Business
CSE recovers after shaky start to reap turnover of Rs. 5.41 billion

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Stock market trading was positive during the morning session yesterday but later investors panicked and profit-takings were noted when the Central Bank announced that it had decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points each, to 5.00 per cent and 6.00 per cent respectively. However, towards the latter part of the day the CSE showed some recovery, stock market analysts said.
On the back of a bullish market dominated by local investors, the logistics-rich but young diversified conglomerate Expolanka Holdings PLC yesterday dislodged JKH and Ceylon Tobacco to become the second-most valuable listed company in Sri Lanka. Further, Commercial Leasing and LOLC Finance made announcements that they have no undisclosed price sensitive information in relation to their companies or any other reasons to have unusual trading activities during the last two days, analysts said. Despite both indices going down yesterday, the market reported a healthy turnover of Rs. 5.41 billion without a crossing. All Share Price Index went down by 89.03 points and S and P SL20 declined by 20.43 points.
In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs. 1.7 billion (18.3 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs. 739.4 million ( 104.4 million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs. 692 million (61.4 million shares traded), Sierra Cables Rs. 233.7 million (25.7 million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs. 225.4 million (485,000 shares traded), Commercial Leasing Rs. 191.1 million (11.6 million shares traded) and Royal Ceramic Rs. 155.5 million (four million shares traded). During the day 310 million share volumes changed hands in 45000 transactions.
Major negative contributors to the All Share Price Index were NIFL (19.9 negative points), LOLC (17.1 negative points) and Expolanka (16 negative points). JAT Holding Ltd. became JAT Holdings PLC after listing in the stock market.
CSE said that it had showcased a strong growth trajectory in capital raised by Sri Lankan corporates of all scales during the first seven months of 2021.
It said Sri Lankan corporates are increasingly recognizing the Exchange as a platform to achieve greater financial freedom, improved access to capital and as a means of enhancing their global profile besides accessing liquidity and proving an attractive proposition to tap into for global capital.
To date, the CSE has facilitated 12 new listings, including seven debt IPOs with a value of Rs. 47.29 billion, four equity IPOs with a value of Rs. 7.49 billion and one SPO with a value of Rs. 3.5 billion. This is the highest number of equity IPOs that the CSE has facilitated since 2014 and the largest in cumulative value since 2011.
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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