Biz Briefs

Singer Finance re-locates Dambulla branch

Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC re-located its Dambulla branch to a new location at Matale Road, Dambulla recently.

Director, Operations, Singer (Sri Lanka), Premalal de Silva and Director and CEO, Singer Finance, Shantha Wijeweera were present. Singer Finance now operates from 15 branches and 15 service centres across the country.

"An expanding customer base is looking to Singer Finance to obtain secure hire purchase, leasing, loan and fixed deposit and savings schemes. Singer Finance has one of the best online repayment channels and networks, which is a value-added service to customers," a company spokesman said.

Abans opens service centre

Apple appointed Abans as its service centre in Sri Lanka.

The service centre is equipped with modern machinery for service and repairs of precision IT equipment by four Apple certified service technicians undertake complex service and repair jobs.

Abans Limited, a dealer in electronics and home appliances, has been the authorised Apple Reseller since 2007. It has over six years' experience and a flawless record of customer service.

Seylan partners Micro Cars

Seylan Bank recently tied up with Micro Cars Ltd as its leasing partner, thereby offering customers across Sri Lanka a wide range of leasing products. This partnership will enable all Micro car customers to avail themselves of Seylan Bank's leasing products from any of its 150 outlets islandwide.

Seylan Bank's General Manager and CEO, Kapila Ariyaratne said, "As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, we are indeed happy to join Micro Cars and offer customers our portfolio of leasing products and services."

"A feature of Seylan Bank's offer is that vehicle leases can be customised to suit the repayment plan depending on the customer's cash flow," he said.

SLASSCOM to host ‘Thought Leadership Forum’

Fostering Entrepreneurship will be a key driver of the economic boom in Sri Lanka. Tech start ups such as Google, Facebook or even Virtusa that were once start ups are now large global players.

The SLASSCOM Thought Leadership Forum on Fostering Entrepreneurship: Creating a Supportive Ecosystem, will feature a keynote address by Indian-American serial entrepreneur, adviser and international public speaker, Shruti Challa, to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship. Ms. Challa’s visit to Sri Lanka has been facilitated by the American Centre in Colombo.

The keynote address will be followed by a panel discussion with eminent panelists.
 

Home Lands celebrates 10th anniversary

Real estate company, Home Lands Holding (Pvt) Limited, celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Grand Monarch, Thalawathugoda.

The President's Parliamentary Affairs Secretary, Kumarasiri Hettige was the chief guest.

At the event tokens of appreciation and awards were presented to star performers of the company.

Here Chairman and Managing Director, Home Lands, Nalin Herath cuts the anniversary cake.

Kumarasiri Hettige and Ms. Harshani Herath look on.

Atlas takes over ‘Homerun’

Atlas, one of Sri Lanka's leading manufacturers and distributors of stationery products, recently took over one of the country’s oldest and respected pastel brands – ‘Homerun’ from Colour Products (Pvt) Ltd.

“The Homerun brand has been a household name in Sri Lanka for many decades. As one of the market leaders in stationery products, we are proud to continue the tradition of a beloved brand, while bringing the Atlas advantage to it,” said CEO, Atlas, Nirmal Madanayake.

A spokesman for the company said the purch of ‘Homerun’ adds more colour to Atlas’ wide ranging portfolio of stationary products.

Arpico launches lifestyle store

Arpico launched AICON, a lifestyle store last week.

AICON, on the first floor of Arpico, Hyde Park Corner, is spread out in a spacious area with spaces dedicated for gift ideas, living spaces, fine dining and garden. “Earthy tones dominate the items on offer while the ambience in the store, highlighted with soft lighting, imparts a sense of comfort and warmth,” a company spokesman said.

SLCBCC Business Star Awards 2013

The Sri Lanka-China Business Co-operation Council launched 'SLCBCC Business Star Awards - 2013' at the Galadari Hotel recently for the third consecutive year. This ceremony was attended by a wide cross-section of Sri Lankan and Chinese companies engaged in bi-lateral trade between the two countries. This scheme encourages and promotes enterprises to do more business with China and to recognise Chinese companies already set up in Sri Lanka and those which carry out business within the country.

SLCBCC has been promoting bi-lateral trade with the support of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China and the Commercial Counsellor’s office. Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies will be awarded to exporters, importers, manufacturers, and service providers, covering small, medium and large scale enterprises.

Amana Bank launches ‘Easy Payment Plan’

Amana Bank recently introduced an Easy Payment Plan to facilitate salaried customers to purchase furniture, household and personal appliances through a ‘pay as you use’ mechanism. Products valued from Rs 25,000 up to Rs 300,000 could be purchased under the plan. It allows the customer to pay for the asset on a monthly instalment basis up to 36 months. The Bank’s Vice President, Consumer Banking and Strategic Marketing, Siddeeque Akbar said, “Customers were in need of a financial solution to purchase products such as computers, smartphones, electronic appliances and furniture.

Virtusa bags Asia’s Best Employer Award 2013

Virtusa Corporation, a global business consulting and IT outsourcing company that combines innovation, technology leadership and industry solutions to transform the customer experience, received Asia’s Best Employer Brand 2013 award, under the 'Excellence in HR through Technology' category.

Asia Best Employer Brand award recognises organisations exhibiting outstanding performance in the workplace across Asia. Virtusa was recognised as a leader in employee enablement and workplace best practices from among 600 companies from various industries in Asia, including some of the largest global services companies. The awards were presented by Employer Branding Institute, World HRD Congress and Stars of the Industry Group, in Singapore.