Elevating the traditional Avurudu celebrations to new heights, BHR offers an exclusive royal experience at each of its properties. Each hotel is transformed into its own exclusive kingdom, where guests will be treated and feel like nobility, embracing the grandeur of ancient Sri Lanka while enjoying modern luxury and hospitality.

With hotels and resorts located across the island, Browns Hotels & Resorts ensures that every guest will enjoy an Avurudu celebration fit for a king. From the Kingdom of Eden at Occidental Eden Beruwala, symbolised by marine treasures and oceanic beauty, to the Kingdom of Sigiriya at Hotel Sigiriya, inspired by the legendary Lion’s Paw and rock fortress grandeur, each dominion reflects the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka. The Kingdom of Dolphin at Club Hotel Dolphin, is where vibrant coastal energy meets playful oceanic themes; the Kingdom of Thaala at Thaala Bentota, brings rhythmic serenity through cultural beats and flowing rivers and the Kingdom of Paradise at Occidental Paradise Dambulla, captures the golden tranquillity of Dambulla’s cave temple and lush greenery. Additionally, guests may enjoy the peaceful bliss of the Kingdom of Calm at The Calm Resort and Spa, symbolised by lotus flowers and peaceful sunrises, or the untouched coastal beauty of the Kingdom of Dickwalla at Dickwalla Resort and Spa, known for its shimmering pearls and deep blue waters.

Each BHR property will offer a delectable range of Sinhala and Tamil New Year goodies made from locally sourced ingredients using traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation. In addition, all the hotels will be adorned with their own unique handcrafted décor along with exciting and time-honoured games that are held exclusively during the festive holidays.

A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., also known as Baurs, a leading conglomerate with diversified business interests in Sri Lanka, recently announced the appointment of Daniela J Munasinghe as Director of its three subsidiaries, namely Baurs Airservices, Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA), and Baurs Travel.

With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, inbound tourism, and hospitality education, Daniela brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and vision to strengthen and elevate Baurs’ presence in the travel and hospitality sector.

Daniela’s impressive career includes significant contributions to renowned hotel chains such as Hilton, Fairmont, and Marriott. In the field of destination management and travel with Kuoni DMC, Daniela was responsible for designing unique travel experiences and managing large-scale international travel logistics. Her work earned her accolades from clients and industry peers alike.

Having worked across multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, Daniela has called Sri Lanka home for the past 17 years. Her international experience has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of diverse markets and cultural sensitivities, crucial for driving global business strategies. Daniela continues to add tremendous value to the industry, using her expertise and dedication to grow and develop the hospitality and tourism sectors in the country.

Daniela earned her BA with Honors from IMI Hotel School in Switzerland, continuously leveraging her solid foundation in hospitality and tourism principles. She regularly participates in industry conferences and professional development programs to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the field. Her dedication and passion for the hospitality industry devotes her to education where she is committed to enhancing industry standards through premium learning and education.

Since 2020, Daniela has been instrumental in leading Baurs’ subsidiaries with expertise and strategic vision. With this expanded role, Baurs recognizes a significant milestone in her career—reflecting the company’s continued commitment to strong, future-focused leadership.

Stock market trading yesterday was positive and indicated an incipient bullish trend but due to the festive season the market did not perform well eventually.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 104.3 points while S and P SL20 rose by 38.5 points. Turnover stood at Rs 792 million with no crossings.

In the retail market top seven companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were; Commercial Credit Rs 58.7 million (878,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 47.6 million (158,000 shares traded), Singer (Sri Lanka) Rs 40.5 million (1.15 million shares traded), VallibelOne Rs 32.7 million (518,000 shares traded), CTC Rs 28.9 million (21000 shares traded), Central Finance Rs 26.7 million (138,000 shares traded) and JKH Rs 26 million (1.2 million shares traded). During the day 30.3 million share volumes changed hands in 11000 transactions.

It is said the banking and finance sector was the main contributor to the turnover, especially Central Finance and HNB, while the manufacturing sector was the second largest contributor to the turnover, especially JKH.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 298.00/50 to the US dollar in the spot market , from Rs 298.10/30 Friday before the holiday, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 10.00/05 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 10.10/20 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 was quoted at 10.20/30 percent, down from 10.25/30 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 10.56/62 percent, down from 10.60/65 percent.

Stocks were up 0.58 percent.

An auction of Rs 87,500 million of Treasury bills was ongoing.

The Central Bank’s telegraphic transfer rates for euro buying was 331.3321 and selling 344.6445; yen buying was 2.0510 and selling was 2.1320, US dollar was 293.9185 and 302.6158.

By Hiran H Senewiratne