Business
Headline inflation above 6% in January 2024
On year-on-year basis, headline inflation increased to 6.4 per cent in January 2024 from 4.0 per cent in December 2023. Further, the Food inflation recorded 3.3 per cent, while the Non-Food inflation recorded 7.9 per cent. Furthermore, the CCPI based core inflation increased to 2.2 per cent in January 2024 from 0.6 per cent in December 2023 according to the Weekly Economic Indicators report of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The report further said:
In December 2023, Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction, as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded a value of 48.6, indicating a contraction in construction activities on a month-on-month basis.
During the period under review (27.01.2024 to 02.02.2024), crude oil prices exhibited a declining trend. Crude oil prices fell mainly on demand concerns stemming from low economic activity in China and on prospects of easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Overall, both Brent and WTI prices decreased by more than US dollars 4.00 per barrel during the period under review.
The average price of tea in the Colombo auction decreased to US dollars 3.66 per kg in December 2023 from US dollars 4.05 per kg in December 2022. The average import price of crude oil increased by 0.6 per cent (year-on-year) to US dollars 97.62 per barrel in December 2023.
Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) for the week ending 02nd February 2024 decreased by 34 bps to 11.91 per cent compared to the previous week.
Broad money expanded by 7.3 per cent, on a year-on-year basis, in December 2023. Net Credit to the Government from the banking system increased by Rs. 562.5 bn in December 2023. Outstanding credit to public corporations decreased by Rs. 355.6 bn in December 2023. Outstanding credit extended to the private sector increased by Rs. 102.6 bn in December 2023.The outstanding stock of T-Bills and T-Bonds held by foreigners increased by 1.63 per cent in rupee terms during the reporting week compared to the week before.
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
