Business
ComBank launches scheme with SLII to finance professional studies in Insurance
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has collaborated with the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute (SLII), the local body affiliated to the Chartered Insurance Institute of UK, to provide special education loans and easy payment plans to the Institute’s members, in support of their career aspirations.
Concessions offered to students of SLII by Commercial Bank include education loans with low interest rates that would finance up to 90% of the Institute’s course fees and special credit cards with the benefit of zero-interest easy payment plans. The Bank said it will also waive off handling charges and commission fees pertaining to these credit card easy payment plans.
The special education loans and easy payment plans will be applicable to courses such as the ‘Certificate in Insurance’ and ‘Diploma in Insurance’ in affiliation with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), UK. Credit card payments can also made for entry-level professional examinations including Foundation and Diploma courses offered by the SLII, the Bank said.
Commenting on this partnership between the Bank and SLII, Commercial Bank’s Group Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Hasrath Munasinghe said: “Commercial Bank has always been focused on contributing towards the growth and development of its customers as well as contributing towards the development of the country. By partnering with the SLII to launch this latest scheme to finance the professional studies in Sri Lanka relating to insurance, we not only hope to facilitate career development but also to contribute towards professional excellence in this sector.”
Commercial Bank partnered similarly with the University of Moratuwa last year to offer its postgraduate research students education loans with preferential interest rates and other benefits, and in 2020, joined hands with HCL Technologies Sri Lanka, the local arm of the multinational IT giant, to offer concessionary education loans to the company’s trainees and employees.
The Sri Lanka Insurance Institute was established to enhance professionalism in the practice of insurance in Sri Lanka and to develop the necessary human resources in insurance and other related financial services. The Institute provides insurance education in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Chartered Insurance Institute of UK (CII UK) and the Insurance Institute of India, and is authorised to conduct agency examinations on behalf of the Industry Regulator, the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL).
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.
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.
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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