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Speculation on bank interest rates affects stock market

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By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Market speculation on bank interest rates to be raised following the Central Bank’s monthly monetary review meeting today, resulted in CSE trading activities reacting negatively yesterday, stock market analysts said.

Further, government securities are also showing an increasing trend and the acute inflationary pressure on the economy put the market into a more volatile situation. Due to that both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 142 points and the S and P SL20 declined by 52.4 points. Turnover stood at Rs. 3.3 billion with five crossings.

The Central Bank will announce policy rates today under Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and many analysts see at least a 50 basis point hike in the key policy rates as the Central Bank has allowed Treasury Bill rates to rise, signaling such an increase.

The crossings were reported in HNB, which crossed 1.5 million shares to the tune of Rs 230 million and its shares traded at Rs 149, Commercial Bank 1.8 million shares crossed for Rs 158 million, its shares traded at Rs 85, Watawala Plantation 2.6 million shares crossed for Rs 153 million, its shares traded at Rs 57, Expolanka Holdings 150,000 shares crossed for Rs 28.2 million, its shares traded at Rs 188.50 and Three Acre Farms 100,000 shares crossed for Rs. 21 million, its shares fetching Rs.210.

In the retail market, five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Browns Investments Rs 531 million (51.3 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 400 million (2.7 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 210 million (356,000 shares traded), Royal Ceramic Rs 151 million (3.2 million shares traded) and Hayleys Rs 111 million (1.1 million shares traded). During the day 146 million share volumes changed hands in 27000 transactions.

Yesterday, the Sri Lankan rupee was quoted at Rs. 200.70 against the US dollar. This was the Central Bank’s controlled price, which was Rs. 202 recently.



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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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