Business
Selling in Expolanka Holdings drags down market; S and P SL20 drops over 5 per cent
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE fell over 2 per cent in mid-day trade yesterday dragged down by market heavy weight, Expolanka Holdings, on falling freight rates globally and the revision of fuel prices in the domestic market. Accordingly, most stocks declined by more than five percent at the end of the day’s trading, stock market analysts said.
Market participants said indices were dragged down on selling in Expolanka, as global freight prices fell, while foreign buying in shares slowed down. However, business sentiments were not impaired because macroeconomic fundamentals of the country are getting better under President Ranil Wickremesinghe, market analysts claimed.
The market began on a negative note and in the middle of the session, the circuit- breaker was triggered and trading halted for 30 minutes. The S and P SL20 index dropped over five per cent. When trading resumed around 10: 41 am, the market showed some recovery but was unable to sustain its momentum until the end of the day’s trading, market analysts added.
Amid those developments the main All- Share Price Index plunged 412 points and the S and P SL20 declined by 153 points. Turnover stood at Rs 4.54 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in Dankotuwa Porcelain, which crossed 8.1 million shares to the tune of Rs 203 million, its shares traded at Rs 25, LOLC Finance 23.8 million shares crossed for Rs 200 million, its shares traded at Rs 8.40 and CIC Holdings 700,000 shares crossed for Rs.56.7 million, its shares fetched Rs 81.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Lanka IOC Rs 1.2 billion (5.7 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 448 million (2.5 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 273 million (2.7 million shares traded), JKH Rs 139 million (one million shares traded), CIC Holdings Rs 93.8 million (1.2 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 92.3 million (13.2 million shares traded) and Lankem Development Rs 81 million (2.5 million shares traded). During the day 188 million share volumes changed hands in 42000 share transactions.
Yesterday, net foreign purchasing stood at was Rs 62 million and net foreign selling was reportedly Rs 41 million. Therefore, net foreign inflows amounted to Rs 21.5 million in the stock market. Further, according to external media reports, foreigners are now interested in buying into Sri Lankan rupee bonds, in conjunction with the market’s recovery, stock analysts said.
During the day, US and European stock markets appreciated despite there being an economic recession and inflationary worries.
Yesterday, the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 359.16 and its selling rate Rs. 369.91.
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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