Biz Briefs

People's Bank introduces 'People's Deals'

People's Bank is offering a range of discounts to credit card holders this season. 'People's Deals' will offer cardholders up to 25% off at selected hotels, restaurants and shopping outlets islandwide.

People's Bank credit cards obtained between November 20 and December 20 will have their joining fee and the first year's annual fee waived off.

Credit cardholders are also entitled to further benefits like the lowest joining fee and annual fees, and the lowest interest rates.

Janashakthi launches reward scheme

Janashakthi Insurance launched a program tailor-made for loyal customers, offering them a host of benefits including discounts on motor spare parts, vehicle inspections, hospitality services and automotive batteries.

The Janashakthi Full Option Rewards scheme is available to all Full Option Comprehensive policyholders, who produce their Full Option card at merchant outlets.

“Full Option Rewards scheme partners are across the country, giving customers easy access to their services,” said Assistant General Manager, Marketing, Janashakthi Insurance, Shenali Wickramaaratchi.

Samsung to pay Apple US$290m

A Silicon Valley jury has ruled that Samsung must pay US $290m (£180 million) to Apple for copying iPhone and iPad features in its devices.

This verdict comes after a previous jury found Samsung owed Apple $1.05 billion for copyright infringement.However, US District Judge Lucy Koh ordered a retrial because she said that jury miscalculated the amount Samsung must pay. Samsung is expected to appeal.

Apple in a statement said, “For Apple, this case has always been about more than patents and money. It has been about innovation and the hard work.
 

Gold prices to drop

There will be slight drop in gold prices due to the reduction of import duty on the precious metal, gold merchants said. They said that there will not be a major drop in prices as production costs are high. Swarnamahal Jewellers sources said that the price of a gold sovereign will drop by around Rs. 5,000 following the reduction in import duty. The import duty on gold was slashed last week from 10 percent to 7.5 percent to spur sales. The price of a gold sovereign is Rs. 43, 500.

Asoka Sirisena awarded FCII status

Ceylinco Life, Senior Assistant General Manager - Technical, Asoka Sirisena, a Chartered Insurer, has been awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Insurance of UK (FCII), universally regarded as the premier qualification for those working in the insurance industry.

Sirisena, who has been with Ceylinco Life for 10 years and counts 20 years of experience in the industry, has been an Associate of the CII since 2004 and was conferred Chartered Insurer status in 2008.

Laksala opens outlet at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Laksala is expanding its outlets.

Under the Divi Neguma social development scheme, a new outlet was built at the entrance to the Peradeniya botanical garden.

The Peradeniya gardens which is a national asset, is the third highest tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and attracts over 1.4 million local and foreign visitors annually.

Over the years, plants have increased making it a must-visit tourist attraction in the hill capital. Laksala took the initiative to open a outlet at the entrance to the park to popularise and promote the Sri Lankan handicrafts industry globally.