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Donation of test kits for covid-19 by SK Group of Korea

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At the handing over of test kits at the embassy, standing from left to right are Jo Yongjin, Senior Manager; Aiden Park, Team Leader of Social Value Unit; . Hyeonseo Ku, Vice President of SK E&S of SK Group; ambassador Dr. Mendis; Rekha Mallikarachchi, Commercial Counsellor and Sasanga Nikapitiya, Head of Chancery of the embassy.

The SK Group of South Korea, the third largest conglomerate/chaebol in the country, gifted 10,000 test kits to the embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea to be used in Sri Lanka to contain and to control the COVID-19, since a sudden upsurge of COVID-19 cases had taken place. The SK E&S of the SK Group shipped the test kits to Sri Lanka, last week, by air since the test kits had to be delivered within a space of 72 hours.

The total cost of the test kits was over USD 120,000 and the handing over ceremony took place at the embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul. The Vice President of SK E&S of SK Group, Hyeonseo Ku, handed over the relevant documentation with a billboard of the donation to the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis, in the presence of senior officials both from the SK Group and the embassy of Sri Lanka. The test kits manufactured in the Republic of Korea are known to be among the best and most efficacious in the world. These test kits were sent to the Head of National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19, who is the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Acting Chief of Defense Staff, General Shavendra Silva. The Commercial Counsellor, Rekha Mallikarachchi, and Ambassador Dr. Mendis solicited the SK Group to effect the gifting of the aforementioned test kits for COVID-19 to be used in Sri Lanka. The president and CEO of SK E&S, J.J. Yu, and the Board of Directors were receptive to the request made by the embassy since the embassy had close official relations with the SK Group.

The SK Group has the second largest market capitalization in the Republic of Korea and has recorded revenue of nearly USD 220 billion in 2019 as well as employs nearly 100,000 in over 100 countries. The SK Group has stellar global reputation in businesses ranging from chemicals, petroleum, energy, wireless mobile services, financial services, telecommunications, construction, shipping to semi-conductors, among others. The SK Group has expressed, unequivocal, interest to construct a mega LNG project in Sri Lanka on Build-Owned-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) at a total cost of USD 600 million. Since Dr. Mendis had a number of meetings with the top most management of the SK Group in this context, the aforementioned LNG project would provide, once completed, 930 MW and would extend semi-skilled and skilled employment to over 1,000 nationals of Sri Lanka. The aforementioned 10,000 test kits for COVID-19 were gifted by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) known as Social Value Unit of the SK Group.



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Dr RAD Jeewantha named most innovative dentist of the year

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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.

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IIHS Foundation in Biological Studies offers fast-track route to global health careers

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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.

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Seylan Bank Reports Strong Growth in Q1 2025 Financials

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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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