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Free rice for 2.7 million needy families

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A section of needy people in Sri Lanka

By Ifham Nizam

The Finance Ministry has allocated Rs. 20 billion to supply rice free to nearly 2.7 million needy families across the country. This commitment follows President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s pledge to provide 20kg of rice to low-income families in May and June.

According to a senior official at the Agriculture Ministry, concerted efforts were made in collaboration with small and medium-scale rice mill owners to ensure the necessary stock of rice. Initially, Rs. 10 billion was distributed among rice mill owners nationwide.

“The allocation of Rs. 10 billion was disbursed in portions ranging from Rs. 25 million to 50 million to facilitate the supply of paddy stocks,” the ministry official elaborated. However, it was emphasized that the Finance Ministry is directly managing this initiative under the directives of the Presidential Secretariat.

President Wickremesinghe inaugurated the National Rice Distribution for low-income families at Ambagasdowa Stadium, Uva Paranagama, on Sunday.

Wickremesinghe said that 2.74 million low-income families would receive a monthly allocation of 10 kilograms of rice for two months. Specifically, 191,548 eligible families in 15 Divisional Secretariat Divisions within the Badulla district were identified to receive this subsidy. The President symbolically distributed bags of rice to 25 beneficiaries, marking the commencement of the rice allocation.

The distribution of rice to selected beneficiaries is ongoing under the supervision of Divisional Secretaries nationwide. Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of equitable economic development and collaboration among political parties, emphasizing the diverse initiatives of the current government.

Furthermore, he instructed that paddy should be purchased, milled, and the rice distributed among low-income earners through a transparent mechanism.

A senior official disclosed that initially, it was planned to allocate Rs. 10,000 million to purchase 61,600 metric tons of paddy under the program, providing 2 million low-income families with 10 kg of rice each per month over two months, free of charge.

However, it was revealed during discussions that 2.85 million families are identified as needing this assistance.

Wickremesinghe reiterated: “The government is committed to purchasing rice worth Rs. 20 billion to distribute to 2,850,000 low-income families as part of its food security program.” He assured that the government would safeguard rice prices by providing a guaranteed price and delegated the task of purchasing paddy stocks to District and Divisional Secretaries. Additionally, he emphasized that rice would not be sold, and a dedicated team would oversee the program’s implementation.



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Dr RAD Jeewantha named most innovative dentist of the year

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Dr Jeewantha receiving the award

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.

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IIHS Foundation in Biological Studies offers fast-track route to global health careers

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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.

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Seylan Bank Reports Strong Growth in Q1 2025 Financials

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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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