Business
‘Local stock market resilient; continues progress’
The Colombo stock market has recorded a noteworthy turnaround in recent months, driven by a progress of the indices and improved investor interest,a CSE press release said.
It adds – ‘Since reopening the market on 11 May 2020 following an extended closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) has recorded an 18.97% gain since reopen, and as of 11th September stands at 5,438.91. The S&P SL20 index, which features the CSE’s 20 largest and most liquid stocks has also gained, making a 21.15% gain since the market reopen, closing at 2,359.24 points as of 11th September.
‘The ASPI and the S&P SL20 Index have made consistent gains tracking back points losses with the indices now at higher levels than before the 11th of March 2020, the day COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
‘The overall value of the stock market, which is represented by the market capitalization, has also improved adding Rs. 235.5 Billion since 11th May.
‘The year-to-date daily average turnover, which is an indication of investor participation in the market, currently stands at Rs. 1.35 billion – the highest figure recorded since 2014. Overall market activity in terms of the average number of trades carried out during a trading day has also increased significantly by 73% when compared to the average figure recorded in 2019 and 133% higher than 2018.
‘The post COVID market presented a unique opportunity for investors to benefit from historically attractive valuations at the time, with the market reaching 4,300 levels. The low-price points demonstrated by a majority of the stocks was the ideal entry phase for new investors and an opportune moment for them to experience the market and grow their wealth. Local retail investors were quick to identify this opportunity and accumulate stocks at low prices which resulted in high participation levels in the market.
‘A significant increase in account openings was noted since market reopen with 5801 new investors entering the market which is 98% higher than the number of new investors recorded during the same time period (May to August) in 2019 and 56% higher than 2018.
‘Local investors have contributed to approx. 75% of the total market turnover since the market reopened for trading on the 11th which is significantly higher when compared to approx. 36% recorded pre-closure.
‘The year 2020 has also seen a greater interest among younger investors in the retail segment, with 47% of the total accounts opened being attributed to the 18-30 age group. This marks an interesting development considering the fact that a large portion of retail stock market investors have traditionally been above 50 years of age.
‘On the foreign investment front, 2020 has recorded a net foreign outflow of Rs. 34.9 Billion, largely in line with the foreign fund outflow trend recorded in emerging and frontier markets around the world. However, the market has continued to attract foreign purchases too with investors continuing to acknowledge attractive valuations compared to 2019, with foreign purchases YTD of Rs. 45 Billion in 2020.’
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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