BIZ BRIEFS

HNB educates SMEs

Hatton National Bank (HNB) has helped the development of over 500 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) islandwide through its training programs in 2013.

This program has benefited enterprises engaged in tourism, agriculture, healthcare, construction, fisheries, furniture, apparel and beauty care.

The plan was initiated by HNB by entering into an agreement with the Government in 2011 to participate in the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Facility Project (SMEDeF).

ECB rejects deflation fears

The head of the European Central Bank (ECB) has said deflation is not a threat to the eurozone economy. The ECB kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.25% after its latest meeting. The rate was cut to its current record low in November.

ECB President Mario Draghi said, “We have to dispense with this idea of deflation. The question is - is there deflation? The answer is no.”

Eurozone inflation slowed to 0.7% in January from 0.8% in December.

The figure fuelled worries about whether the euro bloc could suffer deflation, potentially de-railing economic growth.

- BBC

Janashakthi provides medical help for travellers

Janashakthi Worldwide Travel Insurance offers 24-hour worldwide medical assistance to all overseas travellers no matter where they travel around the world.

“Janashakthi Worldwide Travel Insurance provides a comprehensive coverage for the numerous potential risks customers could face.

Apart from medical and accident coverage, the Janashakthi Worldwide Travel Insurance policy also covers loss of baggage, personal effects, cash, and even the loss of your passport,” said Janashakthi Insurance, Assistant General Manager – Technical, Karthigun Siva.

Ceylinco Life 'Life Insurance Week'

Accident prevention will be the focus when the entire sales force of Ceylinco Life takes to the streets countrywide this month in a public awareness campaign to mark the company's seventh annual 'Life Insurance Week.'

As in previous years, nearly 5,000 insurance sales professionals will be deployed in all districts of the country from February 11-17 to visit homes, offices, schools and other public places to promote the importance of life insurance.

The Sri Lanka Police will support some of the activities planned this year, including a series of public awareness campaigns in major towns on accident prevention.

The programs will cover safety tips for drivers and pedestrians, road rules and the importance of life insurance.

Hemas Hospital sets up gastrointestinal facility

Hemas Hospital has set up a full-fledged gastrointestinal diagnostic and surgical facility and has acquired the Pentax EPK I billion7000 endoscopy system with high definition ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography). It includes advanced diagnostic facilities for gastrointestinal related issues via high definition endoscopy and colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, PH capsule study and small bowel enterescopy.

Tao donates temple complex for Sama Vihara

The reconstructed Sama Vihara Complex fronting Havelock City Project was opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently. The temple was a gift from Havelock City, Chairman, S. P. Tao.

Havelock City, which offers luxury condominium living is the largest mixed development in Sri Lanka being built on an 18-acre block of land at a cost of US $ 450 million. When the project was conceptualised, Tao ensured that sufficient land was allocated and he personally funded the construction of the temple complex surrounding the iconic Buddha statue of the former Spinning and Weaving Mills.