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EU-based high-profile trade fair organiser explores business opportunities in Sri Lanka

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Ms. Marie Antonia von Schönburg, the Chief Delegate of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) with the EU-based delegation led by Milind Dixit

By Sanath Nanayakkare

High ranking representatives from Koelnmesse India, a leading international trade fair and exhibition centre based in Cologne, Germany, visited Sri Lanka from 8th May to 10th May 2024. Led by Milind Dixit, Managing Director of Koelnmesse India, the delegation met with representatives of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) to explore potential opportunities across various sectors in the country.

The purpose of their visit was to delve into potential partnerships and collaborations in key sectors of Sri Lanka’s economy, including food & beverage, agriculture, horticulture, rubber industry, and bakery industry.

During their visit, AHK Sri Lanka facilitated several meetings with Sri Lankan agencies, associations and stakeholders, including Export Development Board, Industrial Development Board, Coconut Development Authority, Food Processors Association to discuss potential synergies and opportunities. Additionally, AHK Sri Lanka engaged with exhibition venue operators to explore the feasibility of organising Koelnmesse trade fairs in Sri Lanka.

Moreover, an exclusive cocktail event was organised on the 9th of May 2024, which brought together key players from the industries in Sri Lanka, providing a platform for networking and idea exchange.

Dixit remarked, “Our visit to Sri Lanka has been incredibly insightful, thanks to the collaboration with AHK Sri Lanka. Together, we have explored the vast potential of the food & beverage industry and other key sectors in the country. AHK Sri Lanka’s efforts in facilitating meetings and fostering partnerships have been instrumental in our mission to capitalise on business opportunities in Sri Lanka. We look forward to contributing to the growth and development of industries in the country.”

Koelnmesse, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is globally renowned for hosting around 80 trade fairs and over 2,000 conferences annually, solidifying its position as one of the largest trade fair organisers in the European Union. Some of the notable trade fairs hosted by Koelnmesse include Anuga for the food and agriculture industry, Anuga FoodTec for agricultural technologies, Spoga+Gafa for the gardening and horticulture industry, ISM for confectioneries, and Tire Cologne for the tyre industry.

Ms. Marie Antonia von Schönburg, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, added, “Our collaboration with Koelnmesse has been immensely fruitful, enabling us to delve into the diverse opportunities present in Sri Lanka’s food & beverage industry and other key sectors. Through facilitating meetings and fostering partnerships, AHK Sri Lanka is proud to have played a pivotal role in enhancing business prospects and promoting growth. We remain committed to further strengthening our partnership with Koelnmesse and contributing to the development of businesses in Sri Lanka and Germany.”

Since 2019, AHK Sri Lanka has been the exclusive representative of Koelnmesse in Sri Lanka and has organised delegations to various leading trade fairs hosted by Koelnmesse, including Tire, Spoga+Gafa, and Anuga FoodTec, showcasing the strong partnership between the two entities.

This visit highlights the commitment of both Koelnmesse and AHK Sri Lanka to explore and capitalise on business opportunities in Sri Lanka, fostering closer ties and facilitating growth and development across multiple sectors.

AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German and companies of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German companies and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.



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Dr RAD Jeewantha named most innovative dentist of the year

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Dr Jeewantha receiving the award

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.

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IIHS Foundation in Biological Studies offers fast-track route to global health careers

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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.

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Seylan Bank Reports Strong Growth in Q1 2025 Financials

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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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