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Korea in partnership with UNICEF hands over newly built schools in Kilinochchi District to Sri Lankan students

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On 26th July 2022, Korean envoy Santhush Woonjin JEONG attended the handover ceremony of newly constructed schools funded by KOICA together with UNICEF to Sri Lankan education authorities in the Northern Province and the community of Kilinochchi.

The School, Mukkomban Maha Vidyalayam, was handed over in a ceremony organised in Kilinochchi attended by Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG, Country Director of KOICA Ms. Myung Jin KIM and UNICEF Representative a.i, Ms. Emma Brigham. The Governor of the Northern Province Jeevan Thiagarajah also attended the ceremony with other high ranking officials from the local authorities including Chief Secretary of the Northern Province S.M. Saman Bandulasena.

At the handover ceremony, Korean ambassador commended the contribution of KOICA to uplift multiple sectors in Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on the education sector. “KOICA, Korea’s official grant aid agency has actively contributed to the betterment of the Kilinochchi district especially in the education sector. This project focuses not only on the infrastructural development of these schools but also on the capacity building of the teachers, school advisers, and most importantly the parents too. It is important to ensure that a project is implemented in such a manner that it ensures the fullest benefit to the target beneficiaries. Thus, I appreciate the meaningful work that has been carried out in these schools both the tangible and the intangible.”

The Korean Envoy further elaborated the numerous forms of assistance given to students through KOICA. ’Since 2014, KOICA has conducted activities to uplift the education standards in the Kilinochchi District that has benefitted over 7000 students. Through KOICA we have conducted many projects in the education sector and we hope to ensure that Sri Lankan students are equipped with the know-how to tackle any challenge in a competent manner. I am sure that it will be the driving force behind the overall national development of the country.’

UNICEF Representative a.i, Ms. Emma Brigham also appreciated the continuous support of the Korean government to assist students in Sri Lanka. ‘”UNICEF wishes to thank KOICA and the Government of Korea for their solidarity and support to children in Sri Lanka by helping girls and boys continue learning during this very challenging time. Children in some of the most vulnerable regions across the country are being disproportionally affected by this crisis and initiatives like these supported by KOICA provide important opportunities for children to continue their learning and development,” she said.



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Ceylinco Life chairman R. Renganathan honoured by CMA

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Ceylinco Life Executive Chairman Mr R. Renganathan receives the award.

Receives ‘Distinguished Recognition in the Profession of Management Accounting’ award for excellence in management accounting and financial stewardshipThe Executive Chairman of Ceylinco Life Insurance Ltd., R. Renganathan, has been conferred the prestigious ‘Distinguished Recognition in the Profession of Management Accounting’ award by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) of Sri Lanka, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to financial discipline, governance, and sustainable value creation.

The accolade was presented at the inauguration of a workshop on Integrated Reporting and Sustainability Accounting Standards, underscoring the growing importance of integrated reporting frameworks and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in modern corporate management.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Renganathan has been instrumental in shaping Ceylinco Life’s financial and governance framework since joining the company at its inception. Having led the organisation from the commencement of its life insurance operations in 1988, following the privatisation of the industry, he has consistently championed the principles of transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation, aligning the company with evolving global best practices in reporting and sustainability.

Under his stewardship, Ceylinco Life has strengthened its position as the market leader in Sri Lanka’s life insurance sector, a distinction it has retained for 22 consecutive years. His financial acumen and strategic foresight have contributed to the growth of the company’s Life Fund to over Rs. 200 billion, while innovative product development has enabled the organisation to extend life insurance protection to over one million breadwinners across the country.

The recognition also reflects Renganathan’s broader contribution as a thought leader in financial stewardship and sustainability, to elevating standards within the insurance industry, particularly in embedding strong governance practices and ethical conduct, while driving resilience and sustainable growth.

Ceylinco Life’s continued alignment with integrated reporting principles and sustainability standards reinforces its position as a responsible corporate leader committed to transparency, stakeholder value, and long-term financial stability. The honour bestowed on its Executive Chairman further underscores the company’s commitment to financial stewardship and its role in advancing best practices in corporate reporting and governance in Sri Lanka.

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Statement from NDB Bank

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National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank) confirms that it has identified a fraudulent activity involving internal personnel acting in collusion with external parties. The matter has been promptly reported to law enforcement authorities, and both internal and external investigations are currently underway.

At this stage, the Bank is working closely with authorities to pursue recovery action against the perpetrators. Further details will be shared as verified information becomes available.

NDB Bank wishes to assure all customers and stakeholders that this situation has no impact on customer deposits, account balances, or the Bank’s day-to-day operations. All funds remain safe and secure, and the Bank is operating business as usual.

In response to this incident, NDB is taking steps to further strengthen its controls, as deemed necessary.

We urge the public to avoid speculation or the spread of unverified information. Customers seeking clarification are encouraged to contact their nearest NDB branch, NDB call centre or relationship manager for accurate information.

NDB Bank remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the continued trust of its customers and stakeholders.

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Siyapatha Finance records exceptional financial performance for FY25

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Sri Lanka’s homegrown financial institution Siyapatha Finance PLC displayed robust financial performance for the year ended 31st December 2025, reflecting the Company’s continued strategic growth initiatives, solid asset quality, and resilience amidst volatile economic conditions. The Company posted a profit before tax (PBT) of Rs. 2,660 million, an increase of 26% compared to the previous year. Profit after tax (PAT) grew by 29% to Rs. 1,556 million from Rs. 1,203 million, demonstrating both market and consumer confidence.

Siyapatha Finance PLC recorded a net interest income of Rs. 5,561 million for the year 2025, up from Rs. 4,533 million in the preceding year, signifying the Company’s efficient management of assets and liabilities. Net fee and commission income strengthened by 44% to Rs. 499 million, solidifying the Company’s position in non-interest revenue generation strategies. This growth further indicates effective market expansion and enhanced digital financial services. Total operating expenses for the year were contained at Rs. 3,793 million.

Operating profit before taxes reached Rs. 3,662 million, an impressive 26% increase compared to the Rs. 2,908 million recorded in the corresponding period last year, primarily attributed to improved operational efficiency through strategic cost initiatives and process optimisation. Further, personnel expenses increased by 24 % to Rs. 2,595 million as a result of workforce upskilling and promoting a healthy workplace environment.

During the period in review, the Siyapatha Finance PLC balance sheet remained healthy. The Company witnessed a rise in total assets from Rs. 59,709 million to Rs. 84,740 million, including a 23% increase in the leasing and hire purchase segment and a 63% increase in the gold loan segment. The surge was partly driven by strong demand in SME financing facilities bolstered by the Company’s accelerated islandwide branch network expansion efforts. Simultaneously, total liabilities, too, rose to Rs. 74,705 million from Rs. 51,256 million in the previous year due to investment activities and small business lending.

Siyapatha Finance PLC displayed continued financial stability and credibility along with higher growth potential as its equity position stood robust with total equity reaching Rs. 10,035 million, a remarkable upgrade from the Rs. 8,453 million recorded last year. The net asset value per share increased to Rs. 99.79 in 2025 from Rs. 84.18 in 2024. This improvement underscores the Company’s asset appreciation, prudent management decision-making, and overall positive performance across divisions.

The financial results for the year 2025 reflect Siyapatha Finance PLC’s commitment towards sustainable growth and value creation among stakeholders, reinforcing its position as a leader in the non-banking financial services sector.

Siyapatha Finance PLC, the largest fully owned subsidiary of the Sampath Bank Group, boasts an islandwide network of over 60 branches, ensuring its customers are provided with the best-in-service delivery standards. The Company has secured a National Long-Term Rating of ‘A(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook by Fitch Ratings, reflecting solid financial standing and promising growth trajectory. Over the past 20 years, Siyapatha Finance PLC has contributed to the development of small and medium entrepreneurial efforts as well as the fulfillment of individual financial needs across the island.

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