ADVERTORIAL

LOLC powers green energy

LOLC, a premier total financial solutions providers in Sri Lanka, made a sustainable commitment to green energy by completing a 48KW solar system installation in its Head Office situated in Rajagiriya. The grid connected solar system, thus far the largest installation in a financial institution in Sri Lanka was commissioned in July 2010. Containing solar cells made up of eight arrays with eight inverters each having the capacity of 6KW, the Solar system can generate electricity leading to saving 15 percent of electricity consumption from the national grid per month. The system was designed, installed and commissioned by Access Solar Pvt Ltd.

With this installation, LOLC has taken further steps to incorporate environmental sustainability to the business. Access to information on generation of solar energy will be made available to employees through the intranet portal shortly, to educate them on this significant initiative undertaken by the company and to also strengthen their environmental consciousness.

LOLC Motors Ltd, a new venture of the LOLC Group has several eco friendly measures built into its state-of-the-art vehicle repair facility. To minimize use of fresh water, 70 percent of the rain water is harvested, stored, treated and used. Waste water from the service section is treated by a micro biological process and about 90 percent is reused.

The design of the complex maximizes the use of natural light, greatly reducing reliance on electricity for lighting.

The Group is conscious of the indirect impact the projects of their clients have on the environment and conducts an environmental impact assessment prior to financing any project or industry.

With its partner FMO (The Netherlands Development Company) with whom LOLC has worked together for more than 15 years, the Company has implemented an environmental policy which includes the environmental assessment as a mandatory requirement for any project funded by the company.

Training opportunities have been given to employees in this sphere by FMO. LOLC also offers credit under the E-Friends II Loans Scheme for any industry investing towards the prevention of industrial pollution & waste.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the LOLC Group Kapila Jayawardena commenting on the initiation of the Solar project said, “We at LOLC are committed to sustainability integration in to our business operations. Being recognized as an eco-friendly entity is only a byproduct of our effort.

Throughout the existence of the company LOLC has been mindful of our business footprint and this latest project aptly demonstrates our sensitivity to the environmental as an important issue on the current backdrop of climate change.”

Cleanliness and food hygiene:

Galadari receives Grade ‘A’ Certification

The Galadari Hotel was awarded Grade “A” Certification for excellence in Cleanliness and Food Hygiene by the Colombo Municipal Council.

The certificate was awarded in recognition of excellent standards achieved in food quality, hygiene and food safety management based on the principles of the Public Health Department.

The hotel was assessed against environmental health standards in food preparation and all aspects of cooking and cleaning.

The award was presented by CMC Chief Health Medical Officer Dr Pradeep Kariyawasam.

“This is a fantastic achievement, and I am really proud of the team.

This is an excellent depiction of professionalism and pride they take in all aspects of their work said F and B, Galadari Hotel Director Ananda Warakawa. Staying true to their promise of offering the best personalized service to all its customers, the Galadari Hotel has stood on firm ground in maintaining this position. This certification will no doubt add to Galadari Hotel’s strong track record of excellence in food hygiene and guest safety in keeping with international standards.

DFCC Vardhana Bank launches new loan schemes

DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB), introduced two new loan schemes: Vardhana Sandella - a housing loan scheme and Vardhana Nenasa - a graduate loan scheme.

The Vardhana Nenasa lending scheme, formulated to assist with a students’ higher education needs, is mainly targeted at the rapidly increasing demand for the funding of foreign education of Sri Lankan students. This retail loan scheme caters exclusively towards the educational requirements of Sri Lankan youth. DVB also has plans to further enhance this product by partnering with private higher educational establishments providing degree programs in Sri Lanka which are affiliated to reputed universities abroad.

Vardhana’s housing loan scheme, which was reintroduced recently, is tailor made to suit individual budgets. The newly revitalized product is a uniquely styled housing loan where customers can select a repayment scheme and interest rate to suit their budget. This kind of personalized loan scheme enables customers to apply based on their income levels, age and purpose of the loan - giving them full flexibility.

The personal banking activity is a fast growing segment of the bank’s business designed to address varying needs of the individual customers. They include products such as demand deposits, time and savings deposits, resident and non-resident foreign currency deposits on the liability side. The bank has a portfolio of deposit products to cater for the specific needs of customers such as children’s savings accounts, senior citizens’ accounts, undergraduate educational deposits. The lending products aimed at personal banking customers include housing loans, overdrafts, personal loans, cash-backed advances, gold-pledged loans and credit card services.

The personal loans are intended for purposes such as acquisition of consumer durables, purchase of vehicles, overseas university education, micro business finance, house renovation and financing similar activities.

NDB Bank pioneers ‘Jeevana’

For youth in North and East:

In a bid to empower youth and stimulate further economic regeneration in post-conflict Sri Lanka, NDB Bank introduced the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme. This pioneering scheme, an industry first, is targeted at youth aged 18 - 35 in both the North and the East of the island. In addition to ensuring livelihood opportunities for this segment, the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme aims to foster the development of skills and abilities of such youth in an array of selected vocations making them readily skilled and effectively trained for employment both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Having identified specific skills of high demand both in the present and future, the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme at its inception will target youth who wish to pursue a career in sectors such as hospitality, motor mechanics, construction and nursing. The Bank will be tying up with relevant industry leaders to provide the requisite academic training as well as practical placements to eligible applicants for a period of approximately six months, in an industry sector of their choice.

The NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme envisages a ‘hands-on’ on the job training with industry leaders that will lead to a career foundation rather than a mere academic exercise. Once obtained, the loan will facilitate the cost of tuition to be paid to the trainer, cost of tools, utensils, safety gear and uniforms as also an allowance to be paid on a daily basis to cover traveling, food and other ancillary expenses of the participant. Through this, participants of the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme will be able to avail themselves of a holistic benefit.

NDB Bank Chief Executive Officer Russell De Mel, said “Taking into consideration the target segment of youth in the North and the East, the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme is a Livelihood training scheme coupled with a special personal loan that will be issued at a very concessionary rate with a grace period for payment, making the scheme more accessible to the youth of these areas.

The eligibility and selection criteria for the training/loan scheme will be primarily based on the aptitude of the Trainee towards the selected vocation in order to encourage more participation. This loan scheme is part of NDB Bank’s commitment to development of human capital in the reawakening of the North and the East. The bank focuses on innovation and products and services that enrich and add value to Sri Lankan lives. It is my vision that this new scheme will serve to benefit such deserving youth, uplifting their lives and giving them hope of a brighter tomorrow”.

In line with the bank’s strategic CSR intent of Entrepreneurship, the scheme aims to develop entrepreneurial skills of these youth, by giving them the stepping stone to achieve their dreams. The combination of offering both educational opportunities, alongside practical training complemented and backed by theory, will empower them to make the most of their talents.

‘One for One Dining’ with American Express

American Express is offering Cardmembers one for one dining at a select range of star quality restaurants. Cardmembers can use their American Express Cards and enjoy 50 percent savings when they dine with their companion from August 15.

American Express partners include Chutneys (Cinnamon Grand), Governor’s Cafe, Sea Food Cove and The Terrace (Mount Lavinia Hotel), 1864 - The Fine Dining Restaurant (Galle Face Hotel), Latitude ( Taj Samudra), Sheherezade and Coffee Shop (Galadari), Alhambra ( Ramada), Tandoor (Ceylon Continental), The Dining Room (Waters Edge) and Flag and Whistle.

Cards and Consumer Assets Chief Manager Lewie Diasz said “We are privileged to join with such a variety of hotels and restaurants to offer this value added benefit to our Cardmembers.

We hope that Cardmembers will make use of this offer to treat themselves and their companion to a wide variety of cuisine available at our partner restaurants”.

The American Express Card is issued and acquired in Sri Lanka solely by Nations Trust Bank PLC.

Union Motor rewards star customers

Settling the claim in the event of an accident is any insurer’s responsibility. However, Union Assurance with the introduction of Union Motor Star offers a star class experience to customers by making purchase and claiming of motor insurance convenient and providing the customers with a truly rewarding experience throughout the policy period, Union Assurance PLC Assistant General Manager Marketing Dharshana Amarasinghe said.

One of the key features of Union Motor Star is the “Union Motor Rewards.” With Union Motor Rewards, customers can avail themselves of benefits including an array of discounts on vehicle-related products and services. The cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle is quite a burden on household budgets and Union Motor Rewards strives to alleviate that burden by saving money for customers on essential vehicle related products and services.

“We have partnered with over 100 vendors who are specialists in every sphere, such as mechanical repairs, car wash and vacuum, vehicle service, breakdown services, battery and mobile services, car audio and hi-fi, AC repair and service and many more, to offer exclusive discounts to Union Motor Star customers.

All that is needed to be eligible for these discounts is to have a Union Motor Star certificate. By becoming a Union Motor Star customer, the savings accrued from Union Motor Rewards help recover the premium paid for the policy,” said Dharshana.

Customers get regular SMS alerts on their mobile phones about special offers and discount schemes from UA partner vendors who have been handpicked for being experts in their area of specialization.

“We would kindly request from our valued Union Motor Star policyholders to be alert on the SMS offers. If you are a Union Motor Star policyholder but have not yet received any offers via SMS, please send an SMS with your motor vehicle number in order to get yourself registered,” said Dharshana.

Customers will also receive a Union Motor Rewards booklet which serves as guide that contains all the details of the UA partner vendors, their addresses, contact details and their special offers for Union Motor Star customers.

‘Decades of Supremacy’:

Lankem Agro holds dealer convention

The Lankem Ceylon PLC Agrochemical Division organized its annual Dealer Convention at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo recently. The event was held under the theme ‘Decades of Supremacy’.

Lankem Ceylon PLC Director/COO Damith Vitharana said “Our company has a vision to empower the farmers through continuous innovation and introduction of sustainable products to the local market. We will pioneer our offering in the next decade, strengthening long term relationships with our customers”.

Lankem Agrochemicals Division General Manager Nishantha Jayamanne said “It is our duty to appreciate the service of our valued dealers, sales personnel, customers and the loyal employees for their hard work and commitment towards our brand during these ten long years. I also want to mention and thank the Agriculture Department and the officials of the Registrar of Pesticides for the excellent collaboration extended to us during our long years of partnership”.

Lankem Agro has introduced a range of 35 agrochemical products to Sri Lankan farmers.

AOD implements Home-Ware Design Project

The Academy of Design (AOD) has always been active in fusing traditional Sri Lankan craft with modern design and innovation. Sri Lankan arts and crafts are phenomenal in nature and technique and have a fascinating amalgamation of nature and natural resources.

However, due to the past decades of unrest, the development of these arts with the movement of international market trends has come to a near standstill. Identifying the need to incorporate the expertise of trained designers and the skill of the craftsmen in order to produce world-class, internationally competitive products using traditional crafts, the AOD has taken the initiative to restore the glory of Sri Lankan crafts within 21st century sophistication.

With this objective in mind, a special Home-Ware Design Project deriving inspiration from traditional craft techniques was implemented by the AOD for its students. AOD has invested in acquiring the expertise of French design connoisseur Marion Marchal for this project in order to train young designers to incorporate their traditions and roots in their profession. Marion Marchal is a specialized home-ware, interior and print designer who has a sound knowledge in international market trends in home-ware and interiors.

 

Speed now in Rosemead Place

Speed Water Systems (Pvt) Ltd opened their 18th water shop at No. 38, Rosemead Place, Colombo 7 recently. Here, Kishan Kulasena receiving the first consignment of water from Managing Director Nishantha Delgoda