BIZ Briefs

Phoenix Ogilvy Sri Lanka embarks on 'Go Green' initiative

Phoenix Ogilvy embarked on a green initiative a year ago to reiterate its commitment to environmental protection by introducing many initiatives within its operations to 'save the environment'.

As the world draws closer to celebrating 'Earth Hour', the 'Green Team' at Ogilvy culminated a year's efforts by planting 24 indigenous trees at Nayakakanda Convent in Wattala.

All Ogilvy disciplines including Advertising, Ogilvy Action, Ogilvy Media, Ogilvy Public Relations and digital arm Neo@Ogilvy worked in unison through various energy saving initiatives and a strict waste paper recycling policy to reduce the company's carbon footprint. The Ogilvy family through one year contributed to saving 24 trees, and to signify this effort, initiated the planting of saplings at the school grounds recently.

HNB raises $ 50 mn from overseas

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) signed an agreement to raise $ 50 million through a five year long term loan from the China Development Bank Corporation (CDB).

This is part of the Bank's capital raising plan which commenced in mid-2011 to raise over Rs. 20 Bn in equity and debt capital under the program the Bank has thus far raised over Rs. 18.5 Bn through a combination of tier I capital, tier II capital and senior debt to finance the development in Sri Lanka.

China Development Bank is one of the state owned banks of the People's Republic of China with a total asset base of approximately $ 1 trillion. which has been below 1% over the past eight years.

Heritance Ahungalla unveils $35 million sapphire-studded cake

Heritance Ahungalla, unveiled a $35 million sapphire studded cake, which the hotel hopes will be a contender at the 'World's most expensive cake' title this year. Created by Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe, the ten-layered 'Pirate's Fantasy' comes studded with jewels and different flavours that will symbolise the hotel's beach front property on the coastal fishing village of Ahungalla.

A replica of the 'Pirate's Fantasy' cake was unveiled on March 26 to a distinguished audience that included top cricketers from Sri Lanka and the visiting England team. Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, former skippers Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan and England's Tim Bresnan, Ravi Bopara and Steven Flinn, were fascinated as the sugar structure was unveiled atop a brass cannon gun.

SLT offers discounts and special offers

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), is extending discounts and special offers to new customers during the Avurudu season. SLT's April New Year Promo 2012 - Megaline, Broadband and Citilink CDMA will be valid through the promotional period March 22 to April 20. There are a host of offers and surprises for customers who are interested in purchasing a connection.

Every new Broadband Connection entitles customers to a four Port Wireless Router at a low price, while a carrier bag is offered with every new Megaline connection.

New SLT Citilink CDMA customers will receive a 20 percent discount on prepaid (voice), postpaid (voice) and Citilink Net voice and data packages.

Richard Pieris launch Arpitec ceiling fans

From left: Directors, Shantha Kularatne, Emil Senanayake, Managing Director-Sunil Liyanage, Director,Lalith Wijesinghe, Senior Business Development Manager,Sadath Mohomed, Head of Sales, Duminda Perera and Product Executive, Nishani Jayathilaka.

Richard Pieris Distributors Limited launched Arpitec ceiling fans. Arpitec ceiling fans introduced under the brand name 'Arpitec electricals', are now available in a selection of colours. Arpitec ceiling fans can be purchased with a one year guarantee and within the guarantee period, customers can obtain the services of "Arpitec master" technical officers for any technical problem that arises with Arpitec ceiling fans.

Etisalat Hosts Sri Lanka's First Android Business Forum

Etisalat's Android Business Forum, focused on the application of the platform in a professional context. Thee event was aimed at senior management in business.

The CEO of Microimage, Harsha Purasinghe, and Etisalat's CEO, Dumindra Ratnayaka, were the two speakers.

Purasinghe said that Android has changed the face of resource management, the broadcast media and publishing, citing the launch of Book Hub, Sri Lanka's first ebook reader and online book store as a prime example.

New Executive Director, C.W. Mackie

K.T.A. Mangala Perera has been appointed Executive Director of C.W. Mackie PLC. He is a graduate from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura with a B.Sc. (Hons.), Marketing Management (Special) Degree and a post graduate diploma in Business and Financial Administration. He possesses more than 14 years' experience in Branding, Marketing and General Management functions.

He is also a fellow member of the Australian Sales and Marketing Association. Perera spent two years in Sydney, Australia as the Asia Pacific Regional Business Development Manager for an Australian company.

Lady Regency Club revived

The Lady Regency Club was revived at the Earl's Regency Hotel in Kandy recently. A new membership drive was also launched. The General Manager, Neroy Marso hosted a tea party to welcome the guests. The Hotel's Chef Gamunu Perusinghe demonstrated his skills in fruit carvings.

Award winning restaurant hostess, Natasha displayed her creations in cocktail making.

Special discounts with dinner vouchers were offered to the participants.

A raffle draw sponsored by Jovees product was held to mark the occasion.

Diamond Dreams and SCB make savings offer

Diamond Dreams, offers a savings of 40 percent to Standard Chartered (SCB) credit cardholders and zero percent installment for three months.

Fior floating Diamonds is a collection that is crafted through a complex technique where its special setting method exposes the entire diamond through a carbonlock setting to enable maximum exposure to light.

The collection features a range of Rings, Pendants, Earrings and matching sets, crafted in 18kt white and yellow gold and is suitable for everyday wear as its craftsmanship secures the precious stones it features.