Business
Tourism sector stocks bouncing back as SL sees uptick in inbound travel

By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Tourism sector counters were more active yesterday compared to other sectors as tourist arrivals have been showing an increasing trend, stock market analysts said.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were Hayleys Leisure Rs 112 million (4.3 million shares traded). And JKH Rs 64.9 million (341,000 shares traded),
Meanwhile, Lanka IOC Rs 44.5 million (371,000 shares traded), Capital Alliance Rs 43 million (514,000 shares traded), Asian Hotel and Properties Rs 40.9 million (665,000 shares traded), Hayleys Plc Rs 38.1 million (405,000 shares traded) and ACL Cables Rs 37.5 million (490,000 shares traded). During the day ,40.6 million share volumes changed hands in 14,000 transactions.
Amid those developments, the stock market turned red yesterday as investors were anticipating nex taxes, namely; wealth tax, capital gain tax and several other new taxes to be introduced through the upcoming budget, market analyst said.
Accordingly both indices moved downwards. All Share Price Index down by 81.7 points and S and P SL20 down by 98.46 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.15 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Citizens Developments Bank crossed its 400,000 shares to the tune of Rs 78 million and its share price traded at Rs 195 and Serendip Hotels 1.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 24 million and its share price traded at Rs 16.
Meanwhile, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announced the introduction of two significant initiatives shortly, Regulated Short Selling (RSS) through Stock Borrowing and Lending (SBL), which are aimed at enhancing trading opportunities and flexibility for investors.
In this regard, the CSE conducted an awareness session on RSS and SBL, to the institutional and high net worth individual investors and CEOs of trading participants on 8th September 2023 at Shangri-La Colombo with the participation of CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CSE Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO) Renuke Wijayawardhane, Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Deputy Director General Tushara Jayaratne and the senior management and the staff of the CSE.
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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