Business
OCC-govt. agreement imparts dynamism to share market
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Institutional and retail participation in the CSE was quite satisfactory yesterday because they had been enthused by the finalization of the agreement between the Official Credit Committee (OCC) and the Sri Lankan government, which cleared the pathway for the IMF first review, market analysts said.
The stock market managed to close on the up, influenced by positive news on the external debt restructuring though activity levels were moderate, market analysts said.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index went up by 95 points and S and P SL20 rose by 43.4 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.9 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in HNB, which crossed 490,000 shares to the tune of Rs 79.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 163, JKH 150,000 shares crossed for Rs 28.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 188 and Chevron Lubricants 300,000 shares crossed for Rs 26.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 88.40.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 772 million (four million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 216 million (1.6 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 106.4 million (22 million shares traded), NTB Rs 82.8 million (824,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 48.5 million (713,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 47.9 million (290,000 shares traded) and Lanka IOC Rs 34.3 million (336,000 shares traded). During the day 57.8 million share volumes changed hands in 9000 transactions.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys Fabric, JKH, and Windforce. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Sampath Bank and Lanka Milk Foods, while retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and Nation Lanka Finance.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to JKH) while the sector index edged down by 0.08 percent. The share price of JKH lost 75 cents to settle at Rs. 186.50.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to HNB), while the sector index increased significantly.
Yesterday the rupee opened at Rs 328.30/60 to the US dollar from Rs 329.25/50 the previous day, dealers said.
Bond yields were stable.
A bond maturing on 01.08.2026 was quoted at 14.10/20 percent from 14.10/25 percent .A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 14.30/40 percent from 14.15/30 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 14.30/45 percent from 14.30/40 percent.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”