Business
People live longer thanks to hi-tech and superior health care but NCDs rising

Durdans boosts profit 24% in 2019/20
Ceylon Hospitals PLC, owners of the Durdans Hospital now entering its 75th year, among the lead players in the country’s private health care industry, has closed a challenging year ended March 31, 2020, increasing its net profit 24% to Rs. 467 million on revenue of Rs. 5.98 billion, up from Rs. 5.81 billion a year earlier, the company’s recently published annual report said.
Durdans’ Executive Chairman Ajith Tudawe said that the Easter bomb as well as the Covid pandemic that followed at the end of the financial year had far-reaching effects globally on human lives and economic activities.
With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the rise, driven by changes in diet, environmental conditions and stress of modern urban living, the health care industry needed to deliver efficient care and long term-value to all stakeholders in their industry, he noted.
“Advancement in technology as well as well as superior healthcare has led to longevity of life,” Tudawe said. “Yet it also results in an aging population, an issue faced by all regions in the world. This is an issue that the present Sri Lankan social welfare system is not equipped to handle.”
Focusing on opportunities for growth, Tudawe said: “We are now even more confident that our plans to develop a more broad-based customer-centric business model will enable the company to explore new avenues of success and growth.”
Dr. Harsha Baranage, the hospital’s Medical Director stressed the importance of the human healing touch “despite the digitization and modern technology invading the industry.” He said that this approach from the Customer Relations Officer to the Specialist Consultant “is crucial to empathize with the patient.”
Durdans Management Services Ltd., in which several Ceylon Hospitals Directors are interested, is the company’s top voting shareholder with 68.12% of the company followed by the EPF (4.22%), and Lawrence Tudawe Management Services (Pvt) Ltd. (2.35%).
Durdans Management Services (22.47%) followed by the EPF (13.83%) are the top non-voing share owners.
The directors of the company are: Messrs. AE Tudawe (executive chairman), Dr. ADPA Wijegoonewardene (senior vice president – medical), UD Tudawe (executive vice-president), AS Tudawe (executive), while Messrs. YNR Piyasena, AS Abeywardene, SM Ismail, ADB Talwatte, and AVR de S. Jayatillake are independent non-executive directors.
Business
From import to export – Finch Foods expands international retail presence to Australia

Finch Foods – pioneering Sri Lankan FMCG brand – is furthering its international expansion with the launch of its retail presence in Australia. The move marks yet another turning point for the homegrown company, following four international market launches under the Finch Foods brand within the space of just three years, a company news release said on Wednesday.
This milestone entry includes a dedicated e-commerce site, a listing on Amazon AU, and ongoing discussions with major supermarket chains, specialty stores, and distributors. Australian consumers can now access Finch Foods’ extensive portfolio of high-quality signature spices and seasonings, coconut products, gluten-free flours, ayurvedic and herbal products, and natural food colourings that showcase the rich variety and distinctiveness of Sri Lankan ingredients, it said.
“Australia has always been a key market for Finch Foods – one with immense potential to enter, develop, and scale,” says Fawaz Fassi, Founder & Managing Director of Finch Foods. “This expansion reflects the growing global demand for authentic Sri Lankan heritage ingredients, and we are excited to bring our unique offerings to Australian consumers.”
Founded in 2015 as a 100 per cent import-driven company, Finch Foods entered the food industry by becoming the exclusive agent for renowned international brands such as Bragg Live Foods (USA), The Berry Company (UK), Kewpie (Japan/Malaysia), Cornish (UK), Pokka (Singapore), and Nando’s Grocery; bringing superior flavours and ingredients from around the world to Sri Lankan consumers.
However, the global pandemic followed by local economic instability severely tested this business model, and in just a few years since inception, it was time for the company to rethink its operations. In 2022 Finch Foods set its sights outwards by looking inwards; having discovered that there was a wealth of incredible spices, herbs, and ingredients to be found right here in Sri Lanka – robust and nuanced flavours that would surely intrigue culinary tastebuds from around the world.
“As a pioneer in culinary innovation, our vision is to harness the rich and diverse culinary tradition of Sri Lanka while also bridging the growing disconnect between food and its heritage,” Fassi adds. “At Finch Foods, we recognized the need to add unique value to our products—offering new and exciting options for consumers while distinguishing ourselves from more traditional exporters in the market.”
In 2023, Finch Foods celebrated the opening of its first independent store in Havelock City Mall, Colombo, and expanded its international footprint; establishing a retail presence in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, and Canada, becoming a key supplier to Japan, and securing a partnership with global retail giant Lulu Group in the UAE. This shift to exports has allowed the company to adapt to different market requirements, leveraging its wide product range to remain flexible in catering to diverse consumer needs.
“As Finch Foods continues to expand its distribution network and strengthen its presence in Australia, the company is also poised to to focus on accelerating its global expansion, breaking into new markets, while also further diversifying its product portfolio,” the release concluded.
Business
The Residencies Kotte by ICC nears completion ahead of schedule

The Residencies Kotte by ICC is making remarkable progress, moving ahead of schedule towards completion (December 2025). With ICC’s proven track record of on-time delivery and availability running low, this is a rare opportunity to invest in a home that blends modern luxury with a thriving community, said a release.
It said: Now in its final phase, key milestones are being completed at an accelerated pace. From the striking façade to the finishing touches within each apartment, every element is meticulously crafted to meet ICC’s highest standards.
As The Residencies Kotte nears completion, demand has surged. With all two-bedroom apartments already sold out, only a limited number of three-bedroom units remain available. This overwhelming response is a testament to the unmatched value, world-class amenities, and most importantly, the prime location. Nestled in the heart of Kotte, this development offers unparalleled convenience—situated in a highly sought-after neighbourhood that seamlessly blends urban connectivity with the tranquillity of a well-established residential area.
Business
Dearo Investment partners with Ceylinco General Insurance to enhance customer benefits

Dearo Investment Pvt. Ltd. has signed an MoU with Ceylinco General Insurance to provide an insurance scheme for its customers. Under this agreement, every customer who transacts with Dearo from anywhere in the country will receive insurance coverage. The MoU was officially signed on 26 Feb, 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organisations. Dearo Investment was represented by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Prasanna Sanjeewa and Chief Operating Officer Niranjan Warnasooriya, while Ceylinco General Insurance was represented by General Manager S. Thilakesh, Assistant General Manager V.K. Gunathilaka, Area Sales Manager N.G.C. Gunarathna, and Senior Marketing Executive Keshara Hasun. Dearo Investment has flourished as a trusted name in the financial sector with its highly experienced Board of Directors, including Prabash Gunaratne, Upul Edirisuriya, Tharindu Dhananjaya Samarawickrama, Niranjan Warnasooriya, and Thilini Kalhari Ekanayake.
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