Business
Union Assurance appoints Senath Jayatilake as the Chief Executive Officer

Union Assurance PLC on Friday announced the appointment of Senath Jayatilake as the Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1st, 2024. Senath has been an integral part of the Company’s leadership, previously serving as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (January 2023 – December 2023) and the Chief Distribution Officer (November 2019 – December 2022). He has played a pivotal role in Union Assurance’s transformative journey over the years, and succeeds Jude Gomes, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer, who has completed his tenure in the Company.
Senath brings extensive leadership experience and a proven track record in cross-industry roles, positioning him uniquely to lead Union Assurance through its next phase of growth. His journey with the John Keells Group commenced in 2007, and since then he has played key roles in leadership capacities, spanning multiple disciplines including; business development, operations management, sales and marketing, and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Union Assurance PLC, he held the position of Chief Executive Officer at John Keells Logistics (Pvt) Ltd.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Finance, Accounting, and Management from the University of Nottingham (UK) and an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (SL). Senath is also an Associate Chartered Management Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK).
Union Assurance is a subsidiary of the John Keells Group, one of Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerates. The Company has completed over three decades of success with a Market Capitalisation of Rs. 23.9 Bn, and a Life Fund of Rs. 63.9 Bn as of end September 2023. Set to protect lives and enrich the well-being of all Sri Lankans, Union Assurance offers Life Insurance solutions that cover the health, investment, protection, retirement, and education needs of Sri Lankans. With an island-wide branch network and a workforce that is over 4,000-strong, Union Assurance continues to invest in people, products, and processes with a customer-centric focus to be responsive to emerging changes in the Life Insurance industry.
Business
Dr RAD Jeewantha named most innovative dentist of the year

Dr. R. A. D. Jeewantha was honoured as the Most Innovative Dentist of the Year at the Business World International Awards, 2025. Organised by the Business World International Organisation, the award ceremony was held recently at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. A graduate of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Dr. Jeewantha has built a reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and forward-thinking dental surgeons. After gaining vital experience in Government hospitals, including the Teaching Hospital in Karapitiya, he also served at a leading private hospital before launching his own practice—Doctor J Premium Dental Care in Delkanda, Nugegoda.
His dental clinic is known for offering advanced, patient-focused treatments in restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and implantology, using state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Jeewantha is especially skilled in dental implants, having completed the American Residency Course in Dental Implantology at Roseman University, accredited by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Jeewantha holds fellowships from the International College of Continuing Dental Education (FICCDE) and the Pierre Fauchard Academy (USA). His advanced skills include modern root canal treatments using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) for both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
He has completed international trainings in digital dentistry, full-arch implantology techniques like All-on-Four and Zygomatic Systems, and smile design using digital 3D scans. He has participated in global dental events such as the Asia-Pacific Dental Congress and completed training at institutions including the University of Manchester and North Western State Medical University in Russia. His courses have covered everything from intraoral scanning to managing tooth wear. He has previously received many local and international awards. Dr. Jeewantha also serves the community as a Justice of the Peace for All Island.
Business
IIHS Foundation in Biological Studies offers fast-track route to global health careers

The Foundation in Biological Studies at IIHS provides a unique alternative for students looking to fast-track their health careers after their Ordinary Level (O/L) exams. This programme offers a direct route to global health careers, bypassing traditional A/Ls. With over 1,000 students already advancing to universities in Australia, the UK, and Finland, IIHS has positioned the course as a reliable launchpad for careers in fields like medicine, nursing, biomedical sciences, and digital health. “This programme is a game-changer, offering a transformative journey into global healthcare education,” said IIHS CEO Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe.
Business
Seylan Bank Reports Strong Growth in Q1 2025 Financials

Seylan Bank has recorded a Profit before Tax (PBT) of LKR 4,199 million in Q1 2025, marking a 13.36% growth compared to LKR 3,704 million in Q1 2024. Profit after Tax (PAT) rose by 20.29%, reaching LKR 2,761 million, up from LKR 2,295 million in the corresponding period of 2024.
Despite a decrease in net interest income by 8.37% due to market interest rate reductions, the bank’s net fee-based income grew by 13.83%, driven by fees from loans, cards, remittances, and other services. Total operating income for the quarter was LKR 11,258 million, a 3.83% decrease from the previous year, while operating expenses rose by 4.62%, largely due to increased personnel and other operating costs.
Impairment charges were significantly reduced by 83.17%, totaling LKR 262 million, reflecting the bank’s solid credit quality and proactive provisions. The bank’s impaired loan ratio improved to 1.98% from 2.10% in Q1 2024, with a provision cover ratio of 80.74%.
Seylan Bank’s total assets grew to LKR 785 billion, with loans and advances reaching LKR 469 billion and deposits totaling LKR 647 billion. The bank’s capital adequacy ratios remained strong, with the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio at 13.67% and Total Capital Ratio at 17.64%.
In addition to its financial performance, Seylan Bank continued its commitment to education, opening 16 more “Seylan Pahasara Libraries,” bringing the total to 281 libraries across the island.Fitch Ratings upgraded Seylan Bank’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘A+(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook in January 2025, further underscoring the bank’s financial stability and growth trajectory.
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