Business
Profit-takings in LOLC Group affect CSE momentum
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading activities were positive yesterday despite other global stock markets showing a downward trend with the possible spread of the Covid 19 new variant. The market was slightly volatile throughout the day. At the beginning, the stock market was positive but later it did not maintain the same momentum because profit- takings were noted in the LOLC Group of companies, especially LOLC Holdings, Browns Investments and Brown and Company, stock market analysts said.
But price appreciation was witnessed in Expolanka Holdings and Expack Corrugated Company which put the market in positive territory. Expolanka Holdings’ share price appreciated by Rs 16.25 or 6.5 per cent. Its share price shot up to Rs 263.50 from Rs 247.25. Expack Corrugated Company, which listed recently, saw its share price appreciate by 30 percent or Rs 5.30. Its share price started at Rs 17.60 at the end of the day it moved up to Rs 22.90. During the day manufacturing sector companies noted gains, while plantation companies showed some profit- takings.
Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 4.41 points and S and P SL20 rose by 13.81 points. Turnover stood at Rs 8.9 billion with a single crossing. The crossing was reported in Access Engineering, which crossed two million shares to the tune of Rs 58 million; its shares traded at Rs 29.
In the retail market, seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 1.8 billion (7.2 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 1.2 billion (90.7 million shares traded), Expack Corrugated Rs 933 million (43.5 million shares traded), Lanka Realty Investments Rs 595 million (20.3 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 406 million (6.3 million shares traded), Vallible One Rs 272 million (four million shares traded)and Dipped Products Rs 248 million (4.7 million shares traded). During the day 343 million share volumes changed hands in 64000 transactions.
Controlling foreign shareholders of Lanka Realty Investments PLC (LRI) yesterday partly shed their stakes to boost liquidity as retailers stepped up buying.
ASCO saw 39 million of its shares change hands via 3,284 trades for Rs. 994.5 million. However, the share closed at Rs. 25.30, down by 18% or Rs. 5.60, though improved liquidity is likely to boost its attractiveness.
Foreign shareholder directors of Northern Trust Company, S/A Ian McVeigh, sold 15.7 million shares at Rs. 25 each and Terry C. Smith shed an equal number. Post-sale, Northern Trust holds 23.83 per cent down from 31.3 per cent and Smith 3.12 per cent, down from 10.6 per cent. Smith is also a connected party to ‘Eighth Wonder’, the holding of which remains unchanged at 11.3 per cent.
Yesterday, the US dollar was quoted at Rs 202.39, which was the Central Bank controlled price aimed at preventing the escalation of prices of essential imported items. However, the actual market price is about to touch Rs 250 market, market sources said.
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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