Business
Debt moratorium announced by govt affects SriLankan Airlines’ government-guaranteed bonds
‘Completion of a commercial debt restructuring could lead to positive rating upgrade’
SriLankan Airlines’ USD 175 million government-guaranteed 7% unsecured bonds due 25 June 2024 has been affirmed by Fitch Ratings at ‘C’ due to it being part of the debt moratorium announced by the government on 12 April 2022, under the category of public sector entities’ external debt.Fitch also said that the affirmation followed the 19 May 2022 downgrade of Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘RD’ from ‘C’, and the downgrade of its foreign-currency bonds issued in international markets to ‘D’ from ‘C’.
“SLA’s guaranteed bonds are part of the debt moratorium announced on 12 April 2022 by the government of Sri Lanka, on several categories of
sovereign- and public sector entities’ external debt,” Fitch said.The moratorium has therefore triggered the commencement of a default-like process for SLA, in Fitch’s view.
“SLA’s bonds are rated ‘C’ factoring in Fitch’s view of average- to- below average recovery prospects following a default, in line with the agency’s Corporates Recovery Ratings and Instrument Ratings criteria, and Country- Specific Treatment of Recovery Ratings criteria.”
“Ratings assigned to bonds of issuers who are very close to default show little distinction between RR4-RR6. Therefore, Fitch has not assigned a Recovery Rating to the bond.”
“SLA’s US dollar bonds are part of the Government of Sri Lanka’s debt moratorium. SLA’s bond rating based on Fitch’s assessment of average- to below average recovery prospects to investors, based on Fitch’s Corporates Recovery Ratings and Instrument Ratings Criteria, and Country-Specific Treatment of Recovery Ratings Criteria”, Fitch said.The following are the Rating Sensitivities defined by Fitch Ratings.
Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade:
An upgrade of the sovereign rating Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade:
Negative rating actions are not possible, as the rating is at the lowest level applicable to corporate debt instruments For the sovereign rating of Sri Lanka, the following sensitivities were outlined by Fitch in its Rating Action Commentary of 19 May 2022.
Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade:Negative rating actions are not possible, as ratings are at their lowest level.Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade:- Completion of a commercial debt restructuring that Fitch judges to have normalised the relationship with the international financial community.
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
