Business
Profit-takings by foreign investors dampen CSE trading
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading activities registered some negative performances at the beginning of sessions yesterday due to profit takings, especially by foreign investors. Foreign investors had panicked over stock market trends mainly due to foreign media highlighting that Sri Lanka had declared a food emergency with the worsening of the foreign currency reserve position of the country, stock market analysts said.
Last Friday the net foreign outflow was Rs. 1.5 billion, out of which Rs. 1.3 billion was from Hemas Holdings. However, yesterday too foreign outflows were noted. Under these circumstances a Rs. 50 billion net foreign outflow has been reported to date in the stock market, analysts said.
The main causes for the increasing foreign outflow are the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar and the worsening of the foreign reserve crisis, which created a gloomy picture of the market, analysts explained.
Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 80.65 points and S and P SL20 declined by 39.53 points. Turnover stood at Rs. 7.7 billion with one crossing. That crossing was reported in Sunshine Holdings Ltd, which crossed four million shares to the tune of Rs. 102 million, its shares traded at Rs. 25.50.
In the retail market, five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs. 2.3 billion (12.5 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs. 1.14 billion (103.6 million shares traded), Hemas Holdings Rs. 911 million (12.5 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs. 424 million (692,000 shares traded) and Kotagala Plantations Rs. 235 million (41.9 million shares traded).
Kotagala Plantations rights were listed yesterday. Under this right issue 263 million shares will be issued to raise Rs. 789 million. The ratio of the right issue was seven new shares for every two existing shares for shareholders. During the day 874 million share volumes changed hands in 47000 transactions.
Proving that investing in shares is becoming broad-based as opposed to the misconception of being “limited to a few”, the number of accounts has seen a 55 percent increase between 2010 and June 2021 while trading volumes have grown at a higher pace in tandem with improved sentiment.
The number of Central Depository System (CDS) accounts as of end June 2021 was 659,578 (excluding multiple registrations), up 55.4% from 424,288 in 2010 and by 14% in 2014. These two years saw significant bull runs.
The number of local companies having CDS Accounts has risen by 85 percent between 2010 and June 2021 from 6,114 to 11,294. Even between 2014 and 2021 June, the growth in companies at 31per cent is higher (though from a low base) as opposed to individuals.
More foreign companies have also registered to invest in Sri Lanka, from 3,893 in 2010 and 4,705 in 2014 to 5,718 in 2021 YTD.
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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