Business
Regulators watching LOLC Development Finance PLC’s meteoric rise to fame in no time
By Hiran H. Senewiratne and Sanath Nanayakkare
The small-scale LOLC Development Finance PLC (NIFL) gaining a rapid and phenomenal increase in its share-price within just under a month is reverberating in Sri Lanka’s capital market sector today.
This is more so as there has been no price-sensitive information disclosed to the CSE by NIFL.
Shares of LOLC Development Finance closed at 618.75 rupees a share on June 29, i.e. 123.75 rupees or 25.00 percent up from the previous day.
In comparison to its end-May price of Rs. 73, closing at 618.75 rupees a share on Tuesday June 29 reflected a dramatic and controversial total gain of 747% in a little under a month.
On June 28, LOLC Development Finance shares rose to 495 rupees, up 23 percent, valuing the small finance company at 117 billion rupees making it the fourth-largest company by market capitalization.
It now has a market cap bigger than Commercial Bank, the country’s largest private commercial bank.
It is also valued more than Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank.
NIFL is now only behind parent company LOLC, JKH and CTC.
When The Island contacted Ajith Nivard Cabraal, the State Minister of Finance, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms about this development, he asked The Island to enquire it from the SEC.
In response, Tushara Jayaratne, Director SEC- External Relations and Capital Market Education said the SEC has also observed this undue pattern of the share price movement in question and has called for information from CSE. |
“The SEC too is evaluating the manner in which the transactions have taken place and we are analysing the pattern and behaviour of the investors. If we find any malpractices, we will take stern action against those whore involved in it,” Jayaratne said.
CSE Chairman Dumith Fernando said that CSE has closely monitored the situation and would take all appropriate action within the current regulatory framework.
Pressed for more information, the CSE chairman said,”As a practice, we do not comment on ongoing market surveillance related matters, but all appropriate action would be taken,”
Former Minister Eran Wickramaratne said that their should be some rationale for investors to buy shares in a small company like that.
He said that if such a thing is happening it should be investigated by the relevant authorities. Maybe outside investors are getting inside information about the parent company and are buying shares of NIFL. There must be some reason for investors at the stock market to purchase shares in this manner,” he said.
Head of Sales in Softlogic stockbrokers Eardly Kern said that NIFL’s basic earnings for the share year ended 31 March 2021 reflected 65 percent, which was also a very big amount in the stock market and its net assets value per share is Rs. 11.83. The company’s free float witnessed above shares of top 20 companies, he said.
The company has only 34,100 shares in public which is 0.01 percent out of the total issued shares and the balance 99.89 percent are with the owners and due to this inequality in the distribution of its shares, it maybe trading at an extraordinary price, Kern said.
Meanwhile Chairman of Sri Lanka Insurance Chairman Jagath Wellawatta said
Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) bought 2.5 million LOLC shares (LOLC parent company) for Rs. 1 billion on Tuesday.
“It was a business decision taken by our investment committee which reviews and makes such decisions on a periodical basis. When we see the opportunity, we will sell them at a higher price and make a profit in the interest of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation,” he 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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