Biz Briefs

Abans to market gold

Abans has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Gold Corporation Lanka which is part of an Australian owned group of companies based in Sri Lanka, working in partnership with Gold Corporation, an organisation enacted by the Western Australian Government for refining and marketing of bullion products worldwide.

As exclusive distributor for Gold Corporation Lanka, Abans will showcase and market quality 22K gold.

All gold products sold by Abans will be guaranteed and will carry a guaranteed resale value.

HDCC turns 20

The Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) celebrates 20 years of service to the business community and young people this year.

HDCC launched an Association in 1990 under a Government initiative that encouraged young new entrepreneurs to tie up with existing businesses.

In 1993, with technical and financial assistance from USAlD, HDCC was formally incorporated, and since then has worked in cooperation with the national level chambers, the Government and many INGOs and with multi-lateral and bi-lateral donor agencies.

People's Bank presents e-learning software

The People's Bank through its Isuru Udana children's savings account launched a program to present educational software kits to children.

This software is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages to encourage children to learn their preferred language by themselves.

The best gift for a child is knowledge and education. The People's Bank, presented children this software package to enable them to keep in step with the growing trend of e-technology.

The software pack titled Isuru Udana Padam Sellam, includes special software.

Dialog to launch M2M platform

Dialog will implement the Ericsson Device Connection Platform, delivered as a service by Ericsson.

The solution will provide Dialog and its customers with everything they need to deploy, manage and monetise millions of machine-to-machine (M2M) connections. Dialog has been at the forefront of innovation in the telecommunications industry and is the first in Sri Lanka to launch an M2M platform.

Group Chief Officer, Dialog Enterprise, Jeremy Huxtable said, “We want customers to benefit from state-of-the-art functionalities to deploy, scale, and operate millions of M2M connections. M2M also allows for simplified and improved processes, and this brings us a step forward in capitalising on existing assets to drive market leadership of M2M in Sri Lanka. The Ericsson Device Connection Platform will enable Dialog to increase revenue and cut operational costs and time-to-market."

People’s Bank introduces 'First Day First Lesson'

People’s Bank have introduced a program - 'First Day First Lesson' to inculcate the savings habit in children on the day they begin schooling.

Accordingly, every new account opened for a child entering Grade One or deposits made to existing People’s Bank Isuru Udana or Sisu Udana accounts before June 30 will receive an additional deposit equal to the amount deposited up to a maximum of 500.“The People’s Bank Sisu Udana account not only provides attractive interest rates but also presents children with exciting gifts and other offers as their savings grow. The People’s Bank will also award account holding students who perform exceptionally well at the Grade Five Scholarship exam, GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations with special scholarships,” a bank spokesman said.

BoC felicitates S.P. Tao

Acting Chairman, Bank of Ceylon (BoC), Raju Sivaraman presented a memento to Chairman, Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd, S.P. Tao, in recognition of his services to the country and longstanding relationship with BoC at its head office recently.

Tao who has been instrumental in the Havelock City project, a joint venture between BoC and Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORCL), was on a short visit to Sri Lanka.

He is also the Chairman of ORCL which owns the World Trade Centre twin towers in Colombo. The Bank has had a long business relationship with Tao since the launch of construction of the World Trade Centre. Acting General Manager of BoC, Senerath Bandara, Directors of BoC, ORCL and the members of the Corporate Management of BoC were present.


 
 

Seminar on 'Lead to serve'

'Lead To Serve', a one-day program, to set the service culture right in organisations, will be conducted this week in Colombo by customer service and inspirational trainer Dhammika Kalapuge.

"With the growth momentum in business activities being witnessed, supported by the infrastructure development of the country, the need to serve customers passionately has become a priority in all sectors of the economy," Kalapuge said.

He works on the theme 'Sri Lanka So Lovely, Serving Lively'. His ability to take a message simply and effectively and reach the hearts of people from all walks of life with true-life stories is a significant attribute of his educational programs.

 
 

Hameedia recognises achievers

Hameedia began the New Year by celebrating with its employees 'The Hameedia Colours Night' – an event showcasing the many diverse talents of the staff and also recognising outstanding achievers of 2013.

This annual event organised by the company’s welfare society was held recently at the Musaeus College auditorium. The Hameedia Welfare Society was set up in 1989 to provide employees with various benefits.

The Welfare Society represents team members from all sections of the organisation including all Hameedia outlets, Head Office, manufacturing and wholesale.

Chairman of the Hameedia Welfare Society, Milad said, “This annual event is where we ask team members to showcase their versatility, be it from putting on a skit to singing a song or doing a dance act.

An employee of Hameedia, Wikasitha Weerasinghe said, “Today. I feel proud to be part of a talented and amazing group of people.”

 

Workshop for micro finance institutions

The Lanka Microfinance Practitioners’ Association (LMFPA) and HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) will conduct a workshop for Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to discuss and promote micro finance facilities and benefits for senior citizens. The workshop will be held at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on Wednesday at 9.00 am.

According to a survey by HASL a large number of senior citizens have no access to a monthly pension, forcing them to work till late in life.