Business
Decline in net foreign outflow from CSE in June compared to May seen as sending positive signal for market
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The net foreign outflow at the CSE has come down in June compared to May this year in a positive signal for the market, which indicates that foreign investors still have confidence in the local stock market, Head-Market Development, CSE, Niroshan Wijesundara said.
“May was a critical month due to the outbreak of the Covid 19 third wave after the New Year. Therefore, foreign outflow/selling was Rs. 6.4 billion. However, in June foreign outflow/ selling was to Rs. 3.76 billion, which is quite a healthy situation for the market, Wijesundera told the Island Financial Review.
He also said that in May a Rs. 1.5 billion private placement took place with NDB, which has significant foreign investor participation.
Commenting on LOLC Development Finance, he said that the public holds only 0.03 percent shares in it, which are all illiquid shares and sometimes companies do this to ensure free float of shares in the market, which depends on board requirements.
Amid those developments both indices moved downwards yesterday. All Share Price Index went down by 2 points and S and P SL20 went down by 21.65 points. Turnover stood at Rs. 1.35 billion with a single crossing. The crossing took place in JKH, which crossed 1.86 million shares to the tune of Rs. 242.6 million, its shares traded at Rs. 131.
In the retail market, top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were Cargills Rs. 134 million (497,000 shares traded), JKH Rs. 103 million (784.2 million shares traded), LOLC Rs. 64.9 million (164,000 shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs. 60.2 million (8.54 million shares traded) and Dipped Products Rs. 57.6 million (1.1 million shares traded)
During the day, the market was sluggish; the overall valued stocks witnessed a decline, while illiquid speculative counters reported gains. LOLC Finance, Commercial Leasing and Finance and Kotmale Holdings contributed to the All Share Price Index. LOLC Finance contributed 9.5 points, Commercial Leasing and Finance 23 points and Kotmale Holdings contributed seven points to the All Share Price Index. All three companies together contributed 40 points to the All Share Price Index while the market was down by 2 points.
Much talked about LOLC Development Finance share price moved down, which contributed 14.5 negative points to the All Share Price Index and Index heavy JKH also contributed nine negative points to the All Share Price Index.
During the day Commercial Bank share price appreciated by 24 percent or Rs 1.60. Its share price moved upto Rs 8.20 from Rs 6.60. LOLC Finance appreciated its price by 13 points and 80 cents. Its share price moved to Rs 7.10 from Rs 6.30 and Kotmale Holdings share price appreciated by 23 percent or Rs 118.50. Its share price moved to Rs 645 from Rs 526.50.
However, Kotmale Holdings, a subsidiary of Cargills, also witnessed an unusual price increase of its shares, similar to LOLC Development Finance. Cargils owned 31.2 million or 99.5 percent in Kotmale Holdings. Only 0.5 percent or 153,200 shares traded in the market. Its is said that due to the small quantity of shares and illiquid nature of its shares in the stock market, dominating the market imparts a wrong signal on the market, which would affect the image of the market, which needs to be investigated propermanner, stock brokers said. During the day63.5 million share volume changed hands in 17912 transactions.
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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