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People’s Bank expands services in Trinco

Under the ‘Dawn of the East’ project, People’s Bank continues their commitment to uplift the living conditions in the people of the Eastern region by expanding its network and establishing their 328th and 329th service centres in Trincomalee, in the areas of Kachchaikudutivu and Thoppur.

The service centres were opened by the Minister of Cooperatives M. N. Abdul Majeed, on Saturday. Supporting the Government’s efforts to rebuild the land and uplift the lives of the people in the region, these fully computerized service centres will offer banking conveniences including monetary deposits, protection of gold jewellery, loan schemes on gold jewellery and loans for small and medium enterprises and much more.

Loans for paddy cultivation, fisheries, vegetable and fruit crop cultivation, purchasing agricultural machinery and other such small and medium industries and businesses will be available. In addition home loan schemes will also be available for those who wish to build permanent houses in the region.

The bank, is preparing to open a number of service centres covering Jaffna, Wanni and Batticaloa. The State entity not only provides banking services to the public but also works towards the betterment of the society. The bank has already sponsored the Government’s efforts of building transitional houses for the displaced persons by contributing Rs. 2.65 million.

Ceylinco Life Director addresses MDRT

Ceylinco Life Director Devaan Cooray has brought honour to Sri Lanka and his company by becoming the first South Asian non-member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) to be invited to address the world’s top forum for elite financial advisors.

The annual gathering of the world’s top life insurance sales professionals held this year in Indianapolis, USA, was attended by 6,000 people from 86 countries and Cooray, one of the first employees of Ceylinco Life, delivered a one hour presentation on how to avoid the debt trap.

The presentation, titled ‘Good Bye Worry; Hello Confidence; Plenty of money to go around’ was one of two by South Asians and the first by a South Asian non-member in the 82-year history of the MDRT.

Ceylinco Life Deputy Chairman R. Renganathan said addressing a top forum such as the MDRT can be considered the pinnacle of a career in training. “Although 50 percent of the MDRT membership is from Asian countries, until this year, no South Asian had addressed the Annual Meeting and we are happy a director of Ceylinco Life was accorded that privilege.”

Speakers for the MDRT are selected through an exhaustive process and have to be on nominations by a Zonal Chairman. Cooray was nominated by the Indian Zone Chairman. His presentation was evaluated in-depth by the MDRT Program Development Committee prior to his conformation as a speaker.

Cooray, a former Professional Trainer for the Sri Lanka Air Force joined Ceylinco Insurance in 1987. He is a Fellow of the Life Underwriters Training Council-USA (LUTC), a Chartered Insurance Agency Manager (CIAM), a Certified Manager of Financial Advisors (CMFA) and the holder of the Chartered Insurance Institute Award-UK.

Elephant House dominates Maldives Ice Cream Market

Top player with over 48 percent share:

Elephant House Ice Creams continues to spread its dominance in the Maldives with strong penetration in the country’s retail, modern trade and resort markets. It currently enjoys significant volumes generated from the resort markets which cater almost exclusively to a discerning foreign clientele.

The latest addition to the impressive portfolio of top resorts which purchase Elephant House Ice Creams is the up-market and prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in the Maldives.

Head of Frozen Confectionary of Ceylon Cold Stores Sector Neil Samarasinghe said, “Elephant House Ice Creams, which first entered the Maldives market in June 2000, has been on an upward growth curve over the past nine years.

We are currently the top player in the Maldives ice cream market with an over 48 per cent share, and are proud to compete with major international brands such as Walls, Nestle, Haagen Daz etc”.

In a major tourist hub like the Maldives, it is indeed very impressive what Elephant House has been able to achieve, surpassing all other international giants”, Samarasinghe said.

The Four Seasons is a chain of hotels dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home-away-from-home for those who know and appreciate the best. A truly Asian experience Elephant House continues to delight its consumers with its unique sweet and delightful flavour experience.

AMCHAM luncheon meeting

The Group Director of MAS Holdings and Head of the MAS Intimates Division Dian Gomes will speak at the AMCHAM luncheon meeting on July 22 on ‘Sports as a motivator in a corporate environment’.

A Management Accountant, Dian commenced his career at KPMG Ford Rhodes.

He later became the Director Finance for Saracen Interiors International and subsequently General Manager - Sri Lanka for May Department Stores International Inc.

He has a sound academic background and well-rounded corporate experience; A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK); Executive Education at Wharton Business School, Ashridge Business School and Harvard Business School.

He was the President CIMA - Sri Lanka Division (2001/2002) and also sits on the boards of many private and government organizations.

Introducing the SyncMaster 730XT/930XT:

Samsung and PC House revolutionize Sri Lankan IT

Samsung with PC House, recently introduced a revolutionary technology that will take Sri Lankan standards to the next level.

The Samsung Thin Client server system operates as a network monitor, providing functionality above and beyond what competitor models offer. Encompassing benefits such as security, efficiency in control and reduced costs of ownership, the Samsung Thin Client is structured around a powerful server that connects individual terminals to an integrated network. This method eliminates the need of having many complete PC systems at every workstation and the user could operate only with a terminal that has the keyboard, mouse and a monitor.

The client management software integrated in the product enables convenient and accurate maintenance of information and tracking of internal responses to meet various needs. The Samsung Thin Client is a powerful addition to the PC House product list.

With features such as remote monitoring, remote management systems, and high-level deployments, Samsung Thin Client enables managers to exercise better control over their systems. The Thin Client technology also enhances the safety and security of the system and information stored on the server; allowing quick, easy and secure access to information from anywhere in the network.

Compatible with heterogeneous operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux, Samsung Thin Client comes with a backup operating system enhancing the centralization of data and security. The comprehensive partnership between Samsung and PCH provides the Sri Lankan market technology, customer care and service.

The partnership between PC House and Samsung is strengthened following the recent training program. Both companies are confident that even in times of economic uncertainty, customers can avail the full spectrum of benefits from Samsung technologies, whether the user is tech savvy or IT awkward.

Sampath Bank branch at Kirulapona

Sampath Bank opened a branch at High Level Road, Kirulapona. The branch provides ample parking space for customers.

The new branch will allow 24 hour banking conveniences to customers of the metropolitan township.

The CEO of Sampath Bank Harris Premaratne said that the bank has come a long way as the preferred banking partner for the discerning Sri Lankans who look for service and quality in banking services.

The Sampath team was acknowledged as the bank that has introduced and developed many innovative banking products and services and delivered them with the traditional Sri Lankan touch. He assured that the team will always strive to offer a comprehensive package of futuristic banking solutions with high accessibility from anywhere in the island.

Katspree launches Midea CFL bulbs

Gayan Kanchana

Katspree Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and Midea Group in China launched their newest brand Midea CFL bulbs to the local market recently.

Katspree Holdings (Pvt) Ltd is the authorized distributor for Midea CFL bulbs in Sri Lanka and started their retail operations in March. Midea group is the third largest home appliance manufacturer in China.

Managing Director Katspree Holdings, Tyronne Smith said, “Katspree Holdings collaborates with the Midea Group to deliver the best in class products to the Sri Lankan consumers. We aim to establish Katspree as a key player in the local market. The Midea CFL bulbs are tested by Midea Group in China and National Engineering Research and Development (NERD) Centre in Sri Lanka. “Our newest entrance to the domestic lighting industry offers customers 80 percent saving on energy and pricing,” he said.

Overseas Sales Director of Midea Group, Zenith Zeng said, “As one of the largest electronic appliances manufacturers in China every product produced by Midea Group has a quality certificate and we together with Katspree Holdings look forward to serve the Sri Lankan consumers by offering the full range of quality products,” he said.

Director and Chief Executive Officer, Katspree Holding, Ravi Sivakumar said that Midea CFL bulbs are available islandwide and their products can be obtained through their dealer network and all major electrical stores.