Biz Briefs

'HHF 2012' in Colombo

Sri Lanka's premier hotel supplies show - "Hotel, Hospitality and Food 2012" (HHF 2012) will be held from October 18 to 20 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo.

Organised by Pico Sri Lanka and Montgomery Worldwide UK, "HHF 2012" is now into its second edition and is primarily designed to serve the diversifying hotel, hospitality, tourism and food businesses of South Asia.

HHF 2012 will showcase an inter-hotel culinary competition among chefs of leading hotels and many industry-related seminars and workshops which are aimed at uplifting the industry.

Spice trade raises concern

The local spice industry has raised concern over India removing tariffs on its clove imports from African countries.

"We were granted zero status tariff for the export of our cloves to India by the Indian Government since March 2003 and clove imports to India from other countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania and Comoro Islands were subjected to different tariffs ranging from 17 to 35 percent.

With the removal of tariffs for cloves from African countries, the concession Sri Lanka enjoyed since 2003 has eroded," industry sources said.

Tax Week hailed by experts

The Government will hold a 'Tax Week' every year to encourage people to comply with the tax system in the country.

The tax week will be held from November 1- 8 every year to educate people on tax relief and tax holidays. It will focus on building public confidence in the country's tax administration and also create awareness on tax -related activities carried out by the Department of Inland Revenue and the Sri Lanka Customs.

Tax experts hail the move as it would help build confidence and widen the tax base of the country.

Seylan's COB department helps school

Deputy General Manager, Corporate and Offshore Banking of Seylan Bank Ms. Shalini Perera addresses the gathering.

The Seylan Bank opened Seylan Tikiri minor savings accounts for all children from grades 1 to 5 at Gurugoda Kanishta Vidyalaya, Horana, a media release from the bank stated. The initial deposits for those accounts were made by members of the Corporate and Offshore Banking Department (COB). They have made arrangements to remit a fixed sum to each account every month. They also donated 1,074 books and sports equipment to the school. Members of the department have volunteered to set up a library to create and increase the reading habit.

The tutorial staff of Gurugoda Vidyalaya was given a souvenir from Seylan Bank to mark the event.

Diamond International wins Silver Award

Manager Operations, DIL, Saman Gamage receives the Silver Award - Agriculture Bulk - Small category from General Manager, of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. (principal sponsor), Abhaya Amaradasa. Founder President NCE, Patrick Amarasinghe is also present.

Arista opens showroom

The launch of the new Arista showroom took place on October 6 at Havelock Road, Colombo 5.

"When customers walk in to the Arista showroom, they are instantly transported into the magical world of toddlers and children. Through this new venture, parents and those anticipating the birth of child will find that Arista caters to all their needs," a spokesman for Arista said."In addition to the range of branded infants and children's clothing and accessories available at this children's boutique, Arista has a new collection of infant products including strollers and car seats," he said.

Commercial Leasing in Mannar

Deputy General Manager CLC, Nihal Weerapana at the opening of the new branch. Regional Manager, CLC, Sarath Gamage and invitees look on.

Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC (CLC) opened a branch in Mannar recently.

It was opened by Deputy General Manager Recoveries, Nihal Weerapana. Senior officials of CLC, customers and invitees were present.

"Mannar can now enjoy a range of financial services such as fixed deposits, savings, leasing, factoring, loans and hire purchases and micro finance services through this branch, which is the company's 52nd branch, a company spokesman said.

The 8th National Competition in Abacus and Brain Gym organised by SIP Academy Sri Lanka was held recently. Here Kellogg's India (Pvt) Ltd Country Manager Sivarama Krishna hands over the sponsorship cheque to SIP Academy Sri Lanka Country Manager Rishard Raheem. Area Sales Manager Stassen Foods M. Vincent and Accounts and Administrative Executive SIP Academy, Sri Lanka Ms. P. Harani look on.