Business
Share market edges–up on mid-market trade for third day running
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE began a fresh week on a strong note with sharp increase in both indices and an improved turnover yesterday. The market edged -up on mid- market trade for the third day driven by Expolanka, Lanka IOC and Browns Investment, analysts said.
“Market is still being pushed by Expolanka’s expansion news, while Lanka IOC is moving on higher valuation. But there is month- end profit taking in the market. The Central Bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe’s recent positive remarks on the economy in many foras have resulted in the stock market moving well, analysts added.
Further, stock market investor sentiment improved when the Central Bank Governor hinted that the economy has achieved short term stability and that interest rates are to come down in the future.
The bourse commenced the week on a positive note and continued to see strength for the second consecutive day as investors expect interest rates to continue to fall in line with inflation in the upcoming months, stock market analysts opined.
Consequently, both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 92.6 points and S and P SL20 rose by 43.1 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.9 billion with a crossing. The crossing was reported in Melstacorp, which crossed 888,000 shares to the tune of Rs 39.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 45.50.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs 1.2 billion (6.6 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 381 million (two million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 287 million (43.6 million shares traded), First Capital Holdings Rs 119.4 million (5.5 million shares traded), First Capital Treasuries Rs 87.5 million (four million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 61.6 million (781,000 shares traded) and Melstacorp Rs 54.4 million (1.1 million shares traded). During the day 100 million shares changed hands in 23000 share transactions.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lankem Developments and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, ACL Cables and First Capital Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and LOLC Finance.
The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) while the sector index gained 11.62 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 19 (11.64 percent) to close at Rs.182.25.
The Energy sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC) while the sector index increased by 3.60 per cent. The share price of Lanka IOC gained Rs. 7.25 (3.98 per cent) to close at Rs. 189.50.
Yesterday, the Central Bank announced the US dollar buying rate as Rs 361.23 and the selling rate as Rs 371.71.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
