Biz Briefs

UK visa online soon

From Monday, May 6, 2013, those applying for a UK visa will need to make their applications online. From this date, manually completed application forms will not be accepted.

Online applications and appointments will be mandatory for all applications under the points-based system, visitor and settlement routes. This means applicants will need to complete and submit the application form by visiting apply.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/iapply.portal.

PAB launches money transfer service

Pan Asia Bank (PAB) recently launched the Western Union money transfer service through the bank's branch network.This collaboration combines Pan Asia Bank's banking network, which covers 22 of the country's 25 districts, with Western Union's 510,000 agents in 200 countries.

People in Sri Lanka now have access to Western Union remittances from almost anywhere in the world in minutes at any Pan Asia Bank branch.

ComBank in Medawachchiya

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon opened its 231st branch on the A9 highway in Medawachchiya recently.

The opening of the Bank's latest branch at Kandy Road, Medawachchiya, provides residents and travellers passing through, access to the full gamut of services offered by the bank. The ATM machine at the new branch links Medawachchiya, a town that straddles an important road and rail intersection, with the bank's automated electronic cash dispensing network in Sri Lanka, comprising 563 terminals.

Hilton Residences launches ‘Dream Wedding’

The Hilton Colombo Residences launched its first wedding exhibition, ‘Dream Wedding'. The show brings together specialists in areas such as wedding floral arrangements, photography, make up, luxury cars, and wedding attire. One lucky bridal couple attending the exhibition stands a chance to win a 'complimentary wedding' with all needs being taken care of by Hilton Colombo Residences.

The ‘Dream Wedding’ exhibition will be held today from 9.00 am.

“By hosting Dream Wedding, we believe that we would be able to capture the minds and hearts of the discerning bridal couple by bringing together industry leaders,” said General Manager, Hilton Colombo Residences, Manesh Fernando.

AMW to introduce Yamaha Ray scooters

Associated Motorways (Private) Limited will soon introduce Yamaha Ray scooters to the market.

“The Yamaha Ray Scooter which has a 113 cc engine is a commuting machine made with Yamaha technology and displays glimpses of Yamaha DNA in its design. It won the CNB ‘Scooter of the Year’ 2012/13 Award recently,” a spokesman for the company said.

General Manager, Yamaha, Associated Motorways (Private) Limited, Shehan De Zoysa said, “In just a year, the Yamaha Ray scooter has seen success in its market segment, especially in India. Key factors in this have been its affordability, engineering quality and ease of use which has made it popular among all segments of the market who prefer light and nimble vehicles.”

AIA says 'Ayubowan' on taxi cabs

AIA Insurance has emblazoned the message 'Ayubowan! Welcome to AIA Insurance' on some taxi cabs plying on Colombo roads.

"AIA has a heritage of over 90 years in the Asia Pacific region and is one of the world's largest insurers. The group recently acquired AVIVA NDB Insurance," a spokesman for the company said.
 

UB Finance opens branch in Negombo

UB Finance Company Limited (UBF), a subsidiary of Union Bank of Colombo PLC backed by their US based partner Show Cap II, opened its Negombo branch recently.

The Chairman of Union Bank of Colombo PLC Alexis Lovell, the Chief Executive Officer, Ransith Karunaratne, members of the Board of Directors, senior management, clients of UBF and well-wishers were present.

"The opening of the new branch is in line with UBF's strategic intent of expanding its footprint by providing innovative financial solutions such as, leasing, higher purchase, loans, fixed deposits, savings, real estate and factoring," a spokesman for the company said.