Business
Export unit value index increased by 4.9%, its import counterpart surged by 15.4%
Terms of trade deteriorated by 9.0 per cent
The export unit value index increased by 4.9 per cent, (year-on-year), in August 2022 due to higher prices registered in agricultural and industrial categories of exports. Meanwhile, the import unit value index in August 2022 increased by 15.4 per cent, (year-on-year), due to higher prices recorded in intermediate and investment goods. Accordingly, the terms of trade deteriorated by 9.0 per cent, (year-on-year), to 82.5 index points in August 2022,” Weekly Economic Indicators of the Central Bank stated.
It further stated: The average price of tea (in the Colombo auction) increased to US dollars 4.25 per kg in August 2022 from US dollars 2.95 per kg in August 2021.The import price of crude oil increased substantially by 53.2 per cent in August 2022 year-on-year.
OPEC+ agreed to cut production targets by 2 mn barrels per day which were the producers’ largest reduction since 2020. Overall, during the period under review, Brent and WTI prices increased by US dollars 6.86 per barrel and US dollars 6.73 per barrel, respectively. Weekly AWPR for the week ending 07th October 2022 increased by 75 bps to 26.70 per cent compared to the previous week.
The reserve money decreased compared to the previous week mainly due to decrease in the currency in circulation. The total outstanding market liquidity was a deficit of Rs. 517.427 bn by the end of this week, compared to a deficit of Rs. 568.46 bn by the end of last week.
By 07th October 2022, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) decreased by 8.88 per cent to 9,049.52 points and the S&P SL 20 Index decreased by 12.43 per cent to 2,771.83 points, compared to the index values of last week.
During the year up to 07th October 2022, the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated against the US dollar by 44.8 per cent. Given the cross currency exchange rate movements, the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated against the Indian rupee by 38.9 per cent, the Euro by 36.2 per cent, the pound sterling by 33.3 per cent and the Japanese yen by 30.4 per cent during this period.The gross official reserves were provisionally estimated at US dollars 1,777 mn as at end September 2022.
Earnings from exports increased by 12.6 per cent (year-on-year) to US dollars 8,902 mn during the eight months ending August 2022 as a result of increased earnings mainly from exports of textiles and garments (19.2%), petroleum products (39.0%), gems, diamonds and jewellery (55.7%), machinery and mechanical appliances (14.2%) and animal fodder (40.9%).
Import expenditure decreased by 4.6 per cent (year-on-year) to US dollars 12,801 mn during eight months ending August 2022, mainly due to lower imports of machinery and equipment (-19.8%), telecommunication devices (-82.4%), base metals (-45.9%) and medical and pharmaceuticals (-34.7%). Accordingly, the deficit in the trade account narrowed to US dollars 3,899 mn during the eight months ending August 2022 from US dollars 5,507 mn in the corresponding period of 2021.
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
