Business
Emirates shines at the 2022 Business Traveller Middle East Awards

Emirates has once again been crowned as ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ for the ninth consecutive time at the 2022 Business Traveller Middle East awards.
At a ceremony attended by key travel industry executives, the airline also swept three other categories, including airline with the “Best Premium Economy Class”, “Best Economy Class” and “Best Frequent Flyer Programme”.
The awards are a recognition of Emirates’ unrelenting commitment to delivering on its ‘Fly Better’ promise through multi-billion dollar investments in customer experience initiatives, products and services in the air and on the ground during a year of rebuilding and recovery. Even when others were cutting back, Emirates continued to introduce new offerings and enhancements, giving it the strategic advantage to further differentiate its signature customer experience from booking to boarding.
Just a year after its debut, Emirates’ Premium Economy has shown that it’s a cut above the rest, and has been highly sought after by customers thanks to its 19.5 inch spacious seats, 40 inch roomy pitch and relaxing 8 inch reclining position, rounded off by soft leather finishings, 6-way adjustable headrests, a footrest and luxurious wood panelling inspired by the airline’s Business Class cabin.
The airline has taken the experience full-circle and will be rolling out the complete Premium Economy experience onboard and on the ground from 1 August with dedicated check-in at DXB, uniquely designed amenities including soft, sustainable blankets and generously sized pillows, complimentary amenity kits, fine glass and chinaware, curated dining and beverage choices and thoughtful culinary touches throughout the meal service including premium wines and chocolates. Customers can also enjoy hours of entertainment with the best IFE in the skies with up to 5,000 channels.
The full Premium Economy Class experience will be available for sale from 1 June for travel from 1 August for Emirates customers venturing to London, Paris, Sydney, as well as Christchurch from December.
To ensure more customers get to experience this cabin class on more routes, Emirates will begin its retrofit programme in November to install Premium Economy on 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. At the end of the programme, Emirates will have 126 aircraft fitted out with Premium Economy cabins, as well as the airline’s newest interiors across other cabins.
Over the last year, Emirates has also rolled out a series of customer-focused initiatives including accelerating and scaling up its digital initiatives for smoother journeys through more biometric and contactless touchpoints in Dubai.
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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