Biz BRIEFS

ExpoAir resumes flights to Jaffna

ExpoAir, the pioneering domestic aviation company in Sri Lanka in operation since 1997 resumed regular flights from Colombo to Jaffna. Offering a unique service, based on value for money, with stringent service standards. ExpoAir continued to fly to Jaffna without a break even in the past.

Now, revamped with new aircraft and a new flight plan, ExpoAir aims at wooing the business traveller with the promise of “Jaffna in just over one hour”, with twice-daily scheduled flights.

Underscoring its understanding of the need for affordable and fast travel between the north and Colombo.

Fed to maintain low rates

The US Federal Reserve said that it will keep the exceptionally low levels for the key interest rate at least through late 2014, with the aim of boosting economic recovery.

The U.S. economy has been “expanding moderately,” the Federal Open Market

Committee (FOMC) said in a statement released after a two-day meeting, noting that the unemployment rate remains high, growth in business fixed investment has slowed, and the housing market remains depressed.

Ceylon Cold Stores bags Gold

Ceylon Cold Stores walked away with the coveted Gold award for the Food and Beverage category at the Chartered Accountants Annual Report Awards conducted for the 2010/11 financial year for the fifth consecutive year.

The winning team comprised Ramses Cooray, Sasanke Jayawardene, Gihan Samarakkody, Nisha Bandaranayake, Daminda Gamlath, Sanjeewa Jayaweera and Ms. Kanthi Thisakuttiarachchy.

This award acknowledges the best in the industry forcompliance of accounting standards and listing rules applicable to SriLanka. Ceylon Cold Stores being one of the top leading Food and Beverage .

Youngest to be awarded diploma in graphics

Rahul Masakorala (13) was awarded a diploma in graphic design by the Ingrin Institute of Printing and Graphics, at the recently concluded annual awards ceremony of the institute.

Among the 600 recipients of certificates, diplomas and higher diplomas, Rahul Masakorala is the youngest student of the Ingrin Institute to receive the Diploma in Graphic Design with distinction.

He was also the gold medal winner for the certificate course in graphic design which he concluded at the age of 12.

The Ingrin Institute, a leading institute for printing and graphics in Sri Lanka was set up in 1997 by the then Trade Minister Kingsley T. Wickramaratne.

Dimo launches Mercedes-Benz centre

Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) the local authorised distributor for over seven decades, DIMO has been instrumental in moulding the face of Sri Lankan transport.

The Mercedes-Benz range is celebrated for its ingenious use of modern technology.

From 24 hour islandwide roadside assistance to complete restorations of vintage classics, Dimo also has a range of premium after sales services.

Wella partners SLAHAB

Wella, has partnered the “Sri Lanka Association of Hair Dressers and Beauticians” (SLAHAB) to present the Wella Colour Award at this year’s annual competition and awards.

The “Wella Colour Award” is offered to two categories - Ladies and Gents Fashion Colour Trends (in any age group) with participants using alive model.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) Sri Lankan Chapter 171 (www.ashraesl.org), held its annual awards recently Here Service and Operations Manager Iceman Technologies (Pvt) Ltd Sujith Senevirante receiving the award for “Best Refrigeration Engineer of the year 2011” from President elect of ASHRAE, Wimal Jayakody.

NSB expands operations

The Rambukkana NSB branch was opened at Pradeshiya Sabha Building, Rambukkana.

MP Kanaka Herath and Working Director of NSB Sumanadasa Abegunawardana, Director NSB, and GM/CEO of NSB Hema Madiwela Senior Management of the Bank H.M. Hennayake Bandara were present at the opening.

Ceylinco Life settles most claims

Ceylinco Life has settled over 95 percent of death claims in the year ended December 31, 2011.

Of the total 15,564 claims settled by the company between January 1 and December 31, 2011, 14,336 were medical claims, while 1,228 death claims have been settled.