Business
IIHS introduces ‘Doctor of Nursing’ programme in Sri Lanka

International Institute of Health Science (IIHS), Sri Lanka’s premier and leading healthcare education institute renowned for the high quality education provided for nurses in Sri Lanka has once again taken nursing education to a new realm by offering a Doctor of Nursing to help further to address the health care training needs of the nurses of South Asia.
The Doctor of Nursing degree programme is a 4 year coursework and dissertation-based international program offered by the Open University Malaysia (OUM) and is ideal for nurses in administrative and educational roles. The entire programme will be offered via the distance and open learning model at IIHS in Sri Lanka and will be open for all those who meet the entry qualifications of a Master’s degree or have obtained BSc/Bachelors/MBBS from recognized local and international universities. The delivery and assessment for the Doctor of Nursing program is through a hybrid program where face to face sessions are augmented through the award-winning Learner Management System of IIHS.
Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO & Co-Founder IIHS commented, “We are truly pleased to be able to offer this new programme which will elevate the standards of nurses in Sri Lanka even further. We are passionately driven to provide our nurses with the best programmes to help them enrich their knowledge and garner the expertise and professionalism they need to match international standards. Our greater vision is to transform South Asian regional students to world class healthcare professionals and align with the government initiative of making Sri Lanka a knowledge hub giving opportunities to students across globe to access a quality health care qualification.”
IIHS will provide value additions to the programme by providing the necessary academic and technical support. Furthermore, IIHS will play a supervisory role in monitoring the programme backed by the support of the international panel of academics from OUM who will continue to give the necessary guidance to the students digitally.
In June 2020 a scholarship worth a total of Rs. 11 million was awarded to 11 well deserving nursing leaders in the state sector of Sri Lanka to help motivate and inspire them to take nursing to a new tier. The programme will be delivered by the well-established and qualified department of nursing equipped with local and foreign lecturers to celebrate the year of the nurse.
The Open University Malaysia is a UGC approved university and a member of the Commonwealth Association of Universities and International Associations of Universities. IIHS has had a 10 year partnership with OUM and currently offer the Bachelors in Nursing and Masters in Nursing degree where more than 800 graduates have been produced.
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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