Business
Dr. Niroshan J. Pieries appointed Cluster Director/CEO of LAUGFS Gas

Truly great leaders transform teams, create and manage effective processes, and help their employees grow. With over 20 years of corporate exposure, Dr. Niroshan J. Pieries is recognised as an inspirational leader guiding many local and international brands to their success. In a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Niroshan boasts vast experience across numerous industries – from Shipping and Logistics, to Banking and Finance; from Insurance and Telecommunications, to Power and Energy.
Having joined LAUGFS Lubricants as their Chief Operating Officer, Niroshan oversaw the national operations at LAUGFS Lubricants initially. Showcasing a panache for service excellence through relentless dedication, He rose through the ranks, and in 2020 was appointed as the Director/CEO of LAUGFS Lubricants – becoming the youngest CEO within the ever-expanding Sri Lankan lubricant industry. Having purview over the LAUGFS Car Care brand and the Southern Petroleum companies, He played a significant role in driving the growth and success of LAUGFS, transforming the brand into a globally recognised, highly profitable and sustainable business. As a result of his continuous dedication and exemplary performance, in March 2023, Dr. Niroshan was appointed as the cluster Director/CEO of LAUGFS Gas.
As a firm believer of ‘working smart’ and the concept of ‘strategic agility’, Dr. Niroshan echoes the belief of finding a way to do things differently, while ensuring the best possible outcome. He believes that continuous disruptive innovation is a must for any business to thrive in today’s challenging, and highly volatile socio-economic environment. Dr. Niroshan’s main business ethos is based on the concept of ‘resourcefulness’ – as he believes it is what separates a successful business from one that struggles. He believes optimising resources and strategically targeted investments drive value creation by enabling the business to expand their reach while best utilising the assets at hand.
Dr. Niroshan stands out amidst the sea of corporate leadership due to his constant efforts at sharing his vast knowledge with the rising generation of future leaders. He is recognised as an inspirational leader, with values driven from a deep sense of purpose – that of driving positive change. Having inculcated an organisational culture based on the fundamentals of sharing skills and expertise through brainstorming and thought mapping, He strives to solve cross-cutting business issues through guided internal ideation; enabling internal development while propelling organisational optimisation.
As the CEO of LAUGFS Lubricants, Dr. Niroshan was able to transform a struggling business to one that is highly profitable and sustainable at its core. Awarded as the ‘People Leader – Marketing’ in 2017, He led LAUGFS Lubricants to be recognised as the ‘Best Turnaround Brand’ for the year 2020. Despite the challenging macroeconomic conditions brought about by the pandemic, the company was able to execute its expansion strategy by establishing its presence in Bangladesh in 2022, opening its corporate office a year later, while further expanding its operations to the Maldives. Recognised for his efforts in transforming LAUGFS Lubricants into a strong, unique brand, he was named as the ‘Business Transformation CEO’ for the year 2022.
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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