Business
CSE capital-raising in 2021 reaches record high of Rs. 124 billion
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
A buoyant CSE in 2021 saw capital- raising increasing to a record Rs. 124 billion. The previous highest, in a 10-year time span was in 2018, amounting to Rs. 105 billion, CSE chairman Dumith Fernando said.
“Last year, of the capital raised, a record Rs. 84.4 billion was via debt and Rs. 39.4 billion in equity. The CSE also saw 28 new listings, including 14 debt IPOs and 13 equity IPOs, Fernando told the media while announcing the CSE’s achievements in 2021 and its proposed plans to be implemented in 2022. The event was held at Hotel Taj Samudra last week.
Fernando said that in 2021, the market had its best year, in terms of ASPI gaining 80.5 per cent and the S&P SL20 improving by 60.5 per cent. Market capitalization also reached a 10-year high of 36.7 per cent of GDP or Rs. 5.5 trillion from 19.7 per cent in 2020 or Rs. 2.96 trillion and 34.5 per cent in 2010 or Rs. 2.2 trillion.
“With proactive efforts by both the CSE and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), especially digitization initiatives, the Colombo stock market saw active local investor participation, the CSE chairman said.
The active investor base rose to 63,000 as opposed to the target of 50,000, while the number of new accounts was 37,000, higher from 2020 but fell short of the target of 50,000, he added. Fernando also said the CSE more than doubled turnover to Rs. 4.9 billion per day.
Amid those developments, CSE trading activities were positive throughout the day and at certain times the index reached the 200 level. Most of the blue- chip counters witnessed fresh buying interest and prices in most of them appreciated during the day, stock market analysts said.
Both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 125 points and S and P SL20 rose by 63.5 points. Turnover stood at Rs 7.1 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in TJ Lanka, which crossed 2.5 million shares to the tune of Rs 139 million and its shares traded at Rs 52 and LOLC Finance 3.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 111 million, its shares traded at Rs 28.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Vallibel One Rs 582 million (six million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 557 million (1.4 million shares traded), Softlogic Capital Rs 454 million (3.5 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 318 million (18.7 million shares traded), Chevron Lubricants Rs 263 million (2.1 million shares traded), Central Finance Rs 254 million (2.3 million shares traded) and Hayleys Rs 240 million (1.6 million shares traded). During the day 256 million share volumes changed hands in 61000 transactions.
Yesterday the US dollar was quoted at Rs 202.45, which was the Central Bank controlled price. However, in the open market the dollar rate exceeded the Rs 250 level, sources 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.”
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