Business
Extension of bond exchange date casts gloom on share market
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
A degree of gloom enveloped the share market yesterday because stock market investors were anticipating an upward interest rate trend in the primary market. Besides, on the domestic debt restructuring front, the government had extended the bond exchange date beyond the scheduled date, market analysts said.
Under the IMF recommendations on the domestic debt restructuring exercise, the deadline for the bond exchange between the government and bondholder was August 28, but due to unavoidable circumstances it had been extended to September 11. This had negatively impacted yesterday’s stock market, analysts said.
Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All- Share Price Index went down by 37.38 points and S and P SL20 declined by 15. 9 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.2 billion with six crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 1.5 million shares to the tune of Rs 271 million; its shares traded at Rs 181, Asia Hotel Properties 4.2 million shares crossed for Rs 226 million and its shares traded at Rs 3.50, Citizens Development Business and Finance 129 million shares crossed for Rs 119 million; its shares traded at Rs 191, Lanka IOC 300,000 shares crossed for Rs 34.2 million; its shares fetched Rs 114, Melstacope 252,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.1 million; its shares sold at Rs 80 and DFCC 225,000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares fetched Rs 89.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; HNB Rs 155 million (886,000 shares traded), Asia Hotel and Properties Rs 99.8 million (1.8 million shares traded), Capital Alliance Rs 98.7 million (1.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 96.3 million (530,000 shares traded) and Ceylon Grain Elevators Rs 86.7 million (515,000 shares traded). During the day 60.1 million share volumes changed hands in 17000 transactions.
Yesterday, the rupee opened at Rs 323.75/324.25 to the US dollar, after closing on Friday at Rs 324.00/25 to the US dollar, dealers said.
A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 14.45/55 percent after closing at 14.35/50 percent on Friday. A bond maturing on 01.05.2028 was quoted unchanged at 13.90/14.10.
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
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