In Brief

Sri Lanka ranked highest with five CIM World Prizes

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) recently felicitated five Sri Lankan students for their outstanding achievements at the CIM examinations held in 2010.

The following students were recognised for their exceptional performance.

Mohan Perera - Stakeholder Marketing March 2010, Sabrina Edirisinghe - Stakeholder Marketing September 2010, Sajith Samaraweera - Managing Marketing December 2010, Dina Pesumal - Emerging Themes December 2010, M. A. Malik - Analysis and Decision December 2010.

Cyber Concepts to create portals for SEC, FSA and CMIC

Cyber Concepts (Pvt) Ltd was recently awarded the contract to develop and host the websites of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka, Financial Services Academy (FSA) and Capital Market Information Centre (CMIC).

The Chief Software Architect of Cyber Concepts Ms. Krishnajina Rajapathirane said the objective is to disseminate reliable, accurate and timely capital market information to shareholders, potential shareholders, academia and the public.

Cyber Concepts will be using the latest web technologies with secured data management tools for the project.

Softlogic’s customer care centre for DELL

Softlogic Information Technologies a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings Group, has opened a new customer care centre offering technical and support services at Nawala Road, Narahenpita. Internationally trained and certified engineers will offer engineering and consultancy expertise in the areas of 3Com, CISCO - (CCNA / CCDA / CCNP), Dell Certified Engineers, EMC, Linux, Unix, / CLP, Microsoft (MCP / MSTS / MCSE,) Molex, Certified Installers Brand-Rex etc.

HSBC to introduce new Rewards scheme

HSBC's current Rewards program will end on June 30, having rewarded over 400 million points to credit cardholders. A new scheme where cardholders will be able to reap multiple benefits by using their credit card on everyday purchases will be announced shortly, the Bank said.

The existing program entitles cardholders to earn one reward point for every Rs. 100 spent at HSBC partner outlets ranging from supermarkets, restaurants and retail outlets.

Commercial Bank cardholders get 25% discount

The Commercial Bank Iis offering its 'Dine and Smile' promotion to the bank's Credit and Shopping Debit cardholders enabling them to enjoy their favourite meals at a significant cost saving. Under the promotion, a 25 percent discount will be offered on dining bills between June 19 and August 31 at select restaurants.

National IT Conference on August 24, 25

The 29th National Information Technology Conference (NITC) organised by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) will be held on August 24 and 25 at the Galadari Hotel.

The conference will focus on local and global ICT innovations, and sharing of knowledge among the ICT community in Sri Lanka. The theme for this year's conference is Exploiting ICT Trends for Collaborative Development.

Nilantha heads retail banking/wealth management at HSBC

HSBC has appointed Nilantha Bastian as Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management from June 20.

He succeeds Sarit G Wijeyekoon, who has taken up an overseas posting as Head of Retail Risk/Personal Financial Services Audit, for HSBC Asia Pacific.

Nilantha began his banking career at HSBC in 1998 as Department Manager, Product Development and Marketing.

He has held several senior management positions including roles in Marketing, Retail Banking, Group Communications and Corporate Sustainability.

ICMA Australia seminar

A seminar titled New Directions for Management Accounting in Upswing Economies targeted at operational and strategic level managers will be held on July 1 at the Galle Face Hotel.

A panel of business leaders expressing different industry outlooks will conduct two sessions titled - ‘The Accounting Delusion: Faith and Trust in Financial Reporting’ followed by ‘The Audit Evolution - Moving From Assurance to Stretegy’.

Head of School Commerce, Division of Business, City west Campus, University of South Australia Prof. Janek Ratnatunga will head the first session which will be moderated by Director Strategy and Business Development, Hemas Holdings Trihan Perera. Panellists at this session will be Marketing Director - Home Care and Foods, Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Asanga Ranasinghe, CEO, Bartleet Transcapital Limited Indrajith Fernando and Executive in Residence, INSEAD Social Innovation Centre Ravi Fernando.

CEO ICMA Australia Leon Duval will head the second session with Managing Director, Cornucopia Sri Lanka, Dinesh Weerakkody as moderator. Panellists will be Former Chairman Hatton National Bank, Rienzie Wijetilleke, Country Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Sri Lanka Asite Talwatte and CEO, Hemas Holdings Husein Esufally.

Mega Lifesciences introduces NuEnat

Mega Lifesciences, the wellness, healthcare and drugs company with a presence in over 50 countries, and manufacturing facilities in Thailand and Australia introduced its newest product - NuEnat to Sri Lanka recently.

Here, Country Head Mega Lifesciences Sri Lanka Praveen Viswakumaran presenting a pack of NuEnat to Kaushi, who was judged ‘Lady of the Night’ at the NuEnat launch.

Students performing at English Day 2011

JKH’s rural scholars showcase talent

English Day 2011, which showcased the skills and talents of the John Keells English language scholars of 2010/11 from across the island was held recently at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. It is an annual event organised by the John Keells Foundation (JKF) in collaboration with the Gateway Language Centre. Educator and human rights activist, Jezima Ismail was the chief guest.

The program had empowered the lives of over 4,400 individuals.