In brief

Sampath opens 10 branches the same day

Sampath Bank took a momentous step last Friday with the opening of 10 branches in different parts of the island. It is the first time that a Sri Lankan bank has embarked on such a mission, writing a new page in the history of banking in Sri Lanka.

The branches are - Akuressa (179), Beliatta (180), Habaraduwa (181), Ahangama (182), Maradagahamula (183), Menikhinna (184), Ninthavur (185), Thirunelveli (186) Hettipola (187) and Rambukkana (188), completing 188 branches in the electronically linked island-wide network. All branches are equipped with the latest technology such as internet facilities, ATMs and e-banking facilities to provide fast and easy service around the clock.

Piramal Glass Ceylon declares 30% dividend

Piramal Glass Ceylon Plc (PGC), made record profits for 2011 by performing exceptionally well in all spheres of the business.

Revenue achieved for the year was Rs. 4.16 billion witnessing a growth of 18 percent as against Rs. 3.52 billion for the previous year. The Profit After Tax (PAT) was Rs. 578 million, equating to 14 percent of turnover as against the loss of Rs. 61 million recorded in 2010. With this exceptional performance the board of directors has declared a first and final dividend of 30 percent.

PGC's Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Sanjay Tiwari while announcing PGC's results said, "We're proud to report the best ever annual results for PGC.This year we started reaping the returns of the extensive investments on our new facility at Horana."

Astron hosts distributor convention

Astron Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company in Sri Lanka, held its Distributor Convention recently at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The company is engaged in developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing renowned and trusted health care products for over five decades.

The Distributor Convention was organised with the twin objectives of appreciating Astron distributors' contribution in achieving corporate goals, and to recognise their individual performance.

Multi-Drugs of Homagama won the coveted award for Best Distributor of the Year 2010.

Managing Director Astron Limited Marise Deckker gave away the awards to the winners. "Our Distributors play a pivotal role in the company's success, especially in the areas of sales and distribution. Hence, we wanted to recognise and reward their excellence in performance," said Director Marketing Astron Limited Sirimal Fernando.

"Astron believes in providing quality health care products to its customers whilst being a responsible corporate citizen," said Deckker.

Asian Paints' 'Colour Ideas'

The importance of colour in our lives has inspired Asian Paints to introduce to Sri Lanka a new-concept paint retail outlet that focuses on colour as an idea rather than a product, and seeks to impart knowledge of how to use colour as an essential prelude to a sale. The India headquartered decorative coatings giant has chosen Ampara to locate the first of its 'Colour Ideas' stores in the country, and says it will redefine the way paint is sold here. Visitors to Siyane Reality Arcade in Ampara, first enter an 'Experiential Zone' which demonstrates to them the many facets of the interplay between colour, space and light, before they move in to a 'Transactional Zone' where they may purchase multiple brands of interior and exterior paints from the wide Asian Paints portfolio.

"Traditionally, a buyer of paint is confronted with stacks or shelves of product and small shade cards," said Asian Paints' Director/General Manager in Sri Lanka Joseph L. Pulikottil.

AAP Annual Conference 2011

Kesaralal Gunasekera (Director), Dr. Ranjith Cabral (Director), Prof. Uditha Liyanage (Chief Guest), Sunethra Jayaratne (Executive Director) Mark Disney (Guest of Honour), Shireen Mohideen (Administrative Secretary), Chitra Ekanayake (Manager PR) Nadeeshani Pathirana (Manager IT) Fazileth Vafoor (Officer Manager) with seminar participants

'Master Class PA', the Academy for Administrative Professionals (AAP) Annual Conference with a seminar/workshop was held at Colombo Hilton recently.

Administrative professionals are strategic partners and need to move on the fast track. The seminar formulated on challenges that a PA faces in the working environment, gave the opportunity to participants to identify their strengths and weaknesses and current demands in the profession. Director PIM Prof. Uditha Liyanage, was the Chief Guest/Key Note Speaker and Chief Operating Officer of London Chamber of Commerce, Mark Disney was the Guest of Honour. Executive Director AAP Sunethra Jayaratne invited all PAs to widen skills and contribute to the success of their organisations. AAP has become a leader in skills development and membership is open to administrative professionals free , she said.

Ceylinco Insurance-General salutes its heroes

Ceylinco Insurance - General, recently recognised and rewarded its dynamic and dedicated sales team at the Annual Sales Conference and Awards Ceremony 2010. Chief guest at the event was Insurance Ombudsman of Sri Lanka Dr. Wikrema Weerasooria. Here the Hall of Fame award celebrity and General Manager City Office Sathyajith Wijeyapura receives his award from Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Ajith Gunawardena.

STC, distributor for Frostaire

The State Trading Corporation (STC) will be the sole distributor for Frostaire airconditioners to government institutions. A MoU was signed between STC and Frostaire Industries (Pvt) Ltd recently. At the exchanging of the MoU are Sales Manager Frostaire M.A. Azeez, Managing Director Frostaire Mukthar Marikkar, Chairman STC Pradeep Gunawardene, General Manager STC Perakum Wijayaratne, DGM-Procurement Sumil Wijesiri and DGM-Marketing Upali Abeysekera.