Business
CSE’s year-to-date net foreign outflow exceeds Rs. 51 billion
With deteriorating foreign exchange reserves
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is in the final week of trading for 2021 on a negative note with both indices down although turnover improved sharply, stock market analysts said yesterday.
Market also saw high net foreign selling, increasing the year-to-date (YTD) net outflow over Rs. 51 billion with the deteriorating foreign exchange reserves. Therefore, the market witnessed significant profit takings this year especially among foreign investors. But current scenario has discouraged many investors and therefore they take profits and exit the market, market analysts said .
In contrast. with the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar most of the export sector counters performed reasonably well but the banking and financial sector counters were adopting a wait- and-see approach due the current distressing foreign reserves situation, which could result in failure in debt servicing and making sovereign bond payments early next year, stock market analysts said
Commercial banks yesterday did not react in a negative manner despite the Central Bank (CBSL) ordering all licensed banks to sell 25 percent of US dollars to the CBSL in a desperate measure to alleviate the forex shortage in the market and increase foreign currency.
According to the Central Bank amending the operating instructions on extending the incentive scheme for inflows of workers’ remittances from Monday, the Governor of the Central Bank has informed the CEOs of all licensed banks the changes made to mandatory foreign exchange sales to the CBSL and to incentives offered under the incentive schemes.
Amid those developments, CSE activities were negative throughout the day, because Index weighted Senkadagala Finance share price depreciated further, even after the previous day’s dip. Its share price dropped by 25 percent or Rs 239. Its share price started trading at Rs 964 and at the end of the day it had a depreciation of Rs 725 tus contributing 50 negative points to the All Share Price Index.
Therefore, both indices moved downward. All Share Price Index down by 100.79 points and S and P SL20 down by 2.94 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.67 billion with seven crossings. Those crossings were reported in Commercial Bank, which crossed 7.2 million shares to the tune of Rs 582.6 million and its share price traded at Rs 78, Melstacorp 10 million shares crossed for Rs 550 million and its share price traded at Rs 55, Citizens Developments Business Finance 2.9 million shares crossed for Rs 506 million and its share price traded at Rs 170, Nation Trust Bank 4.2 million shares crossed for Rs 231 million and its share price traded at Rs 54, LB Finance two million shares crossed for Rs 136 million and its share price traded at Rs 58, Amand Bank 20 million shares crossed for Rs 88 million and its share price traded at Rs 4.40 and Lanka IOC 325,000 shares crossed for Rs 24.2 million and its share price traded at Rs 74.50.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were Prime Lanka Residencies Rs 388 million (31.9 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 375 million (one million shares traded), SMB Leasing Rs 185 million (90.8 million shares traded), Myland Developments Rs 172.8 million (7.8 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 157 million (two million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 117 million ( 1.5 million shares traded), and Browns Investments Rs 114 million (eight million shares traded).
During the day 317 million share volume changed hands in 42000 share transactions of the day. It is said that the high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Udapussellawa Plantations and Hapugastenne Plantations.
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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