Business
ComBank hosts awareness programme on drone technology for A’pura paddy farmers
Farmers in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province were recently exposed to the functionalities of drones in the modernisation of agricultural practices, at an awareness programme organised by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC in collaboration with Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.
More than 100 farmers in the Thambuttegama area in the Anuradhapura District as well as some students were briefed by experts on how drones could be used for seeding paddy lands and in the application of fertiliser and agrochemicals, and help resolve the issue of labour shortages.
This invaluable knowledge coupled with live demonstrations, was provided by representatives of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka and Aerogenii Drone Services, an end-to-end drone solutions provider, with the support of officials of the Bank’s Development Credit Department, which is the initiator of the programme.
“Sri Lanka’s agriculture needs to transition to the modern era by adopting the appropriate technological advancements that are revolutionising the way food crops are grown, harvested and processed,” Commercial Bank Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking Mr Delakshan Hettiarachchi commented. “As one of the biggest lenders to the country’s agriculture sector, Commercial Bank is best positioned to be a catalyst for this transition, and we are committed to invest funds, time and expertise to help make it happen.”
The Bank said the objective of the programme is to promote the adoption of modern technology in paddy farming and other cultivation activities, by educating farmers on how the use of drones and other innovations is more cost effective and time conserving when compared with manual labour, in addition to addressing labour shortages.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has posted robust results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a net profit of Rs 14.97 billion—up 38.52% year-on-year—on the back of healthy growth in income, assets, and loan advances.
In a stock exchange filing, the Group, which includes Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, its subsidiaries, and an associate, reported a 4.27% increase in total assets to Rs 2.999 trillion as of March 31, 2025.
Gross income rose 9.85% to Rs 88.1 billion, while net interest income surged 23.53% to Rs 34.21 billion. Operating income grew by 33.4% to Rs 46.62 billion, and net operating income increased by 25% to Rs 39.39 billion.
Despite a 110.44% increase in impairment provisions, pre-tax profit grew by 34.77% to Rs 22.56 billion, with after-tax profit rising sharply due to effective cost management and improved asset quality.
Chairman Sharhan Muhseen highlighted the milestone of nearing Rs 3 trillion in assets, while MD/CEO Sanath Manatunge noted gains in net interest margin, CASA ratio (now at 39.51%), and a significantly improved Stage 3 loan ratio of 2.58%.
With a capital adequacy ratio well above regulatory requirements and a liquidity coverage ratio exceeding 500%, Commercial Bank remains firmly positioned for continued growth in 2025.
Ceylinco Life, Sri Lanka’s life insurance market leader, recently celebrated its top sales officers at a spectacular two-day event held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo’s premier leisure and entertainment destination. The event combined the company’s ‘High Flyers Day’ and Annual Awards gala, honoring over 250 elite sales officers with 350 awards, including automobiles, for their outstanding achievements in 2024.
The celebrations featured fine dining, entertainment, and overnight accommodation for the honorees. The Annual Awards ceremony, themed ‘Crowning the Titans,’ was graced by distinguished guests from Swiss Re Asia Pacific, Daisy Ning and Sunayana Mahansaria.
2024 marked Ceylinco Life’s 21st consecutive year of market leadership, with gross written premiums reaching Rs 37.14 billion and consolidated income at Rs 65.54 billion. The company paid a record Rs 25 billion in net claims and benefits, while its Life Fund and investment portfolio grew significantly.
Top awardees included M. Manojan (Best Agency Head), S. Ragini (Best Agency Supervisor), A. I. P. Manjula (Best Life Insurance Advisor), and J. Meera (Best Regional Sales Manager).
Dr. Sachini Aththanayaka, Director of Sayora Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd, has been awarded the Excellency Award in the Beauty, Health, and Wellness Services category at the prestigious Entro Queen Excellence – Leading Lady in Business Awards 2025. Recognised for her pioneering work in integrative wellness, Dr. Sachini has transformed Sayora Healthcare into a hub for holistic care, blending modern medicine with natural therapies.
“This recognition motivates me to keep raising the bar, not just for Sayora Healthcare, but for the entire industry,” she said, dedicating the award to women striving for impact in business and beyond.
India’s colonial past revealed through 200 masterful paintings
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts.
Those who do not submit campaign finance returns by next Tuesday may lose political rights: Election Monitor
-
Business5 days agoDialog Enterprise strengthens data protection and cybersecurity with ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 certifications
-
Business6 days agoCargills Bank Q1 PAT rises to Rs. 162 million, up Rs. 116 million
-
Editorial4 days agoExpediency vs. Public duty
-
Midweek Review4 days agoJournalistic Brilliance Joins Humanity
-
Business4 days agoEthical AI and responsible leadership in emerging markets
-
Editorial5 days ago
Betrayal of the military
-
Features6 days agoDavid Attenborough and Sri Lanka – a tribute for celebration of 99 years on the planet!
-
Business20 hours agoPresident briefs Sri Lankan delegation leaving for tariff related discussions in Washington