Business
CBSL decision to continue current monetary policy stance leads to profit-takings
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Profit- takings were noted in the stock market yesterday due to the Central Bank announcement that its Monetary Board had decided to continue the current monetary policy stance, market analysts said. Policy interest rates are to be maintained at their current levels, while measures are to be introduced to accelerate the reduction of market lending rates.
However, hotel sector counters witnessed buying interest after Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe announced that tourist arrivals would increase and that the sector’s revenue will go up to US $ 2.3 billion from US 1.1 billion last year, market analysts added.
Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All- Share Price Index went down by 122.5 points and S and P SL20 declined by 55.5 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.4 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were; Asia Hotel and Properties, whose 1.3 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 59.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 53.50, Lanka IOC 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 57 million; its shares traded at Rs 114, Chevron Lubricants 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 57 million; its shares traded at Rs 95, Commercial Bank 490,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.1 million; its shares sold at Rs 90 and Melstarcope 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 39.5 million; its shares fetched Rs 79.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Capital Alliance Rs 329 million (4 million shares traded), Distilleries Rs 169 million (6.3 million shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 136 million (909,000 shares traded), First Capital Rs 99.7 million (1.7 million shares traded), Ceylon Grain Elevators Rs 74.2 million (480,000 shares traded), HNB 66.5 million (371,000 shares traded) and Ceylon Hotels Corporation Rs 56.2 million (2.3 million shares traded). During the 74.7 million share volumes changed hands in 23000 transactions.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in CIC Holdings, JKH and Distilleries. Mixed interest was observed in Capital Alliance, Lanka IOC and Commercial Bank, while retail interest was noted in Marawila Resorts, Browns Investments and Pan Asia Banking Corporation.
The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Capital Alliance), while the sector index lost 1.26%. The share price of Capital Alliance decreased by Rs. 8 to Rs. 84.00.
The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Distilleries), while the sector index increased by 1.12 percent.Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 317.40 and selling rate Rs 329.81.
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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