Business
Litro Gas economically empowers Samurdhi beneficiaries

In a move aimed at empowering the economically challenged communities across Sri Lanka, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd., recently signed an MOU with the Department of Samurdhi Development – Prajamula Bank Division.
The signing took place between Anil Koswatte, Chairman & CEO of Litro Gas Lanka Ltd., and R. P. B.Thilakasiri, Director-General, Department of Samurdhi Development – Prajamula Bank Division. Senior officials of both organizations were also in attendance.
Under the agreement, Samurdhi recipients will now be able to upgrade to a Litro Gas cylinder, a cooker and an accessory pack at a concessionary rate, giving them the opportunity to make use of LPG as a clean and safe cooking energy.
The Litro Gas accessory pack exclusively provided for Samurdhi beneficiaries contains a Litro Gas cylinder, cooker, regulator, hose and two safety clips at a special price.
Commenting on the MOU, Koswatte says that empowering communities towards economic upliftment is a key component of the government’s commitment towards eradicating poverty as envisioned in the National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ (Saubhagyaye Dakma) of President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
“Elevating economically disadvantaged communities in this manner contributes towards expanding their livelihoods while enabling their economic upliftment.”
Using cleaner, efficient energy for cooking also supports improving their living standards, thereby reduce indoor air pollution considered a globally critical issues among communities.
“This initiative with Litro Gas Lanka is commendable and timely for Samurdhi beneficiaries”, said Thilakasiri. “With this, we are giving them the opportunity to improve their living standards while assisting them to make use of the offer in a practical and an affordable manner.”
Janaka Pathirathna, Director Sales & Marketing/Corporate Affairs at Litro Gas Lanka noted that this joint proposition will extend and enhance Litro Gas Lanka customer promise to the wider community. “Litro Gas Lanka will now be reaching out to new segments of the community, giving them access to clean cooking energy, thereby adding a new dimension of efficiency to their lives.”
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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