Business

Demand soars for Expolanka shares

Published

4 years ago

2020/11/5

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

The CSE bounced back strongly yesterday with higher turnover as investors showed signs of renewed optimism, despite a worsening COVID-19 situation in the country.

Amid those developments most investors are now rallying round Expolanka stocks anticipating better profit results for the company as the Covid 19 pandemic has punctured many businesses in a big way, stock market analysts said,

Expolanka share prices moved up by 7 percent or Rs. 1.60. The company is in the sea and air cargo handling business and its shares started trading at Rs. 22.30 and at the end of the day they moved up to Rs. 23.90, which contributed approximately one third of the turnover, stock market analysts said.

Further, share prices of Piramal Glass Private Limited appreciated in the stock market by one percent or 15 cent with the entry of the new buyer of the company. Global private equity Bain Capital has joined the race to acquire a controlling stake in Ajay Piramal-promoted Piramal Glass Private Limited (PGPL).

Bain Capital’s offer which came over the weekend is higher than rival Blackstone Group’s binding bid of $790 million, sources said.

“Bain Capital is a late entrant but has made a higher offer which is close to $900 million for the company, said a source. “Piramal Group is seeking a valuation of around $1 billion in enterprise value.”analysts said. Its share price also started trading at Rs. 8.40 and at the end of the day it moved up to Rs. 8.50.

Another company, Dipped Products PLC also witnessed foreign selling and its share price also moved up by Rs. 10 or 3 percent. Its shares started trading at Rs. 323 and at the end of the day it moved up to Rs. 333.

The CSE was bullish and both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index was up by 81.5 points and S and P SL20 up by 23.6 points. The turnover stood at Rs. 3.53 billion with four crossings. Those crossings were reported in Vallibel Power, which crossed 33.5 million shares to the tune of Rs. 268 million, its share price traded at Rs. 8, JKH 609,000 shares crossed for Rs. 80.7 million, its share price traded at Rs. 132.50, Cargills 400,000 shares crossed for Rs. 76 million and its share prices traded at Rs. 190 and Kelani Valley 300,000 shares crossed for Rs. 25.5 million, its shares trading at Rs. 85.

In the retail market top five contributors to the turnover were, Expolanka Rs. 909 million (38.4 million shares traded), Vallibel Power Rs. 251 million (34.8 million shares traded), Piramal Glass Rs. 241 million (27.8 million shares traded), Dipped Products Rs. 182 million (556,000 shares traded) and RIL Properties Rs. 153 million (16.9 million shares traded). During the day 242 million share volumes changed hands in 27618 transactions.

It is said the bourse gained back momentum experiencing a Rs. 2 billion plus turnover after seven trading sessions, while recording a two-week high amid heavy retail buoyancy.

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Business

Dr RAD Jeewantha named most innovative dentist of the year

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/27

Thilina Walpola

Dr Jeewantha receiving the award

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

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/27

Thilina Walpola

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

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/27

Thilina Walpola

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.