Business
Share market slumps into negativity over IMF second tranche woes
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Stock market trading was not positive yesterday owing to low investor sentiment caused by delays in Sri Lanka obtaining the second tranche of the IMF loan. Apparently, some terms laid down by EXIM Bank of China are not accommodative when it comes to external debt restructuring, market analysts said.
Consequently, retail market participation was not at all satisfactory and crossings dominated the market. A Melstacope crossing contributed more than 45 percent to the turnover.
The All Share Price Index went down by 25.2 points and the S and P SL20 declined by 2.58 points. Turnover stood at Rs 812 million with at least two crossings. The crossings were reported in Melstacope, which crossed 4.54 million shares to the tune of Rs 363 million; its shares traded at Rs 80 and Sampath Bank 450,000 shares crossed for Rs 29.9 million; its shares traded at Rs 66.50.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Keells Hotel Rs 41.8 million (2.2 million shares traded), SLT Rs 21.4 million (205,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 18 million (213,000 shares traded), Central Finance Rs 16 million (154,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 15 million (239,000 shares traded), Hayleys Fabrics Rs 14 million (330,000 shares traded) and Prime Land Rs 13 million (1.9million shares traded). During the day 27.9 million share volumes changed hands in 7473 transactions.
It is said that mixed interest was observed in Melstacorp, JKH and Commercial Bank, while retail interest was noted in Watawala Plantations, Browns Investments and Lanka Milk Foods.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank), while the sector index increased by 0.88 percent.
Bond yields were stable. A bond maturing on 01.08.2026 was quoted stable at 14.30/40 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 14.55/60 percent from 14.45/65 percent.
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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