Business
CSE slips for third straight session though turnover hits Rs. 6 billion
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE fell in mid-morning trade after opening in the green yesterday, slipping for the third straight session, despite touching a high turnover level of more than Rs 6 billion. However, in the last few days net foreign inflow recorded Rs 10.2 billion, with SG Holdings, being the main shareholding company of Expolanka Holdings, reportedly purchasing more shares yesterday, stock market analysts said.
Amid those developments, both indices moved downwards. The All- Share Price Index declined by 124.27 points (1.24 per cent) to end the day at 9.901.13 points and the S and P SL20 declined by 12.52 points (0.39 per cent) to end the day at 3205.22 points, Turnover stood at 6.05 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Expolanka Holdings, which crossed ten million shares to the tune of Rs 2.3 billion, its shares traded at Rs 228 and Cargills Ceylon Ltd. 241,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 54.2 million, its shares traded at Rs 225.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Lanka IOC Rs 771 million (2.7 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 485 million (2.1 million shares traded), CIC Holdings Rs 155 million (1.7 million shares traded), Lankem Development Rs 149 million (4.2 million shares traded), First Capital Treasuries Rs 149 million (7.7 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 144 million (1.4 million shares traded) and JKH Rs 139 million (970,000 shares traded). During the day 124 million share volumes changed hands in 34000 share transactions.
Yesterday, profit- takings were noted in manufacturing and banking sector counters. High buying interest was witnessed in Lanka- IOC, whose share price gained by Rs 11.20 or 4.2 per cent. Its share price shot up to Rs 279.79 from Rs 268.50. The major sectors that had contributed to the turnover were the Transport sector, which contributed Rs 2.7 billion, Energy sector Rs 772 million (Lanka IOC is the main contributor) and the Capital Goods sector Rs 679 million.
Yesterday the Central Bank-announced US dollar spot buying rate was Rs 369.33. The Central Bank’s prudential monetary policies stabilized the rupee against the dollar to a greater extent, financial sources 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.”