Business
Secondary market yield rates of T-Bills show marginal increase, Treasury Bonds slightly decrease
On year-on-year basis, National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) based headline inflation decreased to 2.1 per cent in August 2023 from 4.6 per cent in July 2023. The Food inflation recorded at -5.4 per cent while the Non-Food inflation recorded at 9.0 cent in August 2023. Furthermore, the NCPI based core inflation decreased to 4.1 per cent in August 2023 from 6.3 per cent in July 2023.
During the week, the secondary market yield rates of T-Bill portrayed marginal increase while the primary market yields rates remaining broadly stable. In the meantime, the secondary market yield rates of Treasury Bonds slightly decreased during the week compared to the week before. During the period under review (16.09.2023 to 22.09.2023), crude oil prices showed a mixed performance. Prices increased mainly owing to expectations of a supply deficit stemming from extended output cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia.
However, prices fell later due to global demand uncertainties and US Fed’s warnings of higher rates for an extended period. Overall, Brent and WTI prices decreased by US dollars 0.51 per barrel and US dollars 1.02 per barrel, respectively, during the review period.The outstanding stock of T-Bills and T-Bonds held by foreigners has decreased by 1.9 per cent in rupee terms during the reporting week compared to the week before.
The weekly T-Bill auction was oversubscribed by 1.5 times during the reporting week.The total volume of secondary market transactions in T-Bills and T-Bonds has increased by 17.62 per cent in the reporting week compared to the week before
During the year up to 22nd September 2023, the Sri Lanka rupee appreciated against the US dollar by 11.9 per cent. Given the cross currency exchange rate movements, the Sri Lanka rupee appreciated against the Japanese yen by 24.6 per cent, the pound sterling by 9.7 per cent, the Euro by 11.9 per cent and the Indian rupee by 11.9 per cent during this period. -Central Bank
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”