Business
IMF bailout-linked worries have depressing impact on bourse
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Investor sentiment remained depressed with CSE activity dipping to a new low yesterday because of investor worries connected to an impending IMF bailout, stock market analysts said.
If the government goes for IMF recommendations, it will likely jack up the tax rate, especially Corporate Tax, to increase government revenue and would cut down costs in certain sectors. This would affect several corporate sector entities, market analysts added.
The Cabinet of ministers had given Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa the go -ahead to seek International Monetary Fund assistance, a government minister said, as the soft-pegged rupee suffered the worst currency crisis in its history. However, the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal insists on going for a home- grown solution, analysts said.
Further, stock market investors are also adopting a -wait- and- see approach to a probable interest rate hike, which could compel people to go for fixed income earning instruments, such as Fixed Deposits, analysts explained.
Yesterday, the Index plunged sharply during the first 10 minutes of trading and thereafter gathered a short-lived positive momentum followed by a ceaseless downward trend. Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. All Share Price Index fell by 280 points to end at 10284.30 and the S and P SL20 dropped by 104.28 points to end the day at 3512.50 pints. Turnover stood at Rs 1.66 billion with a single crossing. The indices remained in negative territory due to price declines of major blue-chip companies during the day.
The crossing was reported in HNB (Non- Voting), which crossed 659,000 shares to the tune of Rs 84.7 million and its shares traded at Rs 128. In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 340 million (1.3million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 122 million (11.4 million shares traded), Dialog Axiata Rs 121 million (10.7 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 110 million (2.3 million shares traded), Access Engineering Rs 83.2 million (4.1million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 74.5 million (93000 shares traded) and LOLC Finance Rs 64.5 million (3.9 million shares traded). During the day 90 million share volumes changed hands in 21000 transactions.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Royal Ceramics and Hayleys. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Dipped Products, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Dialog Axiata.
Exterminator IPO oversubscribed yesterday, which was a small IPO to raise Rs 60 million. The company will issue 10 million shares at a share price of Rs 6 to raise Rs 60 million.
Yesterday, the US dollar was quoted at Rs 269.99, with the free float of the rupee against the dollar initiated by the Central Bank. Until last week the Central Bank controlled the rupee and imposed a ceiling of Rs 203.
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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