Advertorial

WISH launches 'Listen'

Harshini PERERA

The Wickramarachchi Institute of Speech and Hearing, ("WISH") launched its new branch "Listen" with the collaboration of their Maldivian partner in the Maldives recently.

Male Optical Co, formed by the pioneering Maldivian social benefactor Moosa Mohamed launched its Audiology Arm, "Listen" Pvt. Ltd., last year.

It was formed to provide facilities for any hearing impaired child in the Maldives focusing better on the hearing care needs of the small but populous nation. The new venture with the Maldivian partners was an investment of Rs. 35 million.

The inaugural seminar of "Listen" was attended by trained Audiology Scientist, Mihira Wickramarachchi and presented the problems of hearing loss and the remedies that could be made through the use of hearing aids. "Hearing impairment serves a person's link with the outside world; and this is what the dedicated team at LISTEN will try to restore. LISTEN brings the ability to test even newborn babies for hearing impairments and state-of-the-art technology used in testing for hearing loss and impairment as well as remedies for it," he said.

LISTEN will also be the sole agent for a number of hearing aids such as Siemens hearing aids. Apart from that it will use the Cochlear implants by Cochlear Ltd., and will also handle the complex testing and recommendation process that leads up to Cochlear implant and also the post implant process that includes speech therapy and counselling.

The LISTEN team comprises the trained audiologists and speech therapists including highly qualified trained audiologists from Sri Lanka.

Academy of Design selects TUKATECH

To teach fashion design and virtual merchandizing with TUKAcad and e-fit 3D systems

The Academy of Design (AOD), Managing Director Linda Speldewinde and TUKA Group Founder - CEO, Ram Sareen signed an agreement to have AOD, instruct fashion programs digitally with TUKATECH pattern-engineering systems.

The Academy of Design is Sri Lanka's foremost centre for art and design and it has contributed immensely to the development of design as both a serious educational discipline and a dynamic profession in the country. The Academy offers undergraduate programs in fashion, interior and graphic design.

TUKATECH systems are easy to learn and powerful and it is the standard for education in many prestigious international fashion schools. 'We needed to start educating our students with the latest technologies and we spoke with many leaders in the industry prior to selecting TUKATECH. In Sri Lanka, Tukatech brought digital pattern making and it has now become the standard for the Industry. By partnering with Tukatech, AOD looks to teach future designers and technologists the latest software solutions in the areas of pattern-making and prototype sample development," said Linda Speldewinde, who believes that the AOD's massive investment on the licensed education of Tukatech is completely worthwhile considering the great benefits that it will bring to the young designers and fashion-technologists of the country.

TUKATECH systems which are used by more than 2500 students in 250 institutes were designed to provide digital solutions throughout each stage in the product development chain seamlessly. Tukatech offers efficient solutions to pattern-making, grading, marker making and even print designing, while the 3D virtual draping technology, e-fit simulator allows digital patterns to be draped on animated virtual 3D fit models.

Pan Asia Bank relocates Matara branch

Pan Asia Bank shifted its operations in Matara to a more spacious and convenient location last week at 45 B, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Matara.

Pan Asia Bank first entered Matara over eight years ago by offering a comprehensive range of commercial banking services, which includes Current and Savings accounts, NRFC/RFC accounts, Fixed Deposits, housing loans, personal loans, leasing facilities and pawning.

The relocation ceremony was attended by Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera who said that this was his first official function since his appointment as the Finance and Planning Minister.

Southern Area Commander Brig. Upul Vithana, Matara HQI, District Secretary W K K Athukorala, Matara Doctors Association President Dr Kelum Deshapriya, members of the armed forces, many eminent persons from different sectors of the community and well wishers participated at the relocation ceremony. Several bank officials including Pan Asia Bank Board of Directors Consultant Zulfiqar Zavahir and Pan Asia Bank Acting CEO Claude Peiris also attended the occasion.

HSBC launches promotion

HSBC has introduced a special promotional campaign - 'Member Get Member" to reward existing credit cardholders with guaranteed prizes from May 1 to July 31.

The introduction of new Gold or Platinum credit card members by existing HSBC cardholders will be the only criteria to succeed during this promotional period.

The introducer of two successful Gold or Platinum credit cards will stand to win an Apple iPod Shuffle, while customers who introduce five successful Gold or Platinum credit cards will receive Apple iPod Nanos or JBL iPod docking stations.

Singer and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board entered into a partnership to facilitate Water Board bill collections at the 370 Singer outlets islandwide. This tie-up will afford Water Board customers easy access to a larger number of bill collection points across the country. Here Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, Chairman, Hemaka Amarasuriya exchanging the agreement with National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Chairman, Channa Amarasinghe. Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, Legal Manager, Gnanendra Gunasekera, Singer (Sri Lanka) Plc, Financial Services Manager, Viresh Gomes, Singer (Sri Lanka), Plc. Finance Director, Priyath Salgado, NWS and DB Vice Chairman Dr. A. Uthumalebbe. (Third from right), NWS & DB, General Manager, Lal Premanath and NWS and DB Deputy General Manager (Finance), Dushmantha Thotawatte look on.

Janashakthi honours claims over Rs 2.6 b

Over Rs 14 b claims settled in the last five years:

Janashakthi Insurance has gone on record as having paid out 84,553 claims amounting over Rs 2.6 billion in claims during 2009.

Of the 84,553 claims honoured by Janashakthi in 2009, Rs 293,757,729/- accounted for the Life Insurance category, Rs 1,745,435,177/- for the Motor and Rs 577,208,330/- for the Non-Motor categories. The company has already paid Rs 724,207,360/- as against 22,376 claims for Q1 2010.

Janashakthi paid in excess of Rs 14 b over the last five years reflecting a steady increase in claim payments. Figures reveal Rs 5 b in 2005, Rs 2.13 b in 2006, Rs 2.34 in 2007 and Rs 2.36 b in 2008.

General Manager Sales and Marketing Ravi Liyanage said that insurance was a healthy buffer against unexpected calamities. Swift claim settlements are thus a critical factor in the insurance business. He reiterated that the core essence of Janashakthi’s insurance credo was to serve its thousands of customers in their time of need. “We enjoy an undisputed track record in claim settlement in the past and also go on record as being the only insurance company to pay over Rs. 5 billion (in 2005) for claims for the biggest natural catastrophe - the 2004 Tsunami,” he said.

Janashakthi attributes its rapid processing of claims in a timely and accurate manner due to its prudent financial and risk management competencies backed by professional underwriters and risk managers who are ably supported by world renowned re-insurers such as Hannover Re, Scor, Toa Re, GIC and Best Re to name a few.

Janashakthi also recorded an impressive 46 percent growth in net profit after tax reaching Rs 657 m during the financial year 2009, despite the financial crisis experienced both locally and globally. The company attributes this success to the growth of sales despite challenging market conditions, successful cost management, a significant reduction of borrowing and financing costs and a positive achievement in relation to Debtor management.

“Our proven track record has enabled us to win the confidence of the Sri Lankan public. We have the highest stated capital among quoted insurance companies amounting to over Rs 1.49 billion, which is over 7.5 times the statutory requirement. The company is also backed by an asset base of Rs.10 billion, Rs 2.5 billion in Government securities and the only insurer to acquire a state owned insurance company. Janashakthi Insurance PLC boasts of being the fastest insurance company to reach the Rs. 5 billion annual revenue mark and having the fastest growing branch network of over 100 islandwide branches,” Liyanage said.

Janashakthi Insurance PLC was the first Insurance Company in Sri Lanka to be awarded the ISO 9001: 2000 international quality accreditation for its Life and General Operations. ISO 9001:2000 certification is awarded to companies that meet with the highest Quality Management Standards stipulated by the International Standards Organisation.

Janashakthi Insurance PLC which exercises its social responsibilities as a corporate entity has, over the years, funded programs for the safety of people at pedestrian crossings, Tsunami aid programs, safe bottle lamp projects, sports sponsorship including sports such as Athletics, Hockey, Cricket, Sailing, Golf, Squash etc and is one of the highest contributors to a number of sports in Sri Lanka. Good corporate governance has established the image of the company as a socially responsible entity delivering greater and consistent value to customers, employees, shareholders and the country at large during the 15 years of its service to the nation.

To support post-war outdoor entertainment industry:

DAS outdoor speakers launched

The new DAS Line Array outdoor speaker system was launched in Colombo this week by Dynamic AV Technologies, at a grand musical event held at the BMICH Archery Grounds.

The DAS Aero series line-array system speakers has come during the right time to Sri Lanka, according to Dynamic AV Technologies Chairman Manilal Fernando when the business climate of Sri Lanka is changing with the arrival of peace and is opening up new opportunities and new markets.

Fernando said that the Sri Lankan entertainment industry was ready to reap from this peace dividend with several regional events already in the pipeline to be held in the country. “This has opened up a whole new playing field for the consumer and I have implicit faith that 2010 and 2011 will open this market of sound in a huge manner,” he said.

The outdoor speakers were highly acclaimed by the leading artists present as well who said this introduction is expected to change the whole outdoor audio entertainment experience.

“The system has a solid punch, and sound all round is equally dispersed so I think it is a very good system and if you need more power at a bigger venue all you have to do is double it up,” said Sohan Weerasinghe of ‘Sohan and the Experiments’. “Also I think its very easy to transport because there is six to a side and a mix. This sort of system is ideal to transport and I think it will become an industry standard,” he said.

He said that in the past different speakers were patched in and the sound dispersion was never the same because it came from several different areas. “But because of the line-array system and sound travelling above the heads of the people you get a beautiful, dispersed sound,” he said.

A normal speaker system at an outdoor event would require the setting up of 80 to 100 speakers depending on the space. The DAS line array system is compact while being expandable and the “J” shaped curve of the speakers provide equal quality and loudness of sound reaching to every corner at a large outdoor event. The Aero Series DAS speaker system is usually suspended in mid air to the left and right of the stage to create this balance of sound.

Sunil Perera of the Gypsies said that bringing down a system of this kind to Sri Lanka would benefit the music industry greatly.

“This system will be easier to handle when it comes to outdoor events in the country and their advanced quality of sound will be an added benefit,” he said pointing out that introduction of new technological developments in the arena of sound was necessary for the industry to grow.

The DAS outdoor speaker system demonstrated had only six on each side and depending on the venue and number of people the system can be expanded as required.

A demonstration was made by D.A.S. Audio Asia Pte. Ltd, Technical Support Ron Koh on the various sounds and different frequencies the speakers were capable of operating on, illustrating the point of even coverage.

“It would take just close to 20 minutes to set up the entire speaker system at any venue,” said Koh describing the compact quality of the speakers. He said that more units could be added to the system to increase its power depending on the venue.

“One of the reasons we wanted to bring this system to Sri Lanka is to give the local audience a chance to experience this quality of sound for the first time,” said D.A.S. Audio Asia Pte. Ltd. Managing Director Juan Luis Garcia. I hope it would become a trend for outdoor events in the country in future, with these more compact, self powered, plug and play and at the same time very efficient and very clear speakers,” he said.

With almost 40 years of being in the audio business D.A.S. (Dynamic and Sound), located in Valencia Spain, is recognized around the world for its quality products and customer oriented service.

The company is dedicated to designing and building an extensive line-up of products that are reliable and are of high sound quality from systems, amplifiers, digital signal processors and loudspeaker components.

Dynamic AV Technologies who are the official distributors of D.A.S which represents more than 13 manufacturers of high quality state of the art audio and video products has been serving the needs of governmental, commercial and educational sectors in the country since 2008.

Sri Lankan Corporate sector and CARE International:

Building strategic partnerships

To enhance collaboration with the Sri Lankan corporate sector, CARE International Sri Lanka will conduct a one-day workshop entitled, “Equitable Growth - Making it a Reality”. The purpose of the workshop is to explore potential strategic partnerships between CARE International Sri Lanka and the corporate sector that will help address the complex issues underpinning poverty in Sri Lanka.

The workshop will provide a space where leading companies have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of CARE’s programming focus and possible means of collaboration. The workshop seeks to introduce participants to CARE operations in the country and globally in terms of corporate sector partnerships, and generate discussions that will lead towards developing strong and viable relationships.

Key speakers from Bangladesh, India, United Kingdom and United States of America will provide details of their private sector engagement experiences. Participants will be provided a platform to share their Corporate Social Responsibility experiences that will contribute to creating an evidence base on best practices and identifying possible areas of collaboration.

The workshop will be held on May 25, 2010, in Colombo.

Established in 1950 on the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka, CARE International Sri Lanka is committed to improving the economic and societal conditions of the marginalized communities in the country.

The organization has worked closely with the Government, civil society and the private sector at the district, national and international level.

Initially the organization focused on areas of food and livelihood security and improving maternal and child health. Having diversified its operations to address the changing needs of society, CARE’s current focuses seek to address the multidimensional aspects of poverty and social injustice in the country.

Today its efforts benefit over 200,000 persons living in nine districts located in the Central, North Central, Northern, Southern and Eastern Provinces.

Brandix Shared Services Centre receives ISO 9001:2008 certification

Brandix Mercury, the sophisticated Shared Services Centre of the Brandix Group, has received the ISO 9001:2008 certification for its processes and documentation, achieving another milestone in its progression into a driver of process standardisation, process documentation and the harmonization of

accounting standards and practices across all businesses of the Group.

The certification by International Certification Services (ICS) of Mumbai covers ‘Provision of financial and accounting services for the Brandix Group’ and was obtained after a four and a half month initiative to identify and conform with compliance parameters, the company said.

Presenting the ISO certificate to Brandix CEO Ashroff Omar, Brandix Mercury Team Leader - Strategic Enablement Ishan Pethiyagoda said the certification was obtained relatively quickly because a gap analysis conducted at the start of the project in November 2009 had revealed that the Shared Services Centre was 70 percent in conformity with the requirements for ISO 9001:2008 even before it formally began the process leading to certification.

He said the next goal of Brandix Mercury is ISO 27001:2005, the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) and a global best practice specification in that sphere.

Brandix Mercury is responsible for the alignment of all financial accounting policies with Group policy and goals.

It provides centralised transaction processing and decision-support to the business units of Brandix with a view to moving their respective processes from different schools of thought to best practices that lead to long-term value creation. The Centre’s remit covers people, processes and technology and its role spans driving process excellence, customer satisfaction and cost reduction, managing risk and measuring and monitoring business performance.

AAP celebrates fifth anniversary

The Academy for Administrative Professionals has organized a series of activities to celebrate their fifth anniversary. A seminar for Senior Secretaries ‘Executive PA - Beyond excellence’ was successfully held at Colombo Hilton to coincide with the International Administrative Professionals Week. The chief guest at this seminar was former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. The awards ceremony and the annual members’ induction will be held on May 22 at Hotel Galadari with Dr.Kishu Gomez as the chief guest.

MoneyGram South Asia Middle East Conference:

Commercial Bank adjudged Best Agent - Corridor Collaboration

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been adjudged Best Agent for Corridor Collaboration in 2009 by the global funds transfer company, MoneyGram at its South Asia Middle East Conference.

The conference was held in India for MoneyGram agents across South Asia and the Middle East to discuss the current business climate and the company’s expansion plans in the region.

The Commercial Bank signed up with MoneyGram in 2007 to further enhance the Bank’s market share in the remittance business and to expand its presence to other parts of the world, especially North America and Western Europe.

The bank offers remitters the ability to transfer funds quickly from over 152,000 locations in 180 countries and for payments in Sri Lanka to be collected at 175 branches of Commercial Bank. The benefit of collecting payment through Commercial Bank is that funds can be collected even on holidays, at 24 Supermarket Banking Counters and seven 365 day banking centres.

Samsung to introduce 3D TVs

In keeping with its philosophy of “Turn on Tomorrow”, Samsung is working to introduce meaningful innovations for consumers all over the world. And the world’s First 3D HDTV launched by the company in New York in March this year, is just another example of the company’s commitment to opening doors to endless possibilities to bring a better and brighter tomorrow for consumers all over the world.

And Samsung will soon be launching its 3D TV range in the Sri Lanka market.

Samsung Electronics is a global leader in Flat Panel televisions like LCD TVs, LED TVs and Plasma televisions.

It has maintained its position as the leader in the global flat-panel TV market for the third year running, a testimonial to the company’s superior technological performance and the strong value proposition it provides to consumers.

With an impressive product line up catering to the growing needs of consumers, Samsung has firmly established its leadership in the flat panel TV market in the Indian subcontinent as well.

Samsung has not only established its leadership in the LCD TV market, it is also the first company to launch LED TVs in 2009 and 3D TVs in the Year 2010.

The Samsung LCD TVs are characterized by an Ultra Clear Panel, 100Hz Motion plus technology for smooth images, Wide Colour Enhancer and Ultra-high Contrast Ratios for richer, lifelike images which are coupled with a razor thin form factor depths that allow for more artful designs.

The Samsung LED TVs use LEDs as their primary light source, rather than traditional Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL). Benefits of using LEDs include ultra-high contrast ratios, slim depths that allow for more artful designs, plus increased energy savings.

The Samsung LED HDTV series is equipped with Mega contrast ratios, complements of Samsung’s ground breaking LED TV Engine. Compared to a traditional CCFL, LEDs produce darker blacks that appear endlessly deep to the eye. Whites also remain crisp and bright with vivid colours.

The result is picture clarity that measures up to the natural beauty of life. For instance, Samsung’s Wide Colour Enhancer Pro feature lets consumers enjoy a broader colour palette. The Ultra Clear Panel further allows the preservation of every detail even in brightly-lit, imperfect viewing conditions.

Samsung’s new LED HDTVs not only offer a lifelike viewing experience but break free from the conventional limits of integrating a television into a room’s decor.

By using Edge LED technology, the sets remain trim without cutting back on connectivity options and include a built in tuner.

In 2008, Samsung created its unique Crystal Design, which uses dual-injection molding to coat a translucent, coloured surface to achieve an attractive crystalline appearance. The latest evolution of Samsung’s Crystal design begins with a deep piano black bezel that fades into distinct chrome that finishes as a clear prism along the outer edges or light ruby highlights.

The intensity of the colour subtly changes depending upon the viewing angle, and further accentuates these TV’s slim bezels. Samsung’s LED HDTVs can connect to a variety of other devices and content with ease.

The USB 2.0 movie feature makes viewing videos and photos from a camcorder, playing music from a media player or accessing multimedia files from a portable drive simple.

The Samsung LED TVs come with a built in Content Library Flash which includes pre loaded content and lets users enjoy all cultural experiences including galleries, Games, cooking to yoga.

Energy consumption in the Samsung LED TVs is reduced by 40 percent+ versus traditional LCD HDTVs of similar size.

LED TVs are mercury-free and lead free, which adds another degree of environmental friendliness and safety compared with other currently available backlight technologies.