuance of Rs.6 Bn. from 2013 – 2019. All these issues were structured and managed by the Corporate Finance Division of the Bank.
NSB being a pioneer financier of Sri Lanka’s infrastructure projects, would utilize the proceeds of the issue to fund long term funding requirement of the economy as well as to address the needs of the retail borrowers. The Bank’s customer base consists of retail customers of all strata, premier corporates and government entities. The Bank’s portfolio of lending also includes overseas ventures. The Bank humbly takes pride of being a partner of the major development projects in the country.
NSB will be celebrating its 50 years of presence in the banking fraternity of the country in a few months’ time with a mark of unparalleled track record of being a driving force in the country’s economic development and improving the living standards of the Sri Lankan people.
NSB with this solid history is poised to further its horizons in the coming years.
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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