Business
Business Sentiment Index at five month low: report
The results of the latest LMD-NielsenIQ Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey – which was carried out in the first week of May – paints a gloomy picture for business with sentiment plummeting following the surge in COVID-19 cases since the end of April.
THE INDEX The BCI plunged by 49 basis points to 89 in May from the previous month to register a five month low. This in effect reverses the moderate gains witnessed for most of the year to date.
This marks the highest fall since April last year when the government imposed an islandwide curfew. It also places the index at the same level it was a year ago and below its average for the last 12 months (110). prior to the curfew – the BCI stood at a healthy 145 points, which was some 20 notches above the all-time average.
Nielsen’s Director – Consumer Insights Therica Miyanadeniya said: “Predictions of the possibility of a third wave unfolding after the Avurudu season has become a stark reality. The country is reeling from the effects of unchecked crowds in and around retail outlets as well as carefree celebrations and fiestas in various parts of the island during the season.”
The LMD report further said: The impact of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy is expected to be less severe than the previous waves “due to the selective nature of mobility restrictions and the ongoing vaccination drive,” according to the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
To this end, the monetary authority highlighted the need for continued fiscal and monetary support to ensure the recovery is not derailed.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank’s accommodative monetary policy stance, rupee liquidity and the introduction of priority sector lending targets are expected to underpin Sri Lanka’s economic recovery by promoting lending to sectors that are in need.
The most pressing issue for business continues to be the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by inflation and political instability.
As for the nation, the spread of the virus continues to be perceived as the main issue. The economy and poverty are also considered to be major concerns.
In the May edition of LMD, we noted that the rise in COVID-19 cases following the festive period and imposition of new restrictions could undermine business sentiment. This has proved to be true, LMD report said.
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
