Business
Share market sluggish despite trading time extension
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Share market activities were not up to a satisfactory level yesterday despite the CSE expanding trading time by one and a half hours, a stock market analyst observed.
The stock market edged -up in mid- day trade with both indices trending upwards despite the turnover level not being satisfactory. However, Thalawakele Plantations shares appreciated by 25 per cent with the payment of attractive dividends to shareholders. Buying interest was also noted in Expolanka Holdings, which appreciated its share price by 11 per cent. These two companies’ price appreciations drove the market to positive territory, market analysts said.
Thalawakele Plantations paid Rs 17.35 per share as dividend for its shareholders, which appreciated its share by 25 per cent or Rs 20.70. Its share price moved up to Rs 103.50 from Rs 82.80, while Expolanka Holdings’ share price appreciated by 11 per cent or Rs 16.25. Its share price moved to Rs 162.50 from Rs 146.25.
The All- Share Price Index went up 71.63 points and S and P SL 20 rose by 46.8 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.29 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in Royal Ceramic , which crossed four million shares to the tune of Rs 120 million and its shares traded at Rs 30, Lanka Wall Tiles 1 million shares crossed for Rs 50 million, its shares traded at Rs 50, Ceylon Cold Stores one million shares crossed for Rs 40 million; its shares traded at Rs 40, Hayley 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 30 million and its shares fetched Rs 72 and Laughs Gas (Non- Voting) 1.5 million shares crossed for of Rs 33 million and its shares traded at Rs 22.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 352 million (2.2 million shares trades), JKH Rs 53.7 million (389,000 shares traded), Thalawakele Plantations Rs 41.3 million (406,000 shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 40.5 million (484,000 shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 30 million (one million shares traded), Softlogic Capital Rs 26.2 million (2.5 million shares trades) and Lanka Wall Tiles Rs 25.3 million (507,000 shares traded). During the day 75.2 million share volumes changed hands in 15000 transactions.
Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 311.63 and the selling rate Rs 327.72.
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.”