Biz Briefs

Much potential for boat-building industry

The boat building industry will grow exponentially over the next five years, according to a new market research report, Global Recreational Boating Industry Analysis and Forecast 2010-2015 from Lucintel,

Therefore, the Sri Lankan boat-building industry has great potential for expansion and even penetrating new markets.

According to Board of Investment (BOI) sources the boating industry will play an important role in the country’s development.

UB Finance launches new product

UB Finance Company Limited added another investment solution to its product portfolio by launching the 'Save n Shop' fixed deposit.

Chief Executive Officer, UB Finance, Ransith Karunaratne said that the investment proposition offers its customers upfront interest on the fixed deposit, while holding their capital intact. Investors enjoy an attractive rate of interest and customised terms to match their cash flow needs.

US lifts ban on BP

The US has lifted a ban on oil giant BP that prevented it from bidding for US government contracts.

The ban was imposed after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, caused by an explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig, which killed 11 people.

The ban was lifted after the firm agreed to a set of safety, operations and compliance requirements.

As part of the agreement, BP will also drop its lawsuit against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The firm had sued the EPA after it imposed the ban for 'improper statutory disqualification and suspension'.

- BBC

SLTS to provide ICT solution to Eastern University

Sri Lanka Telecom Services (SLTS), a fully owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC, signed an agreement with South Eastern University to provide Cisco based Voice over IP Network Solution (VOIP) for the university.

With this solution South Eastern University will have state-of-the-art Data plus IP Voice Network within the University.

Vice Chancellor, Eastern University, Dr. S.M. Mohamed Ismail and Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom Services, Prasanna Perera exchanged the agreement.

Keerthisena receives award

An innovator of batiks in Sri Lanka, who made batik a fashion, Buddhi Keerthisena, received the HSBC CFW Life Time Achievement award for his 45-year contribution to the fashion industry through his creations. This award was presented by fashion designer Yoland Aluvihare on the final day of the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week at the Hilton. Buddhi started his batik career in 1969 as a hobby and turned it into a profession. Buddhi's batiks became popular in the country and abroad. His first foreign exhibition was in Germany in 1974.

Fairway Holdings launches apartment project

The Elements’ in Rajagiriya is the fourth luxury apartment project of the Fairway Holdings Group.

It provides easy access to Colombo city and the developed Diyawanna Oya recreation areas.

The Elements will be 40 storeyed with three-bedroomed and four-bedroomed apartments totalling 128 and two penthouses.

It has been designed by Archt. Mohan Silva of Avant-Garde Urban Design Partnership and will be constructed by MAGA Engineering.

The Elements will have a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, kiddies pool, banquet hall, gymnasium, lounge, meeting room, drivers’ lounge and recreational areas.

GroupM dominates at Effie Awards 2013

GroupM Sri Lanka did well at the Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2013. Four out of five winning campaigns were supported by secondary agencies credited GroupM companies.

Of just 10 metals awarded, one of two silvers and three of eight bronze winning campaigns were powered by informed media analytics and strategies of GroupM agencies, Mindshare and Maxus.

The Denta toothbrush campaign 'Beautiful Smile' won a silver award.

“We have a open line of communication with the Darley Butler team. It has facilitated several effective campaigns and we are thrilled to be recognised”, said General Manager, Maxus Sri Lanka, Alvin Gomesz.

Mindshare, GroupM's first agency to be set up in Sri Lanka, was recognised with three bronze awards as supporting agency. Etisalat's inspirational campaign 'This is your moment - Rise to it' was awarded in the Corporate Reputation and Professional Service category.

“The telecom category is a challenging one for advertisers.

We have great synergy with the client team and the creative agency Response Marketing, making successes like these a possibility,” said Leader, Mindshare Sri Lanka, Jhumka Saha.

Unilever campaigns, Astra Fried Rice and Knorr Golden Touch won bronze awards.

Mindshare dedicates a two-member team to the media management of Unilever brands.

The unit has been in operation since 1996.