Business
P&S donates Reverse Osmosis plant to Trincomalee District General Hospital under Manu Mehewara initiative

Perera & Sons Bakers (Private) Limited (P&S), Sri Lanka’s largest and most-reputed quick service restaurant chain with a heritage spanning over 120 years, continues its commitment to corporate social responsibility with another impactful initiative. In collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy, P&S has donated a state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant to the Trincomalee District General Hospital, under its Manu Mehewara initiative. This significant contribution aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to the hospital’s patients and staff, positively impacting their wellbeing.
The Trincomalee District General Hospital, established in 1940, serves as a vital healthcare facility in the region. With approximately 2,000 patients visiting the hospital daily, access to clean water is of paramount importance. The new RO plant has been installed at the Outpatient Department (OPD), ensuring that everyone within the hospital benefits from this essential resource. The installation of the RO plant exemplifies P&S’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and improving lives, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This goal emphasizes the importance of clean water and adequate sanitation for human health and environmental sustainability.
P&S’s wider social and environmental initiatives further align with the UN SDGs, particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), in addition to SDG 6. P&S proudly showcases its commitment to sustainability by embracing these goals in conjunction with SDG 6. Through a comprehensive approach, P&S integrates innovative strategies and fosters collaboration to address the urgent global challenges we face. By prioritizing equitable solutions and environmental consciousness, P&S aims to pave the way for a future where individuals from all walks of life can thrive while preserving and restoring our planet for generations to come.
Expressing his sentiments and support for the initiative, Gihan Perera, Managing Director at Perera and Sons Bakers (Private) Limited said, “I am sincerely grateful to our dedicated employees for their unwavering commitment, which has allowed us to undertake numerous impactful CSR projects through our Manu Mehewara initiative. Our journey in giving back to society has been remarkable, thanks to the support of our staff, and the invaluable assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy. Together, we have executed successful CSR projects in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and social welfare, positively impacting the communities we serve. We intend to build on this strong foundation in the future.”
P&S enjoys a grand heritage dating back to its establishment in 1902, and is a household name in Sri Lanka. During its journey, the company has consistently striven to make a positive impact on society through various social responsibility initiatives. Under the Manu Mehewara initiative, P&S has successfully executed numerous projects in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and social welfare.
This project marks the second RO plant that P&S has provided and installed for the Trincomalee District General Hospital, transforming the facility’s access to clean water. Spearheading initiatives such as this, P&S is clearly demonstrating its dedication and commitment to transforming and supporting the communities it serves.
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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