Business
Nippon Paint introduces Virus Guard+ to counter Covid19

Nippon Paint unveiled its breakthrough paint technology VirusGuard+ in Sri Lanka recently. The Sri Lankan launch of the premium interior paint with antimicrobial properties was followed by the overwhelming reception in Singapore & Malaysia where it was first introduced in the latter part of 2020.
The paint is enriched with copper (Cu+) IONsto offer optimum protection against the current Covid19 strain while being washable, stain resistant and having low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). VirusGuard+ contains no hazardous substances thus is suitable for commercial & public facilities as well as residences to eliminate surface contamination.
Nippon Paint VirusGuard+ antibacterial paint has been clinically tested by third party laboratories and proven to be effective against human Coronaviruses and Feline Calicivirus (approved by EPA to replace Human Norovirus). The paint is also certified environmentally friendly by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC). Commenting on the new breakthrough product, Mihiran Opatha, Head-of-Sales of Nippon Paint said: “We are excited to be the first paint brand to introduce not one but two virus-proof solutions to the market: 3-in-1 MediFresh & VirusGuard+. While MediFresh which is a widely acclaimed innovative product offers protection from disease-causing microorganisms generally, VirusGuard+ has been optimised specifically to counter the Covid19 virus. VirusGuard+ can be applied over any pre-painted surface, offers excellent coverage and comes in 23 curated matte shades to choose from,” he said.
Business
Com Bank Group reports strong Q1 performance with Rs 14.97 Bn profit

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has posted robust results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a net profit of Rs 14.97 billion—up 38.52% year-on-year—on the back of healthy growth in income, assets, and loan advances.
In a stock exchange filing, the Group, which includes Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, its subsidiaries, and an associate, reported a 4.27% increase in total assets to Rs 2.999 trillion as of March 31, 2025.
Gross income rose 9.85% to Rs 88.1 billion, while net interest income surged 23.53% to Rs 34.21 billion. Operating income grew by 33.4% to Rs 46.62 billion, and net operating income increased by 25% to Rs 39.39 billion.
Despite a 110.44% increase in impairment provisions, pre-tax profit grew by 34.77% to Rs 22.56 billion, with after-tax profit rising sharply due to effective cost management and improved asset quality.
Chairman Sharhan Muhseen highlighted the milestone of nearing Rs 3 trillion in assets, while MD/CEO Sanath Manatunge noted gains in net interest margin, CASA ratio (now at 39.51%), and a significantly improved Stage 3 loan ratio of 2.58%.
With a capital adequacy ratio well above regulatory requirements and a liquidity coverage ratio exceeding 500%, Commercial Bank remains firmly positioned for continued growth in 2025.
Business
Ceylinco Life celebrates top performers at grand ‘Crowning the Titans’ gala

Ceylinco Life, Sri Lanka’s life insurance market leader, recently celebrated its top sales officers at a spectacular two-day event held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo’s premier leisure and entertainment destination. The event combined the company’s ‘High Flyers Day’ and Annual Awards gala, honoring over 250 elite sales officers with 350 awards, including automobiles, for their outstanding achievements in 2024.
The celebrations featured fine dining, entertainment, and overnight accommodation for the honorees. The Annual Awards ceremony, themed ‘Crowning the Titans,’ was graced by distinguished guests from Swiss Re Asia Pacific, Daisy Ning and Sunayana Mahansaria.
2024 marked Ceylinco Life’s 21st consecutive year of market leadership, with gross written premiums reaching Rs 37.14 billion and consolidated income at Rs 65.54 billion. The company paid a record Rs 25 billion in net claims and benefits, while its Life Fund and investment portfolio grew significantly.
Top awardees included M. Manojan (Best Agency Head), S. Ragini (Best Agency Supervisor), A. I. P. Manjula (Best Life Insurance Advisor), and J. Meera (Best Regional Sales Manager).
Business
Dr. Sachini Aththanayaka honoured at Leading Lady in Business Awards 2025

Dr. Sachini Aththanayaka, Director of Sayora Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd, has been awarded the Excellency Award in the Beauty, Health, and Wellness Services category at the prestigious Entro Queen Excellence – Leading Lady in Business Awards 2025. Recognised for her pioneering work in integrative wellness, Dr. Sachini has transformed Sayora Healthcare into a hub for holistic care, blending modern medicine with natural therapies.
“This recognition motivates me to keep raising the bar, not just for Sayora Healthcare, but for the entire industry,” she said, dedicating the award to women striving for impact in business and beyond.
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