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Dilmah and Kahawatte Plantations in major bid to increase green cover

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Land suitable for agro-forestry

By Ifham Nizam

On the occasion of World Environment Day, observed today, with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, Dilmah, in partnership with Kahawatte Plantations and Dilmah Agricultural Innovation Nucleus, is set to launch an agro-forestry program at Rilhena.

Aligned with Sri Lanka’s commitment to increasing green cover by 32% by 2030 as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), Dilmah’s green restoration initiatives are significant. Globally, the United Nations calls upon nations to honor their pledge to restore 1 billion degraded hectares of land over the next decade, equivalent to the size of China. Beyond enhancing biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems holds potential as a public health intervention, fostering overall health and well-being.

The inauguration will feature tree planting, with careful selection of species suited to the local landscape, including those with commercial value for non-timber uses. This initiative stems from the success of Dilmah’s flagship reforestation project, the Endane Biodiversity Corridor, which has become a model for ecosystem restoration across tea estates.

The Endane Biodiversity Corridor has achieved remarkable results in engineering a forest pathway through degraded tea lands, connecting two separate forest reserves to enhance biodiversity. Utilizing GNSS technology, it has georeferenced 188 threatened tree species and 545 other tree species, enabling continuous monitoring. Over 4000 seedlings, including 40 globally threatened species, have been planted, and nearly 50 threatened tree species have been conserved through its nursery. Dilmah plans to extend this reforestation model to other tea lands, starting with an abandoned tea land at its Rilhena Estate.

The selection of the project site followed a feasibility analysis utilizing available maps and plantation data, identifying approximately 1000 hectares of abandoned land within Kahawatte Plantations suitable for agroforestry. Species such as Garcinia, Pepper, Durian, and Rambutan will be planted, integrating tree-based agroforestry into tea cultivation to enhance biodiversity, enrich soil, reduce erosion, improve water retention, and diversify economic opportunities.

Through its sustainability and conservation arm, Dilmah Conservation, the family tea company has undertaken various green restoration initiatives. These include collaborating with the Urban Development Authority to enhance the educational value of Beddagana Wetland Park and restoring mangrove forest patches, including 2.4 acres in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary and 2.5 acres in the Kappal-Adi Kite Lagoon in Kalpitiya.



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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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