Biz Briefs

New CEO for Mobitel

Ranjith G. Rubasinghe was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel from June 27.

Rubasinghe brings with him a wealth of experience in the fields of telecommunications and IT. He has worked in several national and multinational organisations, including Sri Lanka Telecom.

He is a Chartered Engineer, holding a BSc in Engineering and Electrical Electronics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering.

He also holds an MBA from the University of Colombo, Rubasinghe is also a certified member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and an associate member of the Institute of Personal Management (IPM).

BoC turns 75

The Bank of Ceylon (BoC) will present gifts to babies born in August to mark its 75th anniversary on August 1.

This promotion is valid for babies born between August 1 to 30. A Ran Kekulu account should be opened for the new born by the parent or guardian on or before September 30.

A cash reward of Rs.150 will be credited to the Ran Kekulu account for every deposit from Rs.1,000 - Rs. 1,999. This offer comes with an array of other benefits.

 Sampath Bank re-launches website

Sampath Bank re-launched its official website with the latest user-friendly responsive technology, to provide seamless device compatibility and accessibility to customers.

Additional features such as product based rate checks, quick contact tools, interactive branch locators, a dynamic site search with overall improved accessibility makes banking easier.

The user-friendly interface of the website is informative for customers looking for guidance. It provides comprehensive information eliminating the hassle of physically visiting a Sampath Bank branch for information.

Dinesh joins CTC Board

Dinesh Weerakkody has been appointed to the Board of Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC as a Non Executive Director.

Weerakkody is the Chairman of Commercial Bank. He is a former Chairman and CEO of the Employees Trust Fund Board and Director of DFCC Bank. He serves and has served in a number of Government and private sector boards. He is also a Vice President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka Chapter and a Vice President of Sri Lanka Tennis.

T and FG holds workshop

The Timex and Fergasam Group of Companies (T and FG) held a three-day leadership workshop for over one hundred of its management staff. The workshop was conducted by motivational speaker Shiv Khera at the Taj Samudra recently.

Shiv Khera (Shiv-Ji) is the author of the best seller 'You Can Win' which has sold over 2.6 million copies in over 16 different languages worldwide.

The workshop focused on revisiting self-perception and its impact on leadership. Structured problem solving, constructive criticism and decision-making were stripped down to the core.

“An organisation is only a reflection of its people,” said Chairman of T and FG, Ashraf Sattar. The T and FG group is committed to the continuous development of its staff through enriching workshops such as these to ensure the highest possible level of customer satisfaction is reached through the top-down approach.

Union Assurance declares higher dividends

Union Assurance, declared a dividend rate of 11.75% on their Life Advantage Plan for 2013. This is a higher return on interest than the minimum guaranteed rate of 9.5%, with the average market interest for 2013 standing at 10.23%.It is important to note that the minimum guaranteed rate for 2013 was 9.5%. The year's bonus payout is consistent with UA's policy of providing policyholders with a higher return than promised. Union Assurance presented its policy holders a dividend rate of 11.5% dividends in 2012, which was also above the minimum guaranteed rate.

Dialog Axiata wins Gold award

The CFA Society Sri Lanka held its Capital Markets Awards and Forecast Dinner 2014 at the Hilton recently. The awards were given under the segments of best investor relations, best stock brokering research team and best research report. Dialog Axiata won the Gold award for Best Investor Relations. Dialog Group COO Azwan Khan accepted the award.

HR service providers exhibition
 

The HR service providers exhibition organised by the Institute of Personnel Management of Sri Lanka (IPMSL) to coincide with the National HR Conference was launched at the BMICH recently by Past President IPM SL, Past President Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management and Former Board Member World Federation of Personnel Management Associations, Daya Bollegala. Here the chief guest Bollegala lights the oil lamp. Chairman, HR Service Providers Exhibition 2014, Wing Commander Manoj Keppetipola looks on.

Union Bank opens branch in Elpitiya
 

Union Bank opened its 58th branch in Elpitiya recently. It was opened by Chief Operating Officer, Union Bank, Nilanth de Silva.Union Bank, the preferred bank for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), has recognised the positive cascades that emerge with the setting up of a vibrant SME sector and has, therefore, continuously focused on strengthening and growing SMEs. The branch offers expert SME banking products and advisory services supported by superior technology to serve personal and business needs.

Dharmadasa – Seylan Bank director

Upali Dharmadasa was appointed as a Director of Seylan Bank from June 9.

Dharmadasa, an industrialist, counts over 32 years of experience in corporate management. He has an abiding interest in matters concerning business and cricket. He is the Managing Director of the Nawaloka Group of Companies.

Automative batteries from CK Group

CK group launched the FB branded three-wheeler and hybrid truck batteries recently. The company is confident the batteries will create a new era in the battery market. CK Group's Managing Director, C.J. Kuruppuge said that the group's objective was to be the market leader for maintenance-free batteries for all segments while maintaining international quality standards with a high warranty period and attractive after sales service.

The CK Group was set up in 2007.