Business
Livelihoods through eco- friendly waste disposal

From left: Athula Ranasinghe (Project Manager, PHINLA – Sevanatha UC) Sivamangai Ramanathan (chairman, Chavakatchcheri Urban Council), Chandrapala Madurapperuma (Chairman, Ja-Ela Pradeshiya Sabha), Dr Dhanan Senathirajah (National Director, World Vision Lanka) Andreas Berg (deputy ambassador and Head of Economic Development of the German embassy) R.A Thyagartne Alwis (Chairman, Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha), Shammika Dias (chairman Ja Ela Urban Council), K.A Karunaratne (president, Sevanatha Urban resource centre), Hemantha Jayamanne (Manager, PHINLA)
World Vision Lanka recently handed over “ReSource Banks” or ‘Sampath Piyasa’ to the local authorities in Wattala, Ja-Ela and Chavakachcheri areas in a bid to provide livelihood opportunities for 500 households by helping them incorporate environmentally friendly solutions for waste disposal. The “ReSource Banks” function as resource recovery centres, providing a place for the families to segregate and drop off their non-biodegradable and clean waste and earn rewards on the type and amount of waste given.
This initiative is a part of the PHINLA Project (a global programme focused on waste management systems) which is funded by the German government and implemented by World Vision Lanka in partnership with Sevanatha Urban Resource Centre.
The waste brought to the centre, will be weighed and pre agreed points will be allocated once 1000 points are reached. When the individual reaches 1000 points, he/she will be made eligible to redeem them for 1000 rupees or other alternative rewarding plans equal to the earned value will be provided. The center operators will facilitate value additions through further segregation, further cleaning, storing, baling etc. to make this purchasable for recycling companies.
“Even though the central government has been working with the provincial councils we are yet to find an efficient mechanism to rectify issues surrounding waste management. Therefore, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the immense support World Vision has been rendering to the Western province through the PHINLA Project to find ways to rectify this issue,”, said Kasun Apasinghe, Commissioner of Local Governments and the Director of the Solid Waste Management Authority of the Western Province.”Since the government has made it compulsory for waster segregation at household level, I greatly appreciate how the ReSource Bank will work with the community in managing the waste. I want to assure our fullest support on the part of the government for this initiative,” he said.
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.
-
Features6 days ago
RuGoesWild: Taking science into the wild — and into the hearts of Sri Lankans
-
News5 days ago
Orders under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruptions Act No. 9 of 2023 for concurrence of parliament
-
Features7 days ago
New species of Bronzeback snake, discovered in Sri Lanka
-
News5 days ago
Prof. Rambukwella passes away
-
Business21 hours ago
Pick My Pet wins Best Pet Boarding and Grooming Facilitator award
-
News7 days ago
Photo of Sacred tooth relic: CID launches probe
-
Opinion6 days ago
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part IX
-
Features7 days ago
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part VIII