Business
CSE gains for second consecutive day; buying interest in blue chip shares
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE gained for a second consecutive day yesterday reaffirming that investor sentiment has improved. This was due to high expectations of forthcoming positive corporate quarterly results, resulting in buying interest increasing on noted blue chip company shares, stock market analysts said.
The active S&PSL20 Index gained by over 7.46 per cent and the benchmark ASPI gained by over 4.55 per cent. Main contributors to the All- Share Price Index were; Expolanka Holdings, 52 points and LOLC 47 points.
The All- Share Price Index went up by 330 points and S and P SL20 rose by 175.81 points. Turnover rose to a recent high of Rs.3 billion, involving 140 million shares with two crossings. On the previous day the S&PSL20 shot up by 11 per cent and ASPI by over 5 per cent, while turnover was Rs. 2.18 billion. Earlier in the week (Monday and Tuesday) the market lost Rs. 600 billion in value after indices crashed by 10 per cent, forcing suspension of trading within minutes of opening.
The crossings took place in Dialog, which crossed five million shares to the tune of Rs 45 million; its shares traded at Rs 9 and Melstacorp 800,000 shares crossed for Rs 28 million; its shares traded at Rs 35.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 1.5 billion (9.9 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 231 million (38.9 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 113 million (289,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 102 million (858,000 shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 92.3 million (14 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 66.2 million (two million shares traded) and Ceylinco Finance Rs 50.3 million (27,000 shares traded). During the day 140 million share volumes changed hands in 24000 transactions.
Sri Lanka’s commercial banks quoted the dollar at Rs 345/355 for telegraphic transfers on April 28, remaining at the same levels as the previous day, while the secondary market remained mostly inactive ahead of a 35 billion bond auction, market participants said.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”