Business
Share market forges ahead in an optimistic spirit; turnover exceeds Rs. 3 billion

By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The stock market kicked off on a positive note yesterday as local and foreign investors were optimistic about Sri Lanka receiving the IMF’s approval for the receipt of the relevant EFF tranches, market analysts said.
Apart from that, Hayleys stocks noted some buying interest due to market speculation on various matters. Owing to those positive impacts, both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 13.5 points while S and P SL 20 rose by 0.19 points.
Turnover stood at Rs 3.7 billion with five crossings. Those crossings were reported in Hayley, which crossed 7.2 million shares to the tune of Rs 762 million; its shares traded at Rs 105, JKH’s 1.9 million shares crossed for Rs Rs 391 million; its shares traded at Rs 204. PGP Glass 1.6 million shares crossed for Rs 47.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 29, Sampath Bank 300,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 24.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 80.70 and Keells Hotels 1.1 million shares crossed for Rs 20.9 and its share fetched Rs 19.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Hayley Rs 294 million (2.4 million shares traded), Sunshine Holdings Rs 212 million (3.2 million shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 171 million (4.7 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 145 million (1.8 million shares traded), JKH Rs 139 million (684,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 117 million (573,000 shares traded) and Dipped Products Rs 105 million (2.8 million shares traded). During the day 95.6 million share volumes changed hands in 16000 transactions. In general, Hayley played a significant role in the market while banking sector counters, especially Sampath Bank, performed well in the market.
Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 303.25/75 to the US dollar in the first half-hour of trading, while bond yields were significantly up and stocks opened 0.39 percent higher, dealers said.
The rupee closed at Rs 302.20/50 to the greenback on the previous day.
In the secondary market, yields were significantly up in the run-up to the auction, dealers said. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 10.05/20 percent, up from 9.95/10.10 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 10.50/70 percent up from 10.45/65 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 11.05/15 percent, up from 10.95/11.10 percent. A bond maturing on 15.05.2030 was quoted at 11.85/12.00 percent up from 11.70/85 percent.
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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