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Deutsche Bank funds healthcare unit

Deutsche Bank (DB), as part of its broader Deutsche Bank Asia Foundation program, has funded the development of Sri Lanka's first ever in-patient healthcare unit dedicated to the treatment of adolescents affected by mental health issues.

For the initiative, DB Sri Lanka undertook the renovation of an unused building at the Institute of Mental Health in Angoda. The provision of the newly developed unit - which consists of a six-bed ward fully equipped with audio, recreation and reading facilities - means that the hospital now has the capacity to offer fully fledged mental healthcare services to adolescents suffering from symptoms such as suicidal tendencies, emotional and first episode psychosis and other mental health issues.

The recent opening ceremony of the new in-patient ward was attended by over 100 guests, including hospital staff and Deutsche Bank executives. Among the attendees were Chief Country Officer for Deutsche Bank Sri Lanka Rohan Rodrigo and Director National Institute of Mental Health, Angoda Dr Jayan Mendis, who officiated the opening of the new mental health unit. Rodrigo said, "There has been limited help made available to institutions such as Mental Health Angoda because of a lack of understanding often attached to mental illness.

By supporting this cause; we aim to draw compassion and understanding on the emotional and health care needs of adolescent patients, while promoting the awareness of mental health symptoms within the community.

"The setting up of the first ever, fully furnished mental health ward dedicated to adolescent patients also underscores our commitment towards addressing broader issues of health relating to the underprivileged in Sri Lanka," he added.

Sri Lanka has limited formal services dedicated to adolescent mental health - although adolescent mental health is the longest established sub-specialty in the field of psychiatry in the country.

Currently, the out-patient clinic at the Colombo National Hospital is the only facility available to deal with adolescent mental health issues. This means that when an adolescent is in need of in-patient care, there is no alternative other than admitting him / her to a general adult psychiatry unit.

Triumph Collection 2009 at Colombo Fashion Week

International lingerie giant Triumph, unveils its 2009 Collection for the Sri Lankan Market today at the Colombo Fashion Week, Taj Samudra Hotel.

Triumph is partnering Colombo Fashion Week 2009 as an Associate Sponsor. The Triumph collection will be featured on the second day at this three day event and will be styled by leading Sri Lankan designer Micheal Wijesuriya.

General Manager of Triumph International Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Shalindra Fernando said "Triumph is always mindful of the fact that it is a serious fashion brand. Therefore, we are committed in assisting young designers in Sri Lanka to showcase their talent to a global audience and in that respect; I believe Colombo Fashion Week is main event in the fashion calendar in Sri Lanka. We are proud to be associated with such an event. The Triumph Collection 2009 for Sri Lanka include a host of new styles from the main brand Triumph and sub-brand Miss. Triumph. They are colourful, and modern and we are confident that they will be well received by our loyal users", he said.

Odel 'Warehouse' moves to Nugegoda

Odel will relocate its 'Warehouse' discount store to a spacious new location in Nugegoda, later this month to provide customers with better access and an even wider choice.

With its space more than doubled from 2,400 square feet to 6,200 square feet, the Odel Warehouse relocated at Highlevel Road, Nugegoda will offer shoppers larger and better-stocked areas for the ladieswear, gentswear, kids, gift wrap, homeware, shoes and handbags and lingerie departments.

To be inaugurated at the new location on March 2, the new Odel Warehouse will be open for business from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm daily. The Odel Warehouse at Dickman's Road, will be closed on February 25.

"The new Warehouse has an adequate parking area, a cafe and a children play area, and will offer a fun-filled shopping experience to customers of all ages," Chief Operating Officer of Odel Arjuna Samaratunge said.

"The new Odel Warehouse is the ideal place to buy good products at discounted prices all year round," he said.

Shoppers who visit the Warehouse from March 2-8 will enjoy discounts up to 15 per cent, in a special promotion initiated to reward the 'early bird' customers at the new location.

Odel offers customers a range of products from designer wear and high street fashion and accessories to homewear and leisure products at very affordable prices. In addition to the flagship outlet at Alexandra Place and the Warehouse in Nugegoda, Odel is also at Ja-ela, Majestic City and at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

ICASL welcomes Narayana Murthy

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, the premier National Accounting Body welcomed Chairman of the Board and Chief Mentor, Infosys Technologies Ltd., Narayana Murthy at an event hosted by ICASL.

Narayana Murthy spoke on various disciplines including IT and Entrepreneurship. ICASL had already begun empowering the knowledge of IT and English among their students. The Government declared year 2009 for IT and English which will be a positive factor for tertiary education in Sri Lanka. Much significance was brought to this event by, corporate leaders who attended the forum.

AMA Designation launched

Society of Certificate Management Accounts of Sri Lanka(AMA) held the launching ceremony of Associate Management Account (AMA) Designation for intermediate level qualification accountants at hotel Taj Samudra.

AMA is providing a good platform to become a professional certified Management Account. New designation of the Associate Management Account (AMA) is giving a high recognition to the students who are learning for professional Accounting bodies, accounting degree holders and higher national diploma holders. The management account has to play a vital role in leading companies in Sri Lanka with the global financial crisis. Various kinds of measures such as implementation of strategic management accounting, cost cutting, product pricing, performance based pay and bonuses, cash flow budgeting, working capital management, risk management and waste control are essential to be adopted with current global condition.

"Those who have passed the intermediate level or equivalent in CMA.ICASL, CIMA, ACCA and those who have completed HNDA and Accountancy degree with two year relevant practical training could apply for the AMA designation. This will benefit a large number of students going in to the Accountancy and commerce streams those having professionals,HNDA and Accounting Degrees who will now have an oppoutunity to obtain and intermediate level designation and thereafter progess to a professional Management Accounting carrier." president, CMA Sri Lanka Prof. Lakshman R Watawala said.

CMA qualifications are flexible and giving the practicle knowledge of the field in leading firms and companies both in private and government sectors. CMA exams which was in English medium of first and second steps so far we are facilitating in Sinhala and Tamil medium also and the final stages only in the English medium.

The CMA qualification is granted exemptions by CMA Canada, CGA Canada, ACCA UK, CIMA UK, CPA Australia, ICA Sri Lanka, Deakin University Australia and open University of Sri Lanka. (LE)

UCE goes upcountry

Union Commercial Equipment of Colombo opened its new showroom in Peradeniya, Kandy, recently. The supermarket and convenience store equipment are open 24 hours all over the island except the North and East.

As the sole agent of Little Duck of China which is owned by the Chinese Government, Union Commercial Equipment handles the installation, maintenance and supplies equipment to over 100 supermarkets around the island.