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Regional CSR strategy launched

The Business for Peace Alliance (BPA) launched a CSR strategy for the regions, in collaboration with International Alert (IA) and supported by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

The programme is geared to promote awareness, foster dialogue and skills development on CSR among the private sector in the regions.

This initiative is launched with the belief that CSR can have a positive impact on constructive social and economic development in the regions.

The programme is designed with sensitivity to the differences between Colombo big businesses and the regional SME sector in terms of capacity, resources and influence.

The regional CSR strategy focuses on three areas: Firstly, conducting one-day seminars on CSR and peace building in all BPA member regions.

Secondly, planning and implementing CSR and peace building pilot projects on a pilot basis for a period of one-year in selected districts.

Thirdly, appreciating and motivating the chambers that have shown commitment, interest and performance in CSR and peace building through a regional CSR and peace building awards ceremony.

The regional CSR strategy was launched on March 28 in Colombo with a workshop for representatives from BPA member chambers. The keynote address was delivered by Mahen Dayananda, Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC). Dayananda outlined what CSR is, and explained about the CCC’s initiative to promote CSR.

He maintained that the CCC is now reaching out to promote CSR in the regions and is focusing on the millennium development goals.

Representatives from BPA’s member chambers who participated in the workshop outlined various CSR initiative implemented by the business community in their respective areas.

They expressed interest to expand these initiatives in a more formal and systematic manner. They are currently developing proposals for CSR projects for implementation under this programme.

Suntel supports growth of ICT

Suntel will reiterate its commitment to the country’s ICT industry by supporting the National ICT Capacity Summit 2007 organised by ICTA in collaboration with the Presidents Secretariat and patronage of the Education Ministry.

Suntel coming in as a Gold Sponsor to the event will stage its presence at the two day National IT-BPO career guidance fair held on September 1 and 2 at the BMICH, Colombo.

Managing Director Jeremy Huxtable of Suntel said “Sri Lanka has the potential to compete at the very highest level on the international ICT arena - the talent and knowledge we have within our vast pool of human resources is second to none.

At Suntel, it is our firm belief that the creation of opportunities which offer the right level of exposure, will fast track Sri Lanka’s course towards achieving benchmark status in ICT services in the region.

By extending our support to The National IT-BPO Capacity Summit and National IT-BPO career guidance fair, we hope to empower ICT professionals and students with experiences that enable them to reach new vistas of knowledge and creativity in ICT.”

New sports shop in Kiribathgoda

Kelaniya Group Corr.

Bandara and Sons Sports Company an importer and distributor of sports items for over 36 years, opened their latest branch in Kiribathgoda.

The new branch named ONMO was opened at Dalugama, Kelaniya, close to Kiribathgoda town recently. About 75 per cent of the sports items distribution in the island is handled by the Bandara and Sons.

They were feted for supplying sports items for the South Asian Games.

Bandara and Sons provides body building equipment used by many gyms islandwide.