Business
Treasury Bill rate hikes notably as investors switch to govt. securities
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading activities were of a negative nature from last morning due to the current political instability. Besides, the taking of short to medium term loans through Treasury Bills resulted in stock market investors switching to government securities, market analysts said. Last Tuesday the Treasury Bill rate increased significantly. It is said that the three- month weighted average yield rate increased by 32.1 per cent (403 basis points), six- month weighted average yield increased by 31.0 per cent (227 basis points) and one- year weighted average yield increased by 29.9 per cent (176 basis points). This affected the stock market, analysts said.
Amid those developments, shares continued to slip in mid-day trade yesterday after opening over 1-per cent weaker. The main All- Share Price Index slipped 47.4 points.The most liquid index was down 15.1 points. Turnover stood at Rs 625 million with two crossings.The crossings took place in JKH. which crossed 495,000 shares to the tune of Rs 60.4 million, its shares traded at Rs 122 and Galle Face Capital Partners two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 38 million, its shares traded at Rs 90.
In the retail market, top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 105.5 million (614,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 63.8 million (8.7 million shares traded), JKH Rs 63.4 million (519,000 shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 47.8 million (669,000 shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 46.4 million (6.6 million shares traded), Kotagala Plantations Rs 15.4 million (3.6 million shares traded), Balangoda Plantations Rs 14.6 million (326,000 shares traded). During the day 44.5 million share volumes changed hands in 10000 transactions.
It is said that significant gains were recorded by Plantations sector counters. Although the tea yield is low, it fetches a big price due to rupee depreciations. Further, with the global economic downturn, it is said that there will be a big demand for Sri Lankan tea, stock market brokers said.Yesterday the US dollar exchange rate announced by the Central Bank was Rs 368.75. The rupee is being controlled and made stable by the Central Bank’s prudent monetary policies, it is believed.
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.”