Business
Risks for banks may rise on end of restriction on ISB investments : Fitch Ratings
The end of the suspension on Sri Lankan banks’ investments in international sovereign bonds (ISBs) issued by the Sri Lanka sovereign (CCC) has the potential to increase banks’ exposure to sovereign and foreign-currency funding and liquidity risks, says Fitch Ratings. Banks’ credit profiles are already significantly exposed to the sovereign, with Fitch-rated Sri Lankan banks having about a third of their combined assets exposed to the central government at end-2020. In addition, they face foreign-currency risks, including through their US dollar-denominated ISB investments.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on 16 June 2021 revoked the previous indefinite suspension on investments in ISBs by banks. Sri Lankan banks had invested heavily in ISBs, which prompted the CBSL to halt investments in ISBs by banks from December 2020, due to concerns about the pressure on the domestic foreign-exchange market through dollar outflows.
The CBSL now permits banks to purchase ISBs in the secondary market, provided this investment is funded by fresh overseas borrowings.The directive requires banks to adopt risk mitigation measures to bridge maturity mismatches that could arise. Fitch expects Sri Lankan banks to continue to face difficulties in accessing foreign-currency funding due to the sovereign’s low credit rating.
Foreign-currency borrowings declined to LKR881 billion by end-1Q21, from LKR984 billion at end-2019, accounting for 5.8% of sector assets. Refinancing needs remain high as short-term loans made up around 63% of the banking system’s external debt at end-2020.The latest directive stipulates that fresh offshore borrowings sourced to buy foreign-currency government securities have to be invested in both ISBs and Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs) in equal proportion, and as such would also contribute to increased investments in SLDBs by banks. Banks are the main investors in SLDBs, but their holdings of these securities declined 15% in 2020 to LKR448 billion.
Take-up in SLDBs by banks has been less than the higher-yielding ISBs, which are listed and more widely held. There are no limits on banks’ subscription to SLDB issuances.Fitch-rated Sri Lankan banks’ investments in ISBs and SLDBs accounted for 6.4% of their assets at end-2020. The extent of incremental investments in ISBs and SLDBs by banks remains to be seen, but Fitch expects the banks to add only a limited amount of ISBs and SLDBs.
This is due to the lower appetite of some banks to add to their exposure to foreign-currency government securities and potential funding access challenges. The risks to banks from their holdings of foreign-currency government securities are exacerbated by recent measures that have reduced minimum buffers, such as a reduction in the risk weights on foreign-currency claims on the government held by banks to 10% in 2021 from 20%, and cut in the loss-given-default rates to 10% from 20% when computing expected losses in 2021.
The ‘CCC’ rating on Sri Lanka reflects the sovereign’s challenging foreign-currency external debt repayment burden over the medium term, low foreign-exchange reserves, and high and rising government debt that gives rise to sustainability risks. Sri Lankan banks’ ratings continue to remain constrained by the sovereign credit profile, says Fitch Ratings.
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
