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With the extending of CSE trading by 30 minutes, ASPI crosses 10,000 points, turnover exceeds Rs. 5 billion

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By Hiran H.Senewiratne

With CSE trading activities being extended by 30 minutes yesterday, the All- Share Price Index crossed 10,000 points, while turnover exceeded the Rs 5 billion level.Stock analysts said that most retail and institutional participation in the market witnessed significant rises. The share market gained over 2.5 per cent in mid-morning with trade crossing the 10,000 points psychological benchmark, moved by banking and retail shares.

‘Last three weeks’ Treasury Bill auctions were not fully subscribed due to the fear of internal debt restructuring by the government. But that fear has now eased off and the full subscribing of Treasury Bills is now on, amounting to Rs 80 billion. This has resulted in rallying on banking sector counters in the market, analysts said.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday issued a gazette notification allowing casino licenses to be issued for 20-years but the operations are expected to be conducted in an orderly manner.This has resulted in an appreciation of JKH stocks, which witnessed a price appreciation of 8.6 per cent or Rs 12. Its share price stepped up to Rs 151 from Rs 139 yesterday. JKH’s US $ one billion Cinnamon Life project is expected to benefit from the issuing of the relevant licenses, analysts said. Further, the Lanka IOC share price declined due to a probable revision of fuel prices.

Amid those developments both indices moved up. The ASPI rose by 158 points and S and P SL20 hiked by 71.4 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.3 billion with five crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Expolanka Holdings, which crossed four million shares to the tune of Rs 920 million, its shares traded at Rs 230, Sampath Bank 2.7 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 113 million and its shares traded at Rs 42, Richard Pieris 3.3 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 27.60, Lion Brewery 92000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 48.3 million, while its shares traded at Rs 525 and JKH, 280,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 42.2 million, its shares fetched Rs 150.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, JKH Rs 556 million (3.6 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 401 million (1.5 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 296 million (3.4 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 205 million (five million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 166 million (734,000 shares traded), Keells Hotels Rs 124 million (6.3 million shares traded) and CIC Holdings Rs 114 million (1.2 million shares traded). During the day 188 million share volumes changed hands in 43000 transactions.

It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Expolanka Holdings, Royal Ceramics and JKH. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Sampath Bank and Ceylon Hotels Corporation, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Industrial Asphalts and Co-Operative Insurance Company.

The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings), while the sector index gained 0.55 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 1.25 (0.55%) to close at Rs. 227.The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments), while the sector index increased by 0.23 per cent. The share price of Browns Investments gained 20 cents (2.60 per cent) to close at Rs. 7.90.

Lanka IOC, Sampath Bank and JKH were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 3.50 (10.64 per cent) to close at Rs. 36.40. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by Rs. 6.00 (4.51 per cent) to close at Rs. 139. Separately, Talawakelle Tea Estates announced a first interim cash dividend of Rs. 3 per share.Yesterday the US dollar spot market rate was Rs 369.38.



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Sublime W15 Hanthana Estate

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By a correspondent

The Hanthana mountain range softly breathes, alive with the sound of silence. A pristine white bungalow sits facing these emerald-clad hills, its colonial crevices invoking the charm and nostalgia of a bygone era. A face from another time, kissed by the warm rays of the sun or caressed by the cool fingers of the mist. This is the resplendent Hanthana Estate by the W15 Collection, a place of beauty, a place of peace, where transcendent excellence is an apt description.

I took the early morning Ella Odessey train to Kandy, a comfortable journey that was accentuated by breathtaking vistas closer to Kandy. I was picked up at the station by the W15 driver and my personal butler for my stay. The first inkling of how my stay would pan out came when I was pleasantly surprised with the regular hotel welcome inside the Land Rover. The offer of a cool towel, the choice of a warm or cold beverage to ease fatigue, even before one steps into the foyer of a hotel, was an astute gesture towards ensuring customer delight.

W15 Hanthana Estate is a deliberately crafted blend of colonial charm (the bungalow being over 125 years old, lovingly and attentively restored to its present glory by renowned architect Chamika de Alwis) and modern opulence. The main bungalow unfolds like a tapestry of sepia and cream, weaving together six exclusive suites with four more situated a little beyond in the two storied stables, which boast an awe-inspiring view of the Uragala and Katusukonda mountains. I’m told that these mountain ranges have a certain significance to movie buffs who might recall that the famed “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) had certain shots filmed in the vicinity.

They offer numerous activities such as trekking in some of the most scenic hiking routes of the island, mountain biking, bird and butterfly watching, wildlife excursions (for the uninformed like myself, there are leopards, elusive yes but still roaming these jungles along with the more common sambar deer), nature sessions with the in-house naturalist or scenic walks and visits to nearby temples to interest you. Hanthana Estate also offers cookery lessons where you could pick your own vegetables from their herb and vegetable garden and have the pleasure of making your own lunch with the help of their chefs. One could also set off on an invigorating and informative drive through the tea plantations in their vintage Land Rover along with their naturalist who has a wealth of knowledge about the mountains, the flora and fauna, history and folklore. With kudos to the management for keeping history alive, Hanthana Estate also offers its guest a traditional, colonial inspired delectable high tea with finely cut finger sandwiches, flaky pastries, dainty fairy cakes and freshly baked scones with a pot of Ceylon tea. This high tea in a picnic form or cocktails as per guest preference, can also be enjoyed at a rock outcrop just a ten-minute jeep drive away from the bungalow which they call the ‘Rock Bar’, while the setting sun paints the skies in vivid hues.

This land initially belonged to Oodewella tea plantation, founded in 1880 which is one of the oldest tea estates in the country, considering that the tea cultivation in the country, established by James Taylor, dates back to 1867. Hanthana Group was created between 1985-1988 where Oodwella group was amalgamated with the Hanthana Estate. It would have seemed like a flashback when the great grandson of Gordon Pyper visited Hanthana Estate recently. The first Gordon Pyper had come to Sri Lanka in 1872 when Hanthana was a coffee plantation and following the coffee blight, planted tea in this beautiful estate. His son and grandson were superintendents at Hanthana and the current Gordon Pyper lived the first 11 years of his life in these environs. He affirms that its “wonderful to be back to the Hanthana of his childhood and W15 Hanthana Estate has given him wonderful memories to cherish always.”

It is an understatement to say that W15 Hanthana Estate caters to every whim and fancy of their discerning guest as they operate on an all-inclusive basis. Your personal butler is just a call away, your food is an exquisitely crafted story, your bed an epitome of comfort which entices you to linger, a shower is more of a response of sensual indulgence with irresistible Spa Ceylon products. Once you tear yourself away from your suite, the bungalow with its art, cosy chesterfield sofas and warm lighting and verdant hills that call you name – all this and more is what W15 promises. In my eyes, what makes Hanthana Estate special is not just beautiful surroundings and peace- I feel what makes this wonderous place feel like home, is the attention they pay to details such as the offer of a warm shawl when a guest involuntarily shivers, the evening turn down service where a hot water bottle is left beneath the duvet, the cushy slippers placed just right, and a myriad of little things that makes you smile or sigh contentedly.

I leave Hanthana Estate feeling a little lighter. All I can feel is that my soul is quieter and softer and more sublime.

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BOI invests Rs. 763 Mn in Horana Export Processing Zone: Next leap of Sustainable Best Practices

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Senior officials at the contract-awarding ceremony

The newfound government is accelerating its efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country by providing much-needed infrastructure to existing and new investors. The Horana Economic Processing Zone (HEPZ) is a center of attraction due to its location.

One key feature of the BOI zones is the provision of services that enable investors to operate their businesses smoothly, and investors always prefer the “turn-key nature” of these facilities. Electricity, water, and drainage systems; inbound illumination systems; and internal roads are the key attractions to the investors. These essential facilities enable investors to conduct commercial operations or constructions immediately after signsing of agreement with the BOI.

The constituency of the Horana EPZ consists of more manufacturing-led investors, and the wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) is an integral part of the operation. Most importantly, the Horona EPZ’s long-term viability and compliance with the ESG framework of the organization make it even better at meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 15).

 Hence, it was identified by the BOI that the capacity of the existing Common Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) needs to increase its capacity, which is used for the treatment of wastewater discharges from industries at HEPZ, and therefore, augmentation of CWWTP up to a capacity of 3000 m³ per day is essential to cater to the present influent volume of 1750 m³/day and forecasted additional volume of wastewater generated from the expansion of the existing projects and new projects to be established in vacant lands while uplifting the environmental sustainability of the zone and mitigating the health issues.

The BOI Capital Budget lists this project as a priority activity to reduce any possible environmental impacts and meet the CEA’s requirements for getting an Environmental Protection License (EPL) for the Horana Export Processing Zone.

The bids were invited through the National Competitive Bidding process, which had eleven (11) bidders that submitted the bids, and only four (04) applicants were eligible for the detailed evaluation. Bids were evaluated; at the evaluation stage, the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) determined the least substantially responsive bidder that had fulfilled the relevant qualifications and experience required for awarding the contract.

Hence, the Cabinet of Ministers, by decision dated 05/06/2023, has granted approval for the proposed enhancement of the common wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) at Horana Export Processing Zone, utilizing BOI funds, after the competitive bidding process and technical evaluation are completed. On 9th December 2024, the Cabinet took the final decision and approved the contract award to Luminex PLC, located at No. 24, New Galle Road, Moratuwa.

The BOI always works with the Central Environmental Authority, takes necessary action to mitigate imminent adverse environmental and health issues, and follows instructions to maintain the treatment efficiency of the existing wastewater treatment plant at HEPZ. Because of this, the proposed addition should make the treatment system efficient and effective, Further, it will strengthen the existing Common Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) and fully meet the discharge effluent standards and CEA requirements. (BOI)

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Mr. Burger opens third outlet in Wattala, expanding its reach in Colombo’s suburbs

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Mr. Burger, one of Sri Lanka’s emerging fast-food brands, has officially opened its third outlet in Wattala, marking another milestone in its steady expansion. Since launching in 2017, the brand has grown in popularity for its signature fusion-style burgers, now serving customers from three key locations: Bambalapitiya, Rajagiriya, and Wattala.

The new Wattala branch strengthens Mr. Burger’s presence in the Colombo suburbs, offering its full menu of customer favorites, including the Chicken Pounder, Dual Mode, and Monster Chicken burgers. Known for its focus on quality and affordability, the brand has built a loyal customer base by consistently delivering fresh, flavorful meals.

Open from 11 AM to 2 AM daily, Mr. Burger caters to both daytime and late-night diners. The company also operates its own delivery service alongside availability on Uber Eats and PickMe, ensuring convenience for customers across all three locations.

Speaking about the latest expansion, founder and CEO Ikram Salam highlighted the brand’s commitment to growth while maintaining its core values. “The Wattala opening is an exciting step for us. We’ve always focused on providing a great product with a strong customer-first approach, and this new outlet allows us to serve more customers while staying true to what makes Mr. Burger special.”

With its expansion into Wattala, Mr. Burger continues to strengthen its footprint in Sri Lanka’s fast-food industry, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility, quality, and customer satisfaction.

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