Business
Debt restructuring delays seen as sowing confusion among stock market circles

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CSE trading yesterday was unable to maintain the previous day’s trading momentum due to speculation that the delay in the internal debt restructuring plan had created some confusion among stock market investors, market analysts said.
It is said that the debt restructuring process was expected to be completed in September but speculation in some sections revealed that it would likely be completed by November. That has created some confusion among the investors, which negatively impacted the stock market, analysts said.
“Majority of the selling pressures was borne by the tile counters and tile holding companies, market sources said.
The main All- Share Price Index was down 42.25 points, while the most liquid index S&P SL20 declined by 2.7 points. Turnover stood at Rs 893 million with one crossing. The crossing took place in JKH, which crossed 3.2 million shares to the tune of Rs 453 million and its shares traded at Rs 140.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs72 million (520,000 shares traded), Watawala Plantations Rs 29.8 million (410,000 shares traded), Sunshine Holdings Rs 29.6 million (687,000 shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 19.9 million (140,000 shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 15.5 million (124,000 shares traded), Elpitiya Plantations Rs 15.8 million (158,000 shares traded) and Ceylon Cold Stores Rs 15.3 million (393,000 shares traded). During the day 22.8 million share volumes changed hands in 8000 transactions.
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in PGP Glass Ceylon, Lanka IOC and Windforce Limited. Mixed interest was observed in HNB, Expolanka Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores, while retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and Access Engineering.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank), while the sector index gained 1.15 per cent. The share price of HNB closed flat at Rs 120.The Energy sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC), while the sector index increased by 3.37 per cent. The share price of Lanka IOC increased by Rs 4 to Rs 134.
PGP Glass Ceylon, Expolanka Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of PGP Glass Ceylon moved up by 30 cents to Rs 20.10.The Central Bank terminated a cash margin requirement on import letters of credit imposed over the previous 12 months to limit imports, as liquidity injection triggered forex shortages and a currency collapse.In an order issued under the monetary law, the Central Bank imposed a 100 per cent cash deposit margin on 843 imports on May 19, 2022 and February 16, 2023 to discourage imports.
Sri Lanka plans to lift import controls on 100 items which were banned during forex shortages in the past two years, which was hurting small and medium industries, State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.Sri Lanka had controlled imports of 3,000 items denoted by HS codes out of a total of 8,000 during the past two years. The controls were then brought down to 1,000 as they hurt small and medium industries which depended on inputs.
The rupee pegged at Rs 302.80/303.10 against the US dollar in the spot market yesterday, while bond yields were steady, dealers said. A bond maturing on 01.09.2027 was quoted at 26.80/90 per cent, steady from Wednesday’s close at 26.85/27.00 per cent.The rupee was at Rs 302.80/303.10 against the US dollar in the spot market yesterday from Rs 303.50/304.20 a day earlier.
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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