Business
Courtyard by Marriott Colombo hosts the Sri Lanka Open 2023 Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, teamed up with Courtyard by Marriott Colombo to host the Sri Lanka Open 2023 Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Kicking off 2023 on a green note, Marriott Bonvoy continues its long-term association with Shiv Kapur, an Arjuna Award winner and ace golfer. Shiv Kapur, a two-time European Challenge Tour champion and Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, was the marquee player at the Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Shiv engaged with the next generation of golfing pros, sharing his learnings and insights on the finer nuances of the sport.
Gaurav Singh, Market Vice President for South & East India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh of Marriott International, who was visiting Sri Lanka, stated that it is fitting to have Shiv Kapur, India ‘s leading golfer, Arjuna awardee and winner of multiple trophies across the world in golf, in Sri Lanka. “Along with Shiv, we aim to create exclusive experiences and unforgettable memories for our Marriott Bonvoy members,” says Singh, an avid golfer himself. “Visiting Sri Lanka for the Sri Lanka Open 2023 and having Courtyard by Marriott Colombo as the title sponsor for the Pro-Am is a great way to promote golf in Sri Lanka and an excellent avenue to boost tourism for the country.”
Expanding on Courtyard by Marriott Colombo’s unique selling points (USPs), Singh praised the diverse dining experiences offered by the city hotel. These include the all-day dining Beira Kitchen, which serves expansive local and international cuisine, the al fresco ambiance of Tito’s Café, and the relaxing vibes at The Lounge. “Our state-of-the-art banqueting facilities and smart indoor meeting spaces, spread across an expansive 14,500 square feet, allow us to create the perfect ambiance for both intimate gatherings and larger events,” said Singh. The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center and outdoor swimming pool, which overlooks the city of Colombo, further enhance its offerings.
Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, the newest city hotel in the heart of Colombo, is ideal for corporate travelers and serves as a city stopover for leisure tourists. As part of the Marriott International umbrella, it embodies the international chain’s USPs, including excellence in quality of service and product offerings. It is also a part of the world’s best loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which has over 160 million members worldwide.
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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