Business
Hela Apparel Holdings debuts trading on CSE
The shares of Hela Apparel Holdings Limited (CODE: HELA-N-0000) commenced trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
The shares have been listed on the Main Board of the CSE under the “Consumer Durables & Apparel” sector. The occasion was marked with a special Bell Ringing Ceremony.
Representing Hela Apparel Holdings, Chairman A.R. Rasiah and Group CEO Dilanka Jinadasa graced the occasion, together with other members of the Board of Directors and senior management of the company, as well as the longest-serving employee. The Joint Financial Advisors and Managers to the IPO were also represented by Group Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investment Banking of CT CLSA Holdings, Zakir Mohamedally, and Managing Director of CAL Partners, Deshan Pushparajah.
The CSE was represented at the event by its Chairman, Mr. Dumith Fernando, Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Renuke Wijayawardhane, and the CSE Senior Management.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the CSE, Mr. Dumith Fernando, congratulated Hela Apparel Holdings on its initiative to go public. “Today, we have the largest IPO in the equity market since the resurgence of the equity markets on the CSE. So, it is indeed a happy day for the CSE, as much as it is for Hela Holdings. It is also impressive that we are bringing together not just the largest IPO but something that was oversubscribed by about five and a half times. That’s an issue of Rs. 4 billion. That also gives us at CSE a lot of confidence in the strength of this capital market as a venue for fundraising. CSE’s objective has been to not only bring more companies into the market, but also a much more diverse group of companies that gives many more options for investors to participate in this market. In that regard, having a company like Hela Apparel Holdings that is entirely export-focused at a time when many investors are looking for export-oriented companies to invest in, is advantageous. Hela Apparel Holdings is truly an international company with 18,000 plus staff spread across Sri Lanka and East-Africa. It is truly a story of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship and we at the CSE are very happy and humble to have companies like this listed.”
Commenting on the apparel industry, Mr. Fernando added, “The apparel industry, of course, is one of the key contributors to our economy, particularly the export segment, and being the largest industrial export segment, it is notable that Hela Apparel Holdings is the first actual largest apparel exporter that is coming to list, which again is another milestone. With this, we wish Hela Apparel Holdings good luck and that all their ambitions be realized after listing but also helped by listing. “
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Hela Apparel Holdings, Mr. A.R. Rasiah, commented, “Today is a landmark for all of us at Hela and marks the culmination of a journey that began more than five years ago, with a vision to build a world-leading apparel supply chain solution provider that shares its value creation with all its stakeholders. We have been truly humbled by the response to the IPO from all sections of the investment community and look forward to working diligently to build global value for all who have placed their trust in us. I would like to thank everyone who’s been a part of Hela’s landmark IPO – including the company’s management team ably led by Group CEO, Dilanka Jinadasa, and the Joint Managers to the IPO – CT CLSA and CAL – who have ensured the successful completion of this landmark listing, as well to the Colombo Stock Exchange for their diligence in guiding us through the process.
Hela Apparel Holdings is one of the leading apparel supply chain solution providers in Sri Lanka with over three decades of experience in the industry. Over the years the company has successfully built strategic relationships with some of the world’s leading apparel and fashion brands.
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.”
