|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 5 January 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Shell wins award, implements till system The Operations Team of Shell Gas Sri Lanka has won this year's Shell Global Hero Award. Shell International invites its LPG businesses in 58 countries to submit nominations for the awards every year. These nominations have to be supported by world-class achievements, and the best six nominees receive awards. From the large number of nominations received this year, the Lankans won a team award, while five persons from Argentina, South Africa, France, Singapore and Uganda won individual awards. Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, Operations Director received the award in London on behalf of his team. The team includes employees at the LPG storage terminal in Kerawalapitiya, LPG bulk road transport department, and the LPG filling plant in Mabima. The team is supported by several business partners: GAC Shipping, which handles berthing operations; Transmec Engineering, which handles bulk road transport; and Industrial Pressure Vessels, which reconditions and repairs Shell Gas cylinders. Meanwhile, the Shell LiveWIRE Trust and the Western Province Industrial Development Authority (IDA) have introduced the 'Till System' to Pahala Kosgama, a locality, in the Avissawella electorate which comprises around 430 low-income families. Thirty one youths, a majority of whom are currently self-employed, attended a Shell LiveWIRE sponsored 'Bright Ideas' workshop in Pahala Kosgama recently. This workshop was organised by Pradeep Wijenayake, Industrial Development Officer (Colombo District), IDA (Western Province) in collaboration with the Pahala Kosgama Gramasevaka, Roshan Mudalige. It was conducted by N. K. Silva, Executive Director of the Business Development Centre (Pvt.) Ltd., and Premasiri Gamage, Chairman Western Province DA. During the workshop, the participants realised that they could save as a community, despite being small-scale entrepreneurs. The savings scheme is a voluntary agreement where the participants have to get into groups and decide on an amount of money that each member would save on a daily basis. Each participant receives a till. This money would act as a revolving fund, which could be lent to various members at a reasonable interest rate. If done properly, these low-income community groups will cut down on their unnecessary expenditure and save money. This system has already been introduced by the IDA at various 'Bright Ideas' workshops in the Western Province, and it is currently successfully being implemented in Aswatte. While the workshops identify the target audience and provide forum for the till system to be introduced, the IDA provides the necessary follow-ups and ensures that the interested youth are properly trained and guided. The success of this scheme depends on the commitment and discipline of the participants. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
