Business
Banking sector quarterly results buoy share market

By Hiram Senewiratne
CSE trading was extremely bullish and positive yesterday especially amid expectations that banking sector quarterly results would be exceptionally good. This has resulted in the hope that overall the market is going to perform well, top stock market analysts said.
“This year’s quarterly results are expected to be exceptionally good and two banks, namely Pan Asia Bank and Union Bank, have performed reasonably well, raising expectations that banking sector quarterly results would be exceptionally good, Head of Sales -Softlogic Holdings, Eardley Kern told The Island Financial Review.
Kern said that banks should perform well despite deposits being less in number. On top of that most of the banks made their earnings by investing in international sovereign bonds in the external market and in the Treasury Bill/Bond business, Kern said.
Amid those developments the CSE edged- down yesterday in mid- day trade on profit-taking in the banking index, the largest sector in the stock market. But during the latter part of the session the market picked up and ended in green territory, market analysts said.
The main All- Share Price Index rose 64.2 points and the most liquid index S&P SL20 was up by 34.8 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.9 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Richard Pieris, which crossed 7.48 million shares to the tune of Rs 186 million; its shares traded at Rs 25 and Hemas 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 20.8 million and its shares sold at Rs 83.20.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, JKH Rs 428 million (2.1 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 179.6 million (1.7 million shares traded), NDB Rs 147 million (1.7 million shares traded), CIC Holdings Rs 124 million (2.1 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 122 million (1.5 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 89.3 million (723,000 shares traded) and Pan Asia Bank Rs 83.7 million (4.2 million shares traded). During the day 78.9 million share volumes changed hands in 24000 transactions.
It is said the bourse moved on an upward trajectory displaying a volatile trend as it closed the day on a positive note. Selected banking sector shares, namely Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Seylan Bank, alongside blue-chip companies backed the index exceptionally well to continue its positive momentum in the green zone.
Treasury shares witnessed panic selling due to speculation of a possible introduction of a withholding tax or a super gains tax on primary dealer companies.
Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US $ buying rate was Rs 315.11 and selling rate Rs 328.60.
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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