SriLanka, Nov. 13 -- Nations Trust Bank saw its net profit fall 28 percent to Rs. 4.42 billion in the September quarter, as higher operating costs, a swing to a trading loss and a larger tax bill outweighed growth in lending and fee income.

Profit attributable to shareholders declined from Rs. 6.12 billion a year earlier, while earnings per share fell to Rs. 13.26 from Rs. 18.35, according to the bank's interim financial statements. Profit before income tax fell 11 percent to Rs. 7.34 billion.

Group net interest income rose 20 percent to Rs. 11.78 billion. Interest income increased 37 percent, while interest expense climbed 56 percent. Net fee and commission income rose 41 percent to Rs. 3.29 billion.

The group recorded a net trading l...