Business
SEC announces revisions to corporate governance rules after 15 years
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Amendments are aimed at reinforcing investor confidence in the capital market
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Listed Companies required to establish policies for whistleblowing, anti-bribery and corruption
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Audit Committees, Related Party Transactions Review Committees also need to be established
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Fit and proper assessment criteria for directors and CEOs
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka has announced revisions to Corporate Governance Rules applicable to entities listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with effect from 1st October 2023.High standards of Corporate Governance with accountability and transparency are critical to building investor confidence in the capital market and is therefore a priority on the SEC’s regulatory agenda. The SEC recognising the need to improve the level of Corporate Governance among Listed Companies in the market initiated a process of amending the Rules on Corporate Governance through a process of stakeholder and public consultations. Based on the stakeholder and public responses the Rules were revised to enhance the governance structures and responsibilities of the Board of Directors and Board Committees of the companies.
These amendments which are in line with global best practices are intended to give clear direction on good Board and management practices that will help build investor and stakeholder confidence.
According to the amended Rules, Listed Companies are required to, among others, establish and maintain Board Policies for Risk Management and Internal Controls, Relations with Shareholders and Investors, Whistleblowing, Corporate Disclosures, Environmental, Social and Governance Sustainability and Anti-Bribery and Corruption. The Rules will require Listed Companies to disclose these policies as well as the implementation details of such policies on their respective company websites and make reference to the website content in their annual reports.
As an important mechanism for the check and balance process in the governance of companies, the revisions require the establishment and operationalisation of Nomination and Governance Committees, Remuneration Committees, Audit Committees, Related Party Transactions Review Committees and where appropriate Risk Committees. Other key Rules include, minimum number of Board members, segregation of the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, appointment of a Senior Independent Director in specific instances, ‘Fit and Proper’ Assessment Criteria for directors and CEOs, criteria for determining independence of directors and requirements on Alternate Directors. Whilst the effective date is 01st October 2023 for most Rules, there will be provision for extended time limits on certain Rules in order to enable companies to reorganize their Board structures.
These revisions are the result of the continued collaborative efforts between the SEC, CSE and the industry to strengthen Sri Lanka’s corporate governance framework. The last update of the Rules on Corporate Governance was in 2008.
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.
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.
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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