Business
Sri Lanka Institute of Architects annual sessions

The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), the governing body for architecture in Sri Lanka wishes to announce their annual sessions “Architect 2023” on its 66th Anniversary. The event will take place at Waters Edge and BMICH from the 22nd to the 26th February 2023.
The theme of Architect 2023 “Rising”, aims to bring the building and construction industry closer to the public by increasing awareness and access. It is an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with architects and other professionals in the field. Despite the difficulties faced in the past year, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) remains optimistic about the future of the industry and is eager to share their vision with attendees.
The event will be streamed live on both Facebook and YouTube, making it accessible for viewers from across the country. Architect 2023 will comprise of several events, including the Inauguration Ceremony of the Annual Sessions 2023, the National Conference, and the Architect 2023 – Architects Work & Trade Exhibition.
The Inauguration Ceremony of the Annual Sessions 2023 will take place on the 22nd of February 2023 at 9.30 am at the Waters Edge Grand Ballroom as a hybrid event. The ceremony will include the formal induction of newly elected Chartered Architects for 2022, the presentation of SLIA Design Awards, Colour Awards and Research Awards for the 2022-2023 cycles and the presentation of lifetime achievement awards.
The National Conference will take place on the same day, 22nd February 2023, from 11.30 am to 6.00 pm, at the Waters Edge Grand Ballroom. The keynote speaker will be Architect Rizvy Hassan from Bangladesh, while several eminent speakers from India, including Architects Samuel Barclay, Badrinath Kaleru and Prerna Aggarwal will also participate in the conference.
The ceremonial opening of the “Architect 2023 – Architects’ Work & Trade Exhibition” will be held on 23rd February at 5.30 pm at BMICH. The exhibition which will be open to the public from 24th to 26th February from 10.00 am to 9.30 pm will feature 140 trade stalls and provide an opportunity to learn more about the products and services available in the construction industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to join an Architect’s Discussion Forum, taking place from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm during the exhibition. This forum will offer educational sessions on various aspects of the architecture profession, providing a valuable learning experience for those in attendance.
The exhibition will feature the work of architecture students from four leading institutions: City School of Architecture (CSA), University of Moratuwa (UOM), Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). This showcase provides a glimpse into the future of the architecture profession and the talented individuals who will shape it. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase publications from SLIA, including “Vastu,” “The Architect,” and “Before You Build.” A help desk staffed by a panel of architects will also be available to answer questions and offer guidance on architecture-related issues.
The Annual General Meeting of SLIA will take place on February 25, 2023.
The success of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects Annual Sessions 2023 is made possible by the support of Nippon Paint Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as the Strategic Sponsor, Rhino Roofing Products Limited as the Principal Sponsor, and Alumex PLC, Lanka Tile, Rocell and Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd as the Event Sponsors. The media sponsor for the event is Siyatha TV and the AV partner for the event is The Lighthouse (Pvt) Ltd.
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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