Business
Opportunity for local corporates to raise foreign currency denominated capital through CSE
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has enabled local entities incorporated or established in Sri Lanka to issue and list foreign currency denominated shares in the main market segment (Diri Savi and Main Boards) of the CSE.
This new financing option for local companies is a result of the new strategic plan the CSE launched in 2020. Having obtained necessary clearances from the Securities & Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, the Listing Rules and the Trading Rules of the CSE and the CDS Rules of the Central Depository Systems (Pvt.) Ltd. have been suitably amended to facilitate the listing, trading and clearing & settlement of foreign currency denominated shares to be issued by local entities. The aforementioned regulatory framework has been effective since 14th February 2022.
The Chairman of the CSE, Dumith Fernando, welcoming the move, stated, “The enabling of the raising of foreign capital would fulfill a gap for capital raising in the Sri Lankan Capital Market. This was formulated taking into consideration the interests expressed by several local entities in raising foreign currency denominated capital via the CSE. We hope that Sri Lankan companies aspiring to grow internationally can now make use of this unique opportunity via the CSE to meet their foreign currency growth capital needs”.
Speaking on the development, Chief Regulatory officer of the CSE, Renuke Wijayawardhane commented “The CSE submitted a comprehensive business proposal, including the proposed regulatory policy framework governing the listing and trading of foreign currency denominated shares issued by local entities on the CSE, to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Ministry of Finance via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the CSE continuously engaged with the Department of Foreign Exchange of CBSL in formulating the regulatory framework for this mechanism, resulting in a comprehensive set of regulations and directions being issued by the Ministry of Finance, which facilitate and enable the listing and trading of foreign currency denominated shares and debt securities on the CSE by local entities. With this initiative, we also hope to create a new stream of foreign currency-based revenue for the market participants”.
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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