Biz-Briefs

Changes in students' UK visa

Changes to student visas, announced last year and which come into force in April 2012, will check abuse of the student visa route .

The current Post Study Work route, which allows students to work in the UK for two years after their studies have finished, will end. Talented international students graduating from a university will still have the opportunity to stay on in the UK, but from April 6 they will need a skilled job offer from a reputable employer accredited by the UK Border Agency with a salary of £20,000 or more.

AmCham ambassador's ball

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham) will host the Annual Ambassador's Ball for the 14th year on March 31, at the Hilton Colombo.

HSBC and Dialog Axiata are the principal sponsors.

The AmCham's Ambassador's Ball is a significant event in Colombo's social diary.

ICASL workshop on Integrated Risk Management

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL), has organised a workshop on the implementation of an integrated risk management framework. The one-day workshop titled 'Developing and Installing an Integrated Risk Management Framework will be held on Tuesday, March, 6. It will be conducted by Australian risk management expert, Edmund Bosworth, Head of Risk-Reward, at Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia.

Cherry Blossom launched

Reckitt Benckiser Lanka Ltd launched Cherry Blossom at a ceremony held recently. The brand was once endorsed by the legendary Charlie Chaplin.

Managing Director, Reckitt Benckiser Lanka Ltd. Rahul Murgai, said, "The product gives a rich shine, nourishes the leather and protects shoes from dirt and dust, which is ideal for tropical conditions."

Marketing Director, Reckitt Benckiser Tanzim Rezwan said, "We are excited to bring Cherry Blossom to Sri Lanka and we are positive that consumers from all age groups will enjoy using the product.

CSR award presentation

DFCC Bank in association with the Ministry of Education launched a CSR program to uplift selected public schools especially in the provinces. The initiative was titled "towards an exemplary society" and focused on educating and training teachers and primary school students from selected schools across Sri Lanka on the theoretical and practical application of 5S concepts and Safety (6S) and the 3R principles (Reuse, Recycle and Reduce). An event to recognise the best schools in the program will be held on February 27 at the Water's Edge, Battaramulla at 10 a.m. under the patronage of Education Minister Bandula Gunawardhana.

Alumex adds new range of doors and windows

The Alumex Group launched a campaign to propel its image and its outlook, in line with its new thinking and strategy. Alumex's commitment to bring innovative products with greater value addition is a result of continuous investment in research and development.

Alumex caters to the growing need in the construction industry by adding a new range of doors and windows to their existing line of over 700 products.

Alumex has revamped its interactive website which is more user friendly, informative and improved accessibility.

Maliban Biscuits rewards sales and marketing team at dealer convention

The annual 'Maliban Dealer Convention 2011' held on January 28 in Colombo recognising and rewarding the company's sales and marketing team for their performance during 2011. The event was attended by Chairman of Maliban Biscuits Manufacturers Ratnapala Samaraweera, the Board of Directors, the CEO and the employees of Maliban and the distributors and sales personnel from the island.

Award for HR development

Ceylon Pencil Company (Pvt) Ltd, Atlas received an award for Human Resource Development by Ingrin at the Ingrin Award Ceremony at the BMICH recently.

MD of Ingrin Ananda E. Wickeramarathne, Head of HR at Atlas Sanjeewa Bogodage and Assistant Manager HRD Lalani Weeraarachchi were present.

Ceylon Tea Land awarded quality certificates

Ceylon Tea Land (Pvt) Ltd received the ISO 22000:2005 certificate and HACCP and GMP certificate. The award ceremony took place at the SGS auditorium recently. Country Manager, N. Sriram presented the certificates to Managing Director of Ceylon Tea Land (Pvt) Ltd Dr. M.H.M. Rumie.

'Niko the Spy' collection at Odel stores

Embark's 'Niko the Spy' collection was presented at a fashion show last week at the Atrium Lobby of ODEL's Alexandra Place store.

The collection comprised men, women and children's T shirts, clothing and accessories. New additions included slippers for children, car accessories, a range of glow-in-the dark wrist bands, new styles of T shirts with crew necks, V necks and polos, and drape vests and jackets forwomen.