BIZ BRIEFS  

US Fed to reduce stimulus further

The minutes of the Central Bank's January meeting have confirmed that the US Federal Reserve intends to continue reducing economic stimulus measures.

The Fed's policy makers said they expected to cut monthly bond-buying in predictable $10 billion steps. The Fed cut its bond-buying program to $65 billion a month at the end of its most recent meeting in January. That came despite a string of disappointing US economic data, including weak jobs figures.

Architect 2014 concludes today

The Architect 2014 exhibition which was launched at the BMICH on February 19 concludes today.

The exhibition which is open from 10 am to 10 pm showcases the talent of local architects and the latest building products and accessories in the country.

Architect 2014 includes an exhibition of the work done by 136 architects during the past year and also comprises 296 trade stalls.

Discussion on 'Marine Safety'

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) with the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) will organise a discussion on 'Marine Safety and Minimising Oil Spill Damage' on March 5, to create awareness on the importance of having access to quick response oil spill equipment.

The discussion will focus on important issues related to Sri Lanka targeting a naval hub position. Increased maritime activity calls for better safety at sea, which is tied up to the assessment of marine pollution and the prevention of oil spills associated with it.

The discussion is aimed at strategic decision makers in the public and private sectors.

Virtusa wins award for Emergency Response

Virtusa Corporation, a global IT services company, won the Special Award for Emergency Response at the 18th Annual Japan-Sri Lanka Cultural Association (JASTECA) Awards 2013, recently in Colombo. The award was presented in recognition of the Rehabilitation Management System (RMS) built by Virtusa for the Bureau of Commissioner General of Rehabilitation (BCGR), Sri Lanka. The RMS software developed by Virtusa in 2009 assisted BCGR to track and maintain rehabilitee information, their educational and vocational training needs and rehabilitation progress.