Biz in Brief

International Logistics Exhibition concludes

The Sri Lanka International Air Freight, Shipping and Logistics Expo 2012’ is the first-ever exhibition to be held in Sri Lanka. It was held at the BMICH and proved to be a good business networking platform for visitors to interact with exhibitors who are the top names from the air freight, shipping and logistics sector.

“This Exhibition with so many Logistic companies participating and the keen interest of visitors to seek information and interacting with them shows that this exhibition will go a long way and build a stronger logistics framework for our Country”, Senior Consultant – Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA) Rohan Masakorala said.

The event was organised by CEMS-Global USA and CEMS Lanka, in association with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

Import duty on potatoes increased

To protect the local potato farmer, the Government has increased the duty of imported potatoes by Rs 10. Now the duty for a kilogram of potatoes is Rs 30.

Ceylinco Insurance honoured

Ceylinco Insurance has been recognised as the “People’s Insurance Brand of the Year” for the sixth consecutive year. Initiated in 2006, the concept of the People's Award is where people are the only source of deciding who the winners are across the brands, organisations and personalities.

Misting fans from Abans

The Misting Fan works on the principle of thermal dynamics and evaporative cooling. The fan circulates the cooler air around the room, acting like a rudimentary air conditioner. Extremely fine nozzle openings reduce the outbound water to micron sized droplets to create a thin mist which evaporates almost immediately when it comes in contact with the warm ambient air and sunlight. As the water droplets pull heat energy along with them, the air temperature drops significantly. Misting Fan technology takes this idea of evaporative cooling and makes it much more efficient and productive.

Our bodies evaporate perspiration to cool down during physical activity. The Misting Fans blow air through atomised water to considerably reduce the ambient temperature. Since Misting Fans evaporate water to cool the air, they work best when outdoor humidity is low. These fans also reduce odour and dust and repel insects.

Misting Fans can also be effectively used in farms, outdoor industrial areas, open air promotional activities and for many horticultural purposes. When used in a closed environment such as a greenhouse, the misting fan initially cools the general area, then provides a high degree of humidity for thirstier plant species. Specialty produce stores may also use a Misting Fan very effectively to keep their products fresh for customers. The air conditioning effects help to create a more pleasant environment for outdoor produce stands.

People who work in backyards, gardens or outdoor garages, or just enjoy relaxing in the garden with the family, can also benefit from the Misting Fan.

Daallo Airlines, Jubba Airways and East African Safari to use Evinta.DCS

Departure Control System (DCS) developed by JKCS National Airport Services and Ground Handling Agent (NASHA) of Somaliland recently signed a long-term deal to use the advanced DCS developed by JKCS. This system is named Evinta. DCS, with this ground-breaking deal, Evinta. DCS now process the flight check-in and boarding functions of three African airlines landing at Hergeisa Airport (HGA). They are Daallo Airlines, Jubba Airways and East African Safari Express.

“Our experience has been really good and it was a long-awaited improvement at Hergeisa Airport. Passengers and staff are excited to have an automated passenger check-in system at HGA and now we are looking forward to replicate the same success at other airports where our airlines are operating. I am particularly happy to experience the JKCS support service which has been very good especially during the initial phase of implementation and I am glad we selected Evinta as our DCS”, said the Manager Commercial of NASHA, Zahid Hussain.

Sri Lankan- based aviation software specialist, JKCS, is the software subsidiary of John Keells Holdings. JKCS has been providing cutting-edge IT solutions to airlines and airports around the world for over a decade.

VSIS launches array networks and HP networking product stack

VSIS launched the array networking and HP networking product recently. Themed “Ubiquitous”, this event showcased the latest product offerings from HP and Array Networks. The technologies and products showcased gave an insight into how they have changed the enterprise networking landscape and the business impact of these technologies.

“The growth of internet, cloud computing and the mobile devices have made computing anytime, anywhere a reality.

National Sales Manager Shibu Paul shared how the mobile boom and the invention of smart phones have created a new paradigm. He explained how this could be leveraged by an enterprise in a secure and efficient manner .

Regional Solutions Architect of HP, Nathan Tallack, demonstrated how HP technology has transformed Data Centre networking. Consultant HP Network, Tee Chong Lee,wireless solution briefed the audience how HP wireless networking could cater to the growing demands of data and video.

Techzone offers top global brands in laptops

Techzone offers customers a selection of global brands. Techzone offers a wide selection of desktop PCs, computer peripherals and software solutions to meet diverse requirements.

With its evolving image as a solutions provider, Techzone also has a number of corporate IT solutions and services , with a selection of servers and networking configurations that are customised to suit customers’ requirements and budgets.

EZY Computers empower local schools

EZY, provided computers to Trinity College in 2010 when they completed the installation of 50 computers to their primary school laboratory and have completed the supply of computers to the upper school laboratory. “EZY’s unwavering pledge is to make computers ‘Simply Affordable’. Keeping this in mind, our team concentrates on delivering quality computers, at a price that can be afforded by many. In our vision to ensure that every Sri Lankan will have accessibility to a computer; information technology training students plays a pivotal role, to fulfill our objective. It is projects such as this that would pave the path for us to achieve this goal” said Group CEO and Managing Director, EZY Infotech, Shafraz Hamzadeen.

The project was spearheaded by alumni of the 1987 class of Trinity College who were instrumental in sponsoring this project.

Project chairman, Fazley Azhar said they selected EZY Infotech due to “EZY’s aggressive involvement in computer product research. The fact that EZY has many computer systems installed in leading schools and academic institutions together with their nationwide service network, were the key factors that assured the committee of EZY’s capabilities”.

Ceylinco Life educates Jaffna schoolchildren on road safety

Ceylinco Life educated 250 schoolchildren of 27 schools in Jaffna on road safety, by conducting a major awareness program on the subject in collaboration with the Colombo Traffic Police and the Jaffna Police.

The company also presented 250 Traffic Jackets to children who act as traffic wardens at their schools, at the half-day program which focused on several aspects including public safety, road usage and traffic rules and regulations.

“This program complements Ceylinco Life’s long-term commitment to schoolchildren which includes the grant of scholarships and improving infrastructure at schools,” Ceylinco Life’s Managing Director and CEO R. Renganathan said. “Jaffna has always been an important market for Ceylinco Life, and efforts such as this support the peninsula’s needs in its post-conflict resurgence.”

Foreign employment agency awards

The foreign employment agency excellence awards 2012 was held recently in Colombo.

The four star category award was won by Emerald Isle Manpower and Travel Service, Mt Lavinia.

Pictured Managing Director of the company Hemantha Sapumohotti receives the award from Foreign Employment Minister Dilan Perera.

Pic: by Saliya Rupasinghe

Abans opens warehouse

Mayor of Seeduwa Lalantha Gunasekara, and the Chairperson of Abans Ms. Aban Pestonjee open the warehouse. Also in the picture are Director of Abans, Ms. Saroshi Dubash and General Manager Ajith Jayasinghe