Business
Quarantine curfew extension takes toll on stock market
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE activities showed some bullish sentiments at the beginning of trading yesterday but later the bourse turned negative due to the government’s decision to extend the island wide quarantine curfew until September 21. During the latter part of the day most index weighted companies witnessed substantial selling pressure, stock market analysts said.
However, the market also saw a welcome net foreign inflow of Rs. 105 million. The stock market, however, has suffered a net foreign outflow of over Rs. 41 billion so far this year.
The rebound also saw the market’s value gain by Rs. 100 billion, thereby propelling CSE market capitalization back to the Rs. 4 trillion mark.
Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. All Share Price Index went down by 121 points and S and P SL20 declined by 45.9 points. Turnover stood at Rs 6.9 billion with four crossings. Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank, where ten million shares crossed for Rs 508 million and its shares traded at Rs 49.60, HNB 1.03 million shares crossed for Rs 468.8 million, its shares traded at Rs. 143, Expolanka 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 34.6 million, its shares fetched Rs 173 and SLT 575,000 shares crossed for Rs 21.3 million, its shares trading at Rs. 37.
In the retail market, companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Rs. 3.3 billion (18.5 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 971 million (101 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 168 million (310,000 shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 150 million (3.5 million shares traded) and RIL Property Ltd Rs 135 million (16.5 million shares traded). During the day 248 million share volumes changed hands in 36000 transactions.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Expolanka Holdings and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in LOLC Holdings, Nestle Lanka and Hayleys, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and Nation Lanka Finance.
The current exchange rate of 1 US dollar is equal to 199.798 Sri Lankan rupees. This is an increase of 8.168032% (or +15.0872 LKR) compared with the same time last year (10 September 2020), when 1 US dollar equaled 184.711 Sri Lankan rupees.
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.”