Business
Share market trading starts on positive note but fizzles out
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE started on a positive note yesterday but its momentum could not be sustained for long because investors are continuing to worry about the market despite the government’s assurances on debt restructuring, which was an IMF recommendation, market analysts said.
The market edged- down in stagnant conditions in mid- day trade. However, the financial sector is seeing some positive gains as debt restructuring and optimization have been assured, these analysts added.
Amid those developments, the market was driven by the retail market and both indices were on a downward trend. The All- Share Price Index went down by 12.53 points and S and P SL20 too declined by 5.21 points. Turnover stood at Rs 785 million without any crossings.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs 165.3 million (1.1 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 74.8 million (513,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 68.1 million (576,000 shares traded), Dialog Axiata Rs 48.7 million (4.6 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 25.9 million (489,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 25 million (4.7million shares traded) and Hayleys Rs 22.2 million (321,000 shares traded). During the day 94.7 million share volumes changed hands in 11000 transactions.
Analysts said that Lanka IOC was losing due to falling retail prices despite recording good profits. Expolanka was down on poor earnings reports and Dialog Axiata is witnessing profit- taking on merging news with Airtel.
The bond yields were down in mid-day trade and the rupee is at Rs 313.10/40 against the US dollar in the spot market, dealers said.
A bond maturing on 01.09.2027 was quoted at 28.10/30 per cent, down from 28.40/60 per cent at yesterday’s close. A bond maturing on 15.05.2026 was quoted at 29.30/25 per cent on Friday, also steady from 30.10/70 per cent at yesterday’s close. A bond maturing on 01.05.2025 was quoted at 30.00/25 per cent down from 31.00/25 per cent at last close.The rupee was trading at Rs 313.10/40 against the US dollar in the spot market, steady from the last close at Rs 313.00/30.
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.”