Biz Briefs

CA forum highlights CFOs challenges

In the face of growing challenges and complexities, the evolving role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) was the focus at the CFO Forum jointly organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and IBM Sri Lanka at the Cinnamon Grand recently.

Guest speaker, Director/Partner, GBS Enterprise and Geo Expansion Leader of IBM Global Services (India and South Asia) Sachin Seth gave insights from the global CFO study carried out by IBM, one of the world's largest IT and consulting services company.

Expolanka's IT launches Mobile App

Expolanka IT recently released an Android application for Expo Freight Ltd (EFL) transport to the Expolanka application portfolio to further serve customers who use the EFL transport facility. This is the third such android app released by Expolanka IT.

While the EFL transport management portal is given to EFL customers to make transport requests online, this transport app is an integrated solution to the existing transport management system (TMS).

Head of IT, Expolanka Holdings PLC, Asitha Kaggoda said, “This initiative will take transportation to new heights setting international standards.”

Mahaweli Reach goes for Zhara HS

The internet booking engine of the JKCS' Zhara Hospitality Suite has been chosen to empower the online presence of the Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

Through this potential guests from around the world could book accommodation at the Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

The online solution for the hotel will be developed and managed by 230 Interactive, a digital agency in Sri Lanka.“Our focus is to deliver the brand to their key markets digitally. Social Media has now become an integral part of any communications strategy for our clients,” said Co-founder, 230 Interactive, Sanjay Mendis.

TVS Lanka launches new Apache series

TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has launched its new Apache RTR series. The new design and style has been incorporated in all TVS Apache models, TVS Apache RTR 150 and TVS Apache RTR 180.

"We have taken the Apache RTR series to the next level. Every system, detail and component has been tuned to maximise performance. Apache as a brand has been well received," said CEO, TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sampath Agalawatta.

"The TVS Apache RTR series has one of the best the power-to-weight ratio in its class," a spokesman for the company said.
 

Textile sector exhibition concludes

CEMS-Global USA's three international exhibitions focused on the textile and garment sector of Sri Lanka, 4th Textech Sri Lanka 2013 International Expo' - an international exhibition of textile garment technology and machinery along with concurrent exhibitions, Dye+Chem Sri Lanka 2013 Int'l Expo' - an international exhibition on dyes and fine and speciality chemicals and fourth Colombo International Yarn and Fabric Show 2013', was held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC), Colombo recently.

"CEMS-Global USA launched its operations in Sri Lanka in 2009 with most of its important international branded trade exhibitions for the trade and industry of Sri Lanka with a vision to further expand into the booming Sri Lankan industry sector and bringing most reputed international manufacturers and suppliers through its exhibitions to Sri Lanka," a spokesman for CEMS said.

Malwatte records Rs 318 m profit

Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC has recorded a profit of Rs. 318 m (unaudited) for the financial year ending December 31, 2012 making it one of the top profit making plantation companies in the country. This is a 267% increase over 2011 and it made profits in both major sectors of operations viz, tea and rubber. A spokesman for the company said that sector profit spreads may change in the coming years with the maturing of large areas of diversified crops of fruits and spices.

Access Engineering completes projects at Mattala

Access Engineering was entrusted with the construction of the cargo and fire rescue buildings, design and construction of the airport access road, supply and laying of external and internal water supply mains, construction of a water tower and the construction of an aviation fuel hydrant system under the major infrastructure development of the Hambantota International Airport. These projects were entrusted to the company by the main contractor China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.

The value of these projects was over Rs 2 billion. "State-of-the-art technology and equipment in compliance with stringent quality and safety standards was used to complete the project," a spokesman for the company said.

DIMO to assist 'Young Classics'

Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), the authorised distributor for Mercedes Benz in Sri Lanka will assist owners of 'Young Classics' to restore their Benz cars.

Offers include discount on labour, genuine spare parts, one year warranty against unlimited mileage on all parts and workmanship, installed as per Daimler guidelines, excluding wear and tear items, free vehicle technical inspection report after each service, free islandwide 24-hour road side assistance if the vehicle is maintained by DIMO, availability of vehicle service and maintenance records for better re-sale value.

Seminar for exporters

The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI), has organised a full day seminar and workshop under the theme of Export and Import Certifications - Customs procedures and formalities, specifically to educate the export sector enterprises in the subject covering all theoretical and practical procedures in handling export trade.This seminar will be conducted by experts in the area of export and import certification and documentation, Customs, Port Authority formalities, documentation, including shipping and freight forwarding.

The seminar will be held at the Taj Samudra on March 13.
 

Penalty fee payment extended

The period for the payment of penalty fee for registration of motor vehicles has been extended to three months, following a proposal by the Vehicle Importers' Association (VIA). The penalty fee was introduced at the last Budget. The semi luxury tax on lorries has also been withdrawn from January 1. Here an official of VIA addresses the media.