Ceylon FT

https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/agalawatte-plantations-plc-employees-oppose-takeover-by-browns-group/

Agalawatte Plantations PLC Employees Oppose Takeover By Browns Group With Sri Lanka’s capital market watchdog – the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka announcing the withholding of sale proceeds of Agalawatte Plantations PLC this week, employee representatives all six estates of Agalawatte Plantation say they will oppose the gaining of effective co...

The Audiology Division of Vision Care Optical Services recently launched their state-of-the-art hearing diagnostic unit recently at No 6, Ward Place, Colombo 07.
The specialty of this new unit is that anyone can visit the new hearing diagnostic unit of Vision Care at any time and do a free checkup.
Consultant ENT Surgeon at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Dr Chandra Jayasuriya ceremoniously opened the new unit. Vision Care Founder and CEO, Dasantha Fonseka, senior officials and staff members of Vision Care also graced the event.

Pix by J Weerasekara

Developing energy technologies in SL

'Vidulka 2013', country’s foremost energy exposition organized by the Ministry of Environment and Renewal Energy and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority concluded in a high note yesterday.
The objective of this event was to develop the energy efficiency in all sectors and promote renewable energy technologies in the country.
The exhibition was a perfect opportunity for energy solution providers across the country including wind, small hydro, solar, biomass systems and equipment manufacturers to showcase their various products.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola Photography

Ceylon Ft new logo

Incorporated in June 2002, CIMA business school Wisdom Business Academy held its annual prize giving recently in Colombo.

Pix by Sarath Kumara

Forcing flowers to bloom…
Our shutterbug J. Weerasekera captured these two girls on lens, selling lotus flowers to make a living on the road to Kiri Vehera in Kataragama.

Arpico Supercentre, the country’s only hypermarket held its first millionaire draw on 28 November at its flagship store in Hyde Park corner, amidst a large gathering of guests, participants and their families.
The Arpico Christmas Millionaire 2013 campaign held for the third consecutive year is the supercentres’ biggest annual bonanza for its loyal shoppers. This Christmas too, Arpico is giving away many millions and other prizes also, to its shoppers who stand a chance to win weekly bill wipeouts.

Pix by Manjula Dayawansa

Rupee flat, stocks up


Ceylon FT: The rupee closed marginally weaker against the US dollar and stocks closed 0.19% higher on Monday (9) to a three-week high.
The rupee closed weaker against the US dollar on Monday closing at 130.80/82 in the spot market, a six-week high after opening at 130.75/80.
Currency dealers said demand for dollars outweighed the effect of remittances inflows and export conversions, after the rupee gained to 130.70/75 against the greenback in early trade.
Secondary market Treasury bond yields increased after the Central Bank kept monetary policy rates on hold on Monday (9) for the second consecutive month.
The more liquid five year bond yield increased to 10.61/73%, up from the previous close of 10.38/52%.
The All Share Price Index closed 11.06 points higher at 5,821.30, up 0.19% and S&P SL20 closed 11.21 points higher at 3,194.30, up 0.35%.
Turnover amounted to Rs 332.3 million, down from Rs 779.8 million the previous day, with stocks of 79 firms closing in positive territory against 87 losers.
Foreigners were net sellers, selling stocks worth Rs 98.84 million, down from Rs 146.2 million the previous day, and bought shares worth Rs 76 million, down from Rs 272.6 million the previous day.
Stocks that influenced the ASPI:
JKH closed Rs 4.50 higher at Rs 215.00 and saw a single crossing take place during the day.
Ceylon To***co closed Rs 22.50 higher at Rs 1,129.90 and Commercial Bank closed Rs 1.50 higher at Rs 116.50.
Sri Lanka Telecom closed 40 cents higher at Rs 38.00 and John Keells Hotels closed 30 cents higher at Rs 12.50.
Finlays Colombo closed Rs 36.90 lower at Rs 253.10 and Hayleys PLC closed Rs 13.90 lower at Rs 305.00.
Carson Cumberbatch closed Rs 5.20 lower at Rs 354.60.
Dialog closed 10 cents lower at Rs 8.90 and Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust closed Rs 7.40 lower at Rs 170.50.
Both JKH and Commercial Bank were the top contributors to the day’s turnover.
Asiri Hospital closed 10 cents higher at Rs 15.80 and more than 1.4 million shares changed hands during the day.
“Both indices recorded gains due to price increases seen in index heavy John Keells Holdings, Ceylon To***co Company and Commercial Bank. Turnover was supported by a crossing seen in John Keells Holdings while high net worth investor interest was evident in Asiri Hospital Holdings and John Keells Holdings warrants. In addition Distilleries and Good Hope saw some interest,” NDB Securities said.

High fashion
A model showcases high-heeled fashion from Europe introduced to Sri Lanka for the festive season. The government is attempting to establish the country as a high-end shopping destination with many branded items receiving tax concessions over the past few years.
Pic by Ganunu Wellage

LC introduces USA’s hottest shoe accessory for the first time in Sri Lanka

Walk tall; walk high and walk on edge; shoe fashionistas are in for a treat this Christmas as Leather Collection showcases sophisticated and trendy stilettos from the fashion meccas of Europe. These are heavenly heels with flair, pizzazz and style spiced up with a touch of sexy that will surely be the cynosure of all eyes as our fashionable shoe aficionados take on the season with western flair, donning heels that make things happen. For those elegant cocktails, stylish dinners or a night on the town to paint the town red, these stilettos are all about making a fashion statement. The collection, now at the flagship store at Flower, Road, features the hottest range of shoes and shoe accessories from Europe.

Pix by Gemunu Wellage

Battle of life...
A nattami takes a moment to rest his weary soul in Pettah, the busiest section of Colombo. Nattamies, operating in the informal labour market for daily wages under physically strenuous conditions, are the life blood of the commercial sector where crowded and narrow streets make it impossible for vehicles to pass through. Pic by J.Weerasekara

As a responsible corporate citizen, The Kingsbury has set forth in honouring the senior citizens of Sri Lanka by conducting a mobile health clinic on 6th December at the hotel’s car park premises. These senior citizens have been of service to our country for so long but are now somewhat neglected as they are no longer able to contribute in the same capacity. Especially those from low income families, they have financial difficulties in obtaining the necessary medical treatments and logistical issues in getting to a government hospital. The Kingsbury reached out to these senior citizens in a gesture of thanks for the countless contribution to our society.

Pix Laksiri Rukman.