Connect with us

Business

Domestic debt restructuring worries bring down bourse

Published

on

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

The CSE closed weaker yesterday to a more than one-week low in dull trade amid negative market sentiments due to investors waiting for directions from the 2023 budget scheduled for November 14, and worries over domestic debt restructuring, stock brokers said. A Ministry of Finance statement said domestic debt was included in the perimeter of an International Monetary Fund debt analysis. “This means liquidity conditions are going to tighten and might strain the profitability of local banks, stock market analysts said.

CSE shares fell in mid-day trade pulled down by index heavy shares and gloomy conditions in the external environment. The US Fed Reserve is also planning an interest hike, adding insult to the injury endured by the stock market, analysts said. However, investor sentiment improved latterly as retailers said that they expect interest rates to fall in line with inflation.

The main All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 0.72 per cent or 52.9 points and the most liquid S&P SL20 fell by 6.9 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.1 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Cargills, which crossed 914,000 shares to the tune of Rs 205 million, its shares traded at Rs 225 and Browns Investments 6.7 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 40.1 million, its shares traded at Rs 6.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Expolanka Holdings Rs 228 million (1.4 million shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 86.9 million (648,000 shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 81.5 million (456,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 60 million (9.9 million shares traded), Dipped Products Rs 32.1 million (1.1 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 31.9 million (one million shares traded) and CIC Holdings Rs 31.2 million (362,000 shares traded). During the day, 50.1 million share volumes changed hands in 12000 transactions.

It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Browns Investments and C.T. Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and JKH, while retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Tess Agro and LOLC General Insurance.The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) while the sector index gained 0.45 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by 75 cents to close at Rs. 167.75.

The Energy sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC), while the sector index increased by 0.22 per cent. The share price of Lanka IOC gained one rupee to close at Rs. 176.25.Yesterday the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 360.76 and the selling rate Rs 371.56.



Business

Three Sinha Industries wins award for excellence at SLIA

Published

on

Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara receiving the award

Three Sinha Industries Pvt. Ltd. has been recognised with the Award of Excellence at the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) Annual Product Awards, held recently in Colombo. The award was presented for the company’s high-quality, fire-resistant doors, which are made using locally sourced materials and designed to meet the highest safety standards. The award ceremony was held recently in Colombo, and Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking yet another milestone in Three Sinha’s journey of excellence.

From its establishment as a small-scale business, Three Sinha has grown into a trusted name in Sri Lanka’s construction industry. The company has built a strong reputation for its commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability, earning both local and international recognition. Over the years, it has received several certifications for maintaining top-tier quality standards. Three Sinha has also received many other local and international awards.

Three Sinha Industries offers a diverse range of products and services, including roller doors, shutters, and fire-resistant doors that provide enhanced safety and durability. The company also specialises in aluminum fabrications, sensor doors, and automatic barriers, ensuring a comprehensive suite of solutions for the construction sector. Embracing sustainability, Three Sinha has expanded into green energy solutions, offering three types of solar PV electricity systems: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. Additionally, its subsidiary, IKLO Industries, focuses on pre-fabricated and pre-engineered steel buildings, incorporating advanced technology to meet modern construction demands. IKLO has also ventured into the agricultural sector by introducing tractor trailers tailored for farming needs. Moreover, the company manufactures high-quality diesel tanks that meet the standards of both the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.

Continue Reading

Business

Amana Life Insurance Delivers Exceptional Returns to Policyholders in 2024

Published

on

Gehan Rajapakse, CEO of Amana Takaful Life PLC

Amana Takaful Life Insurance PLC has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering unparalleled financial security and growth, delivering attractive returns for long-term policyholders for 2024. As a trusted long-term insurer, Amana Life provides policyholders with the best investment choices, ensuring they can build and secure their financial future with confidence.

This achievement is driven by the company’s diverse, risk-rated investment options, strategically allocated across fixed deposits, bank investments, equity markets, and gold funds. This structure allows policyholders to balance security and growth, selecting funds that align with their financial goals while adapting to market conditions. As the only life insurer in Sri Lanka offering such flexibility, Amana Life empowers customers to optimize their investments while maintaining long-term financial stability.

The review of Funds as of December 31, 2024, demonstrates exceptional returns across all investment avenues, reaffirming Amana Life’s position as the insurer of choice for those seeking the best investment opportunities. The Protected Multiple Fund (PMF), with a Fixed Deposit base of 90% of its fund value, demonstrated steady returns, despite Sri Lanka experiencing interest rate cuts regularly over the past 24 months. PMF produced returns of 18.1% for the said period on an annualized basis while the market rates for Fixed Deposits reached single digits towards the latter part of 2024.

“At Amana Life, we are committed to providing our long-term policyholders with both protection and rewarding investment opportunities,” said Gehan Rajapakse, CEO of Amana Takaful Life PLC. “These results prove that we are not just offering life insurance, but also a well-structured pathway for long-term financial security and growth. However, it is important to note that past returns are not a guarantee of future performance, as market conditions can influence future results.”

Continue Reading

Business

Edward and Christie Acquires 60% Stake in Dolphin Marine Lanka, Expanding into Sri Lanka’s Shipbuilding Industry

Published

on

Edward and Christie Pvt Ltd has acquired a 60% stake in Dolphin Marine Lanka Pvt Ltd, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion into Sri Lanka’s growing shipbuilding and repair industry. The acquisition supports the company’s vision of diversifying beyond its core construction business to boost industrial growth in the country.

To commemorate the move, Dolphin Marine Lanka and Edward and Christie celebrated the keel-laying ceremony for two steel ferries commissioned by the Road Development Authority (RDA). The ferries, designed to enhance transportation between Kurinchakarney Lagoon and the Kurikadduwan-Nainatheivu route, will improve efficiency, safety, and connectivity.

Edward and Christie Chairman, Cristy Arawwala, emphasized the long-term strategy of integrating SMEs and advancing the maritime sector, while Dolphin Marine Lanka MD, Amarasiri Withanawasam, highlighted the investment’s role in expanding regional markets and innovation.

Continue Reading

Trending