Business
ComBank raises Rs 10 bn. after debenture oversubscribed on opening day
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced that its Rs 10 billion debenture issue closed within hours of opening after it was oversubscribed on opening day, Thursday 1st December 2022, in a noteworthy vote of confidence from investors.
The debentures to the value of Rs 10 billion are being issued to further strengthen the Tier 2 capital base of the Bank, bridge maturity mismatches in the assets and liabilities portfolio of the Bank and raise funds for the expansion of the Bank’s lending portfolio, especially in segments such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and export-oriented industries in the interest of supporting the national economy.
Commenting on the oversubscription of the Issue, Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Mr Sanath Manatunge said: “The trust and confidence in the future prospects of the Bank implicit in the response of institutional as well as individual investors, is extremely encouraging for Commercial Bank as well as the sector in general. This injection of capital further strengthens the Bank and is expected to further stimulate growth.”
Commercial Bank’s Basel III-compliant, Tier 2, Listed, Rated, Unsecured, Subordinated Redeemable Debentures with a Non-viability Conversion feature at the value of Rs 100 each were offered in three tenures – Type A with a five-year tenure, Type B with a seven-year tenure, and Type C with a 10-year tenure.
The five-year debentures carry a fixed interest rate of 28.00% p.a. (AER 29.96%) payable semi-annually, while the seven and 10-year debentures offer a fixed interest rate of 27.00% p.a. (AER 28.82%) and 22.00% p.a. (AER 23.21%) respectively, also payable semi-annually.
The debentures are rated A (lka) on Rating Watch Negative by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. Commercial Bank’s National Long-Term Rating has been set at AA- (lka)/ Rating Watch Negative by Fitch. The Investment Banking Division of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC is the Manager to the Issue.
For the nine months ending September 2022 the Commercial Bank Group reported gross income of Rs 195.573 billion, total operating income of Rs 103.837 billion, profit before tax of Rs 22.036 billion and profit after tax of Rs 15.460 billion, with total assets reaching Rs 2.390 trillion, loans and advances totalling Rs 1.243 trillion and total deposits exceeding Rs 1.853 trillion as at 30th September 2022.
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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