Business
Invigorated share trading following President’s updates to parliament on IMF bailout
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE was extremely bullish throughout yesterday and shares jumped in mid-day trade following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s address to Parliament, wherein he mentioned that a Letter of Intent has been signed covering the deal with the IMF. The latter is to be submitted to the IMF Executive Board for approval, a market analyst said.
We expect Board approval in the third or fourth week of March, President Wickremesinghe said. “News of the IMF process coming to its conclusion has pushed up banking counters massively, which in turn is pulling the market up, because that is the biggest share counter in the stock market. Investors expect a fall in market rates once the IMF has agreed to provide its loan to Sri Lanka, the analyst added.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 198 points and S and P SL20 rose by 35.5 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.24 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in Hemas Holdings, where 2.7 million share volumes crossed to the tune of Rs 180.9 million, its shares traded at Rs 67, NTB 1.2 million shares crossed for Rs 83.5 million, its shares traded at Rs 70.50, JKH 485,000 shares crossed for Rs 67.5 million and its share fetched Rs 139 million , Richard Pieris two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 46 million, its shares traded at Rs 23 and CIC (Non- Voting) 450,000 shares crossed for Rs 26.1 million, its shares traded at Rs 58.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 369 million (2.4 million shares trade), Sampath Bank Rs 291 million (4.9 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 197 million (907,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 125 million (896,000 shares traded), Sunshine Holdings Rs 95 million (2.1 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 91.9 million (1.1 million shares traded) and LOLC Holdings Rs 90.2 million (225,000 shares traded). During the day 114 million share volumes changed hands in 34000 transactions.
The Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 318.30 and selling rate Rs 335.75. It is said that the rupee appreciated against the dollar by 3 per cent during the last three days.
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
