Business
PM’s rising debt ratio statement hits share market; CSE drops by over 1 per cent
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE dropped by over 1 per cent within the first hour of trading yesterday in the wake of selling pressure from local and foreign investors stemming from the country’s prevailing political and social uncertainties. The pall of gloom over the market was compounded by a statement in parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to the effect that Sri Lanka’s debt has shot up to 140 per cent of its gross domestic product.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka is making progress towards a 4- year Extended Fund Facility with the International Monetary Fund. “With the IMF we hope to reduce it (debt) to 95 per cent of GDP by 2032, Wickremesinghe said.
Sri Lanka’s government debt which was Rs17,580 billion by end 2021 rose to Rs21,969 billion in March 2022, he added.
Stock analysts said that Sri Lanka’s economic uncertainties are bound to be compounded by a potential global economic recession that would likely affect the US and Europe.
Amid those developments both indices showed a downward trend. The All- Share Price Index went down by 120.9 points and S and P SL20 declined by 55.6 points. Turnover stood at Rs 916 million, without any crossings.
In the retail market, top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Lanka IOC Rs 330 million (four million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 121 million (740,000 shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 54.7 million (142,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 47.3 million (6.8 million shares traded), HNB Rs 36.6 million (459,000 shares traded), Elpitiya Plantations Rs 26.2 million (334,000 shares traded) and LOLC Finance Rs 23.3 million (3.7 million shares traded). During the day 52.5 million share volumes changed hands in 15000 share transactions.
Yesterday the Central Bank announced the US dollar rate. Its buying rate was Rs 355.95 and the selling rate Rs 367.29.
A guidance peg announced by the Central Bank for interbank transactions was steady at Rs 359.79 against the US dollar unchanged from a day earlier. On July 04, the guidance peg rate dropped 24 cents to Rs 359.79 against the US dollar.
Sri Lanka commercial banks offered dollars for telegraphic transfers at rates between Rs 366.79 and Rs 370.00 for small transactions yesterday, unchanged from the previous day.
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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