Business
External and internal factors set stage for CSE revival
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE rose over 1 per cent within the first hour of trading yesterday, continuing the momentum from the previous day, unfolding a stock market driven by retail investors. The reasons for the market to bounce back were external and internal factors, stock market analysts said.
One external factor that propelled the market was the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reassurance of further support for crisis-hit Sri Lanka once the International Monetary Fund Board approves the US $ 2.9 billion four-year Extended Fund Facility program.
ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa told journalists that reaching the Staff Level Agreement by Sri Lanka with the IMF earlier this month was a positive development and expressed confidence in the government receiving “financing assurances” from relevant creditors leading up to the IMF Executive Board approving the new support program for Sri Lanka.
A further factor that positively impacted the market was the Export Development Board report that our export earnings from the beginning of the year to August this year reached more than US $ 8 billion, which was a 12 per cent increase, stock market analysts said.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index went up by 97.25 points (0.99 per cent) to end of the day at 9958.87 and S and P SL20 gained 22.71 points (0.72 per cent) to end of the day at 3187.22. Turnover stood at Rs 3.1 billion without a crossing.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, ACL Cables Rs 458 million (3.8 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 299 million (one million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 198 million (890,000 shares traded), Lanka Wall Tiles Rs 169 million (2.2 million shares traded), First Capital Holdings Rs 121 million (6.2 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 106 million (2.5 million shares traded) and First Capital Treasuries Rs 101 million (4.4 million shares traded). During the day 181 million shares changed hands in 33000 transactions.
Between early August and yesterday, SG Holdings is estimated to have acquired 67 million shares or a 3.7 per cent stake in Expolanka at a price range of Rs. 200 and Rs. 230 per share.
It is said buying in September alone resulted in a net inflow of Rs. 14.6 billion to the stock market and more importantly boosted liquidity of those who sold out of Expolanka. On the previous day Expolanka saw 11.6 million of its shares change hands via 883 trades for Rs. 2.65 billion. It closed at Rs. 224.75, up by one rupee. Expolanka’s market value was Rs. 439.3 billion as of yesterday accounting for 10 per cent of CSE’s total.
Yesterday the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 359.18 and the selling rate Rs 369.93.
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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