Business
Statements by President seen as pepping-up share market

By Hiran H. Senewiratne
CSE trading started on a negative note but shares edged- up in mid- day trade yesterday, after positive responses from President Ranil Wickremesignhe in parliament.
President Wickremesinghe said that the government is negotiating debt restructuring with all creditors. The only other way is to get support from the International Monetary Fund, based on negotiations.
“We have now reached the final stage of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. We were able to reach a basic agreement last September and now there is the debt sustainability program, Wickremesinghe said in Parliament.
Apart from that, investor sentiment improved to a greater extent yesterday due to the Paris Club announcing its stance on the debt restructuring plan. The Chinese government’s credit assurance is awaited, stock market analysts said.
The All- Share Price Index went up by 11.59 points and S and P SL20 declined by 1.73 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.19 billion with a single crossing. The crossing was reported in TJ Lanka, which crossed one million shares to the tune of Rs 36.5 million, its shares traded at Rs 36.50.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, JKH, Rs 189 million (1.3 million shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Non- Voting) Rs 97.5 million (2.9 million shares traded), Softlogic Life Insurance Rs 72.4 million (596,000 shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 71.9 million (382,000 shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 63.9 million (326,000 shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 63.3 million (422,000 shares traded) and Browns Investments Rs 52 million (8.84 million shares traded). During the day 43.2 million share volumes changed hands in 13000 transactions.
‘Any domestic debt restructuring will be part of a negotiation process with creditors, which will take place after a program with the International Monetary Fund is in place, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.
‘Sri Lanka is expecting to conclude debt restructuring in about six months, Governor Weerasinghe said.
The market has been seeing considerable foreign interest for JKH following an announcement on Cinnamon Life opening in 2025.The market generated a revenue of RS 586 million within the first hour of trade.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka Tiles, JKH and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Aitken Spence and Softlogic Life Insurance, while retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital, Browns Investments and Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to JKH and Aitken Spence) while the sector index lost 0.54 per cent. The share price of JKH closed flat at Rs. 145.50. The share price of Aitken Spence closed flat at Rs. 150.
The Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover, while the sector index decreased by 0.31 per cent. Expolanka Holdings, Softlogic Capital and Browns Investments were also among the top turnover contributors.
Yesterday, the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 359.47 and selling rate Rs 370.35.
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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