Biz Briefs

Etisalat launches 'Super SIM'

Etisalat Lanka recently launched its latest voice offering, the 'Super SIM', at its Flagship store in Kollupitiya.

The 'Super SIM' pre-paid package is the first of its kind to be introduced in the Sri Lankan market and brings the best mobile rates to Etisalat customers by combining the benefits of the per second and the per minute billing.
 

RAM reaffirms LDB's A-/P1 ratings

RAM Ratings Lanka has reaffirmed the long-and short-term financial institution ratings of Lankaputhra Development Bank (LDB) at A- and P1. The long-term rating carries a stable outlook. The ratings are supported by the Bank's strong capitalisation, funding and liquidity positions and the financial flexibility derived from its sole shareholder, the Government. On the other hand, the ratings are weighed down by the Bank's weak loan quality and average performance.

LDB is a licensed specialised bank (LSB), incorporated in 2006 which falls under the purview of the Central Bank.

 

Toyota ends lockout at India plants

Toyota, the world's largest car manufacturer is due to end a lockout at its two Indian factories.

Company sources said employees can return to work tomorrow as long as they sign a contract promising good conduct. Negotiations over a wage increase, which have been going on for the past 10 months, remain unresolved.

Toyota had instituted the lockout saying some employees had threatened supervisors.
– BBC

Tablets with Intel Inside launched

Intel Sri Lanka will introduce a range of products that will further accelerate the company's presence in mobile devices and help usher in new devices and richer experience with Intel inside.

Country Business Manager, Intel, Indika de Zoysa said that Intel has a growing device portfolio across a range of mobile market segments.“In less than a year we have worked closely with customers to bring Intel based tablets to the market.

We look forward to work closely with our ecosystem partners, across operating systems, to deliver the best mobile products and experience for consumers with Intel Inside,” he said.

The new program will focus on leading-edge mobile devices based on Intel architecture with top OMEs and ODMs.

The program will first focus on tablets, followed by phones providing pre-qualified solutions with simplified building blocks to scale designs quickly for matured and emerging markets.

To bring this level of performance to a processor in mobile devices, Intel developed a new platform that solves the contemporary technology challenges, including the ability to multi task, the need for prolonged battery life and enhanced graphics and to have a more productive, enjoyable mobile experience, Zoysa said.

ACCA delegation visits CASL

A high-level delegation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) led by Deputy President, ACCA, Anthony Harbinson paid a courtesy call on the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently.

The ACCA delegation comprising of Harbinson, Regional Director, MENASA, Stuart Dunlop and Head of ACCA Sri Lanka, Nilusha Ranasinghe met President of CA Sri Lanka, Arjuna Herath, Vice President, CA Sri Lanka, Lasantha Wickramasinghe and Chief Executive, CA Sri Lanka, Aruna Alwis where matters of mutual interest relating to the accounting profession was discussed at length.

In its capacity as the national accounting body, CA Sri Lanka has been working closely with global accounting bodies to develop the accounting profession across Sri Lanka.

Lanka Aluminium products shine at Architect's exhibition

Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC's 'Lux' innovative product range targeting the houses and commercial buildings created interest at the recently concluded Architect's exhibition.

Lanka Aluminium were the pioneers of powder coated aluminium extrusions in Sri Lanka. The Lux range of products consists of new designs incorporating new and innovative systems that are aesthetically attractive, convenient, user friendly and are easy to maintain. The new 22mm and 27mm sliding window system was one of the most sort-out products at the exhibition due to the innovative insect screen which is incorporated to the window system which protects occupants from harmful mosquitoes and insects.

It also offers a range of built in value additions such as a self-locking system, a unique design to minimize water ingress, water proof, and energy savings facilities.

Hotel Show from June 13-15

Hotel Show 2014, the largest hotel trade exhibition in South Asia, will be held from June 13-15 at the BMICH.

This year's show will comprise a barista and pizza making competition. An International Hoteliers Conference has also been added to the agenda for the first time and will be held at a separate venue.

The exhibition which was held for the first time in 1998 is being held for the ninth time. Owing to its popularity the Hotel Show was changed from a biennial to an annual event in 2012.

Over 300 exhibitors will showcase portfolios covering the latest technology in room technology, laundry, air conditioning, hygiene and catering, architecture, gardening, landscaping, outdoor furniture, swimming pools, waste management, software systems and modern security systems and a wide array of hotel supplies.

“The overriding purpose of the show is to cultivate healthy relationships between hospitality providers, suppliers and the community,” said Co-chairman of the Hotel Show Committee, Niroshan de Silva.

“The only way to achieve growth potential is through harmonious relationships. The Hotel Show is a platform for counterparts to meet each other. It is a one stop shop for anyone in the hospitality field or potential entrants,” he said.Chairman of the Hotel Show Committee, Trevine Gomez said, “We recognised the growing coffee culture in Sri Lanka and understood the value we could add by connecting the players and pave the way for innovation.”