Business
SEC approves new Listing Board and rules for SOEs
Capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), has approved the creation of a separate Listing Board and Listing Rules at the Colombo bourse to facilitate the entry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to the Capital Market. This is in response to the Government’s policy to expedite reforms in SOEs, improve their overall governance, efficiency, productivity, profitability, and empower them to add greater value to the economy.
These rules were developed under the guidance and direction provided by the SEC to the CSE, and include consultations with and inputs by the SOE Restructuring Unit of the Government and the Auditor General.
The dismal performance of many SOEs in Sri Lanka have become a heavy fiscal burden upon the country with significant macroeconomic implications. Therefore, the SEC believes addressing this issue is crucial in the country’s economic reform process.
The Capital Market is the globally accepted platform for raising long- term capital funds for business entities compared to banks which operate on a business model heavily reliant on short-term customer deposits. It also enables business entities to minimize exposure to interest rate volatility. Further, the Capital Market provides opportunities for businesses to attract strategic and other investors through the listing process.
Most SOEs have relied on Government funding, local and foreign borrowings for expansion and modernization. By listing on the Stock Exchange these enterprises will be able to improve their internal governance, operating efficiencies and attract foreign and local investor capital.
The SEC and the CSE have given due consideration to the current levels of governance, organization structure and operational challenges prevailing in the SOE sector and have therefore created a separate Listing Board and Listing rules with a view to enabling SOEs to progressively transition from what they are now to what they should be. Any SOE that meets the Listing criteria of the Main Board or the Diri Savi Board can straightaway list on those Boards.
The new transitionary Board, when launched, will facilitate those SOEs seeking a listing to do so on a set of new rules which are designed to enable progressive transition from the initial listing Board to the Main Board or Diri Savi Board.
The salient features of the rules applicable to the new Board include a stated capital of not less that Rs. 250 million; revenue, net asset and market capitalization tests; minimum 3 years operating history; time – bound requirements for financial reporting; and a minimum 10% public float with 300 public shareholder requirement. The Corporate Governance requirements under these rules will be the same as those applicable to the Main Board and Diri Savi Board with a view to aligning the internal governance structures and processes of listed SOEs with the standards set in the market.
(CSE)
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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