News & market updates

IBM will collaborate with Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC to modernise the bank’s digital infrastructure and deliver faster, more secure banking services across Sri Lanka. IBM also expressed support for Sri Lanka’s 2030 digital strategy and highlighted new hybrid AI technologies to scale enterprise AI.

Seylan Bank has partnered with John Keells Properties to offer tailored home loan packages for buyers of VIMAN Ja-Ela, a 418-apartment development. The six-acre project allocates over 60% to open space and includes energy-efficient homes with solar features.

Colombo Bourse opened the week higher: ASPI +0.1% and S&P SL20 +0.3% with turnover Rs. 2.6bn, led by banking stocks (Pan Asia, Commercial Bank, Seylan, HNB) and gains in John Keells and C T Holdings.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed 0.11% higher (ASPI 16,397.79) as investor confidence lifted stocks, led by gains in Hatton National Bank, John Keells, Seylan Bank, C T Holdings and Commercial Bank; turnover was 2.61 billion rupees.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court will accept online payments via the GovPay system, enabled through multiple bank and fintech apps including Commercial Bank, HNB, Seylan Bank, DFCC and NDB, eliminating the need for physical queues.

Supreme Court launched GovPay online payments on 15 May 2025, enabling real-time payments via multiple banking and FinTech platforms including ComBank, HNB, Seylan, DFCC and NDB. The move allows secure online payment of various court fees and aims to reduce cash transactions and queues.

Seylan Bank (SEYB.N0000) partnered with Cinnamon Nature Trails and Cinnamon Hotels to host "The Impossible Shot" on 6 April, an evening promoting wildlife photography and conservation led by Paul Goldstein. The event featured local photographer Chitral Jayatilake and aims to raise awareness and support future conservation initiatives.

Fitch assigned Seylan Bank PLC’s proposed Rs. 15 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated debentures an expected National Long-Term Rating of 'A-(EXP)(lka)'. The rupee notes (5-, 7- and 10-year) will be listed on the CSE and are intended to strengthen Tier-2 capital, support loan growth and reduce maturity mismatches.

Seylan Bank PLC's proposed LKR15 billion Basel III-compliant Tier 2 subordinated debentures were assigned an expected National Long-Term Rating of 'A-(EXP)(lka)' by Fitch. The 5, 7 and 10-year notes will be listed on the CSE and are intended to bolster Tier 2 capital, support loan growth and reduce maturity mismatches.

Seylan Bank’s Seylan Harasara offers senior citizens discounts including up to 20% off at Asiri Hospitals and reimbursements up to Rs.200,000 on surgical expenses, plus pension loans up to Rs.5 million and other benefits through partner discounts.

Colombo stocks rose 0.28% as the ASPI closed at 15,961.59 after the exchange shut early at 12:30pm for local government voting. Major banks were mixed—Sampath, Commercial, DFCC and NDB gained while HNB and Seylan fell—and turnover dropped to 1.4 billion rupees.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka launched the Sustainable Finance Roadmap 2.0 on 05 May 2025, setting prioritized actions for 2025–2029 to strengthen ESG risk management and finance sustainable development across banks, non‑bank financial institutions, capital markets and insurance. The roadmap was developed with IFC and EU support.

NCGIL issued its first guarantees to Commercial Bank (COMB), Hatton National Bank (HNB) and Citizens Development Business Finance (CDB) to partly cover MSME loans under a new ADB-funded program (USD 50m), offering guarantees currently up to 67% of principal.

NCGIL began operations and issued its first guarantees to Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Citizens Development Business Finance to partly cover loans to three MSMEs; the ADB-funded, GOSL-backed vehicle has USD50m funding and offers guarantees up to 67% for term loans (LKR 0.5m–25m).

The SEC, with ADB technical support, released a regulatory framework enabling issuance and trading of Green, Blue, Social and Sustainability‑Linked (GSS+) bonds on the Colombo Stock Exchange, allowing sovereigns and corporates to raise capital for environmental and social projects.

Seylan Bank reported PAT of Rs. 2,761 million in Q1 2025, up 20.29% year-on-year. PBT rose to Rs. 4,199 million (+13.36%) while net interest income and NIM fell (NII Rs. 8,587m; NIM 4.45%) amid lower market interest rates; loans Rs. 469bn and deposits Rs. 647bn.

Seylan Bank (SEYB.N0000) posted March 2025 quarter profit up 15% y/y to LKR 2.67 billion (EPS LKR 4.22), supported by 13.8% higher fee income and sharply lower loan loss provisions despite weaker net interest income.

Seylan Bank PLC reported profit after tax of LKR 2,761 Mn in Q1 2025, up 20.29% year-on-year (PBT LKR 4,199 Mn, +13.36%). Net interest income and NIM fell due to lower market rates, while capital and liquidity remained strong (Total CAR 17.64%, All-currency LCR 389.25%).

The Trade Finance Association of Bankers held its 28th AGM on 19 February and re‑elected Shyam De Silva of Hatton National Bank as President; the body unveiled a new Vision/Mission and emphasised digital innovation, industry collaboration, global standards and professional development in trade finance.

Seylan Bank PLC opened its 280th Seylan Pahasara library at Presbyterian Girls’ School Colombo on 9 April 2025, providing 150 new books, two laptops, a multimedia projector and screen for 672 students as part of its target to gift 300 libraries by 2026.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC won the Overall Gold Award for Excellence in Digital Payments at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025. LOLC Finance PLC won Overall Gold in the Non‑Bank Financial Institutions category, with DFCC, L B Finance, Seylan, Amana and Hatton National Bank among other winners.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC won the Overall Gold Award for 'Excellence in Digital Payments' at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025. Other shortlist winners included DFCC Bank, Hatton National Bank, Seylan Bank, Amana Bank, LOLC Finance, L B Finance and Dialog Finance.

Seylan Bank joined The Wedding Show 2025 as Official Banking Partner at BMICH, promoted its Mega Rewards loyalty scheme and celebrated winners while reaching over 12,000 couples. The bank showcased related financial products such as personal loans and credit cards to eligible current and savings account customers.

Seylan Bank concluded its Seylan Cards Swipe & Win Draw 2024, awarding three monthly winners (Oct–Dec) return economy class air tickets to Dubai provided by FitsAir. The bank held a presentation ceremony with senior card and marketing staff in attendance.

Seylan Bank is offering Avurudu promotions on Seylan Cards with over 300 merchants, discounts up to 30% on clothing and 0% Easy Payment Plans on selected categories until 31 Dec 2025. Cardholders can also earn/redeem rewards at Keells, Spar, Cool Planet and Scope Cinemas.

Seylan Bank launched its Student File Service to help students studying overseas by simplifying university payments and remittances with low fees, faster transactions, dedicated advisory support, internet banking and a global debit card; available at all branches nationwide.

Seylan Bank PLC will be the Official Banking Partner of the Kedella Construction Expo 2025 for the 13th consecutive year (Mar 28–30 at BMICH). The bank will promote housing, personal, leasing and solar loan products on-site with home loan specialists and product stalls.

Seylan Bank launched bundle packages for vehicle importation, leasing and insurance offering competitive interest rates and exchange rates, partnering with LOLC Insurance. The service uses the bank's automated system and 170-branch network to handle letters of credit, import settlements and customs payments.

Seylan Bank opened its first Trade Hub at its Pettah Branch and launched a second Pettah banking branch in Colombo 11 to expand access to financial services. Director/CEO Ramesh Jayasekara and senior management attended the opening.

ASPI fell 43 pts (0.27%) to 16,123 as turnover dropped to Rs.2.36bn. CTC, MELS, CCS and BIL were notable negatives while HAYL, SEYB, HHL and CARS led gains; John Keells dominated turnover and its share rose 10c.