Business
Ceylinco Cancer Centre upgrades to RapidArc to offer faster, higher precision treatments
Linear Accelerator now equipped to provide VMAT in addition to IMRT and IGRT
The Ceylinco Cancer Centre has announced the launch of RapidArc radiation treatment for cancer, following a significant upgrade to the Varian Clinac iX Linear Accelerator (Linac) in use at the Centre.Offering enhanced accuracy and reduced treatment times, RapidArc delivers highly conformal doses of radiation through complete 360-degree rotation and speed variations of the linear accelerator gantry, enabling the Linac to provide Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) – RapidArc patented technology of Varian.
Compared with conventional radiotherapy techniques, RapidArc can achieve high-target volume coverage while minimising damage to normal tissues.
Because RapidArc treatments are fast, patients undergoing radiation are not required to hold still for long, and each treatment session lasts only a few minutes, the Centre said. Intensity Modulated Radiation Treatment (IMRT) which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes can now be completed in a fraction of that time.
“Our continuing investments to improve patient outcomes has augmented the versatility of our Linear Accelerator, which can now offer even more accurate and faster patient treatment delivery with RapidArc in addition to existing IMRT and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) said R. Renganathan, Chairman of Ceylinco Healthcare Services Limited (CHSL), which owns the Ceylinco Cancer Centre. “From inception, our intention has been to keep pace with treatments offered overseas and to offer services at a significantly lower cost. This latest upgrade is an example of that commitment.”
He said RapidArc has become a currently used technology in many centers around the world, and the upgrade of the Ceylinco Cancer Centre’s Linac widens the treatment options available to medical professionals, enabling them to choose the most effective option on a case-by-case basis.
RapidArc radiotherapy technology, produced by Varian Medical Systems, is an extremely fast and precise form of image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Image guidance improves tumour targeting, while IMRT shapes the radiation dose so that it conforms closely to the 3D shape of the tumour.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy is a newer radiation therapy technique. It delivers the radiation dose as the treatment machine rotates. This technique shapes the radiation dose to the tumour and reduces the dose to the organs surrounding the tumour. VMAT also has the potential to offer additional advantages, such as reduced treatment delivery time compared with conventional static field intensity modulated radiotherapy.
The Ceylinco Cancer Centre also recently upgraded the treatment planning software as well as associated hardware components of the Varian Clinac iX Linear Accelerator to provide new tools for medical physicists to achieve better and improved treatment planning in addition to an enhanced level of security in terms of patient data safety and cyber-attacks.
With this upgrade, Ceylinco Cancer Center became the only centre in Sri Lanka to use version 17.0.1 of the ‘Eclipse’ treatment planning software and the ‘Aria’ patient database management software with the Varian Clinac iX Linear Accelerator.
Business
Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook
Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.
The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.
The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.
The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.
Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.
Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.
The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.
Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Business
Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund
The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.
Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.
As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.
This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.
This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.
Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Business
NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana
NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.
The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.
The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.
Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.
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