Business
CSE plunges amid rupee devaluation controversies
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE plunged further yesterday amid mixed sentiments over the devaluation of the rupee, coupled with weak macro- environmental conditions. Further, the Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal updated the CEOs of banks on the latest initiatives in terms of allowing flexibility in the exchange rate and that did not support the market in a positive manner, stock market analysts said.
Analysts said that though the recent devaluation was technically favourable to dollar earning companies some of the big counters declined the arrangement, dragging the market down. It was opined that the devaluation impact on imports and the overall uncertainty dampened investor sentiment.
Amid those developments both indices showed a downward trend with a weak turnover level or below average level of Rs 3.5 billion being registered. All Share Price Index went down by 359 points and S and P SL20 declined by 152 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.5 billion with a single crossing. That crossing was reported in Hemas Holdings, which crossed 500,000 shares to the tune of Rs 29.7 million and its shares traded at Rs 59.50.
In the retail market, top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 509 million (two million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 295 million (29.6 million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 154 million (10.2 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 137 million (168,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 100 million (712,000 shares traded) and Royal Ceramic Rs 89.5 million (1.8 million shares traded). During the day 137 million share s changed hands in 33000 transactions.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, Melstacorp and Sunshine Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Royal Ceramics, while retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing non-voting, Browns Investments and Lanka Orix Finance.
Yesterday’s the US dollar rate was Rs 229.50, having jumped 25 per cent following the free float of the dollar. However, the Central Bank kept the dollar rate at the maximum level of Rs. 203 until this week.
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
