Business
HNB goes for debenture issue to raise Rs. 700 million, focusing on expansion
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
HNB will go for a debenture issue to raise Rs. 700 million for their future expansions. The bank’s Board of Directors last week resolved to issue 50 million Basel III compliant Tier 2, listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable 10-year debentures with a non-viability conversion feature at Rs. 100 each with an option to issue a further 20 million debentures in the event of an over-subscription of the original amount. The move, however, is subject to market conditions and obtaining all necessary regulatory and shareholder approval.
Meanwhile, Seylan Bank PLC Board of Directors has decided to put off its Basel III compliant debenture issue despite shareholders approving the same. Seylan said the decision to postpone it for the first half of 2021 was after taking into consideration the prevailing market conditions.
“The Board decided to review the market conditions during the first quarter in 2021 and consider the timing of proceeding with the issue, subject to receiving the approval of the CSE on the listing of the debentures, Seylan Bank said in a filing to the CSE. The Basel III compliant debenture was approved by shareholders at an EGM on November 4.
Further, Kahawatte Plantations will go for a private placement in the future to convert their Rs. 800 million debt to equity. The company has borrowed funds from its parent company MJF (Pvt) Limited. Under this they will create 19.5 million new shares/debentures, which will be sold at Rs. 41 each, stock market analysts said.
Amid those developments CSE activities were positive and there was a significant price appreciation in manufacturing and diversifying holding companies during the day. The stock market also adjusted to the Fitch Rating downgrading and also the Moodys downgrading as well. Therefore, both indices moved upwards, i.e., the All Share Price Index went up by 62.90 points and S and P SL20 went up by 43.75 points. The turnover stood at Rs. 2.41 billion sans a crossing.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Rs. 328.2 million (12.1 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs. 207.5 million (1.4 million shares traded), Melstacorp Rs. 172.7 million (4.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs. 131 million (883,000 shares traded) and Dipped Products Rs. 118.4 million (360,000 shares traded), During the day, 82.8 million share volumes changed hands in 22168 transactions.
Sri Lanka rupee was quoted at 185.30/70 to the US dollar in the spot market on Monday, while gilt yields remained unchanged in the overall market, dealers said. The rupee closed at 184.90/185.20 to the US dollar on Friday.
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
