Spirit sales hit by new regulations

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

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The finals of the Alpha Asia Heroes 2008 Awards ceremony was held amidst a large gathering in Colombo, last week.

Alpha Asia’s Managing Director (MD) Paul Topping said thirteen individuals and teams received awards besides the 50 winners who received cash prizes amounting to Rs. 5 million.

He said, “We received over 850 nominations, a clear indication of the enthusiasm shown by our employees towards this program.

“Alpha Asia Heroes awards is an employee incentive scheme aimed at recognising staff who have shown outstanding performance to promote the company. “To me my team are all heroes, the fantastic results produced each year show the passion and their loyalty,” he said.

Alpha Orient Lanka Ltd, also caters to the South Asian region and employs around 400 highly motivated talented persons in the region.

Alpha Orient Lanka’s Sales Coordinator Daminda Malawarachchi said, “I feel very special working for a company that takes such good care of its employees. Alpha Orient Lanka Ltd operates several retail stores including the Duty Free shop at the Colombo Airport. The company is the largest importer of spirits to the country. Topping said although the spirits sales have increased in the past new regulations have affected their sales growth.

So was the illicit liquor trade which had affected liquor sales in the country depriving revenue to the State, he said.

Representatives from over 30 associate business organisations of Alpha Orient Lanka Ltd, such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard Este Lauder and British Tobacco were present. Over 40 firms signed up to sponsor the Alpha Asia Heroes awards this year.