ADVERTORIAL

AppZone popular with developers

Etisalat and hSenid's pioneering Mobile Application Eco-System, the AppZone is currently underway, with application developers experimenting their way to becoming the next best thing in Sri Lanka's mobile applications platform. Developers are able to browse and download applications, in addition to significantly creating the opportunity for non-professional Sri-Lankan mobile application developers to create, test and sell their own unique applications.

This unique project sets the stage for all budding Sri-Lankan Mobile software developers to experience rapid development and commercialization of their SMS based Mobile applications, developed by user-friendly development tools.

The five member mCabs team which submitted the first sample application for the AppZone were able to develop their applications in two weeks. They developed an innovative SMS based application which the team found effortlessly in-complex due to the systems in place by the AppZone platform.

The utilitarian application enables users to locate all of Sri Lanka's cab service phone numbers. mCabs member Gayan Withanage said, "We developed our application on the Aventura Platform within two weekends. The process was elementary since Aventura handled all the technicalities such as security, packaging and so on."

mCabs member Dinidu Silave said, "It is not rocket science. It was just a matter of brainstorming for a functional idea, registering on www.appzone.lk, downloading the sample applications, simulator and other related documents, developing on the provided platform and testing it".

Meanwhile, a Peradeniya University fourth year Computer Science student Asanka Gayan Ishara has developed an SMS based application enabling users to access islandwide train time-route schedules as per the Railway Department. He identified the need for easy access to information pertaining to train travel without having to call or visit the railway station.

"Once the idea was in place, the execution was simple - all I had to do was gather the technical background from the on line AppZone forum and follow instructions," he said.

Application developers can be a part of Sri Lanka's Largest Developer Community Base on www.appzone.lk., where development kits are provided to develop applications, test them with the simulators provided and submit them for approval and commercialization. Etisalat will share a significant portion of the revenue obtained through selling these applications with the developer.

The developer will also get the chance to share the application nationally and internationally thereby having the chance to build a reputation for him or herself.

Customers at the newly opened fashion store Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe

NOLIMIT opens gents fashion store

Sri Lanka's biggest fashion chain - NOLIMIT - opened its 19th fashion store catering exclusively to the fashion needs of gents at No. 50, Galle Road, Wellawatte, recently.

This exclusive fashion store comprises two well laid out floors covering over 5000 square feet with the ground floor dedicated to formal fashion-wear whilst the second floor is dedicated to casual-wear.

Trousers from MBRK, NLM, Topller and other brands, long and short sleeve shirts from Venfield Emerald, MBRK, NLM, and Xposed combine excellently with the extensive range of fashion accessories comprising ties, tie-pins, cufflinks, belts, shoes and wrist-watches to help the fashion conscious gentlemen to make a fashion statement both in the office as well as corporate function or party.

BoC International and Treasury Deputy General Manager HMAB Weerasekara drawing the super prize

'BoC NRFC Wasana' draw held

The second phase of the BoC NRFC Wasana' quarterly draws for 2010 was held at BoC Mawanella Branch giving away a super prize of Rupees One Million, 20 cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and 30 cash prizes of Rs 25,000 - each.

NRFC Savings accounts with a minimum of USD 5,000, USD 1,000 and USD 250 maintained for the entire calendar month of September 2010 were eligible for the draw.

Fifty lucky winners for every other months getting cash prizes of Rs 10,000 each for maintaining a minimum of USD 250 as at last date of the relevant month.

Taprobana 4WD Challenge:

MBSL Insurance goes off beaten track

MBSL Insurance, the fully owned subsidiary of Merchant Bank, was the principal sponsor of the Taprobana 4WD Challenge, which was conducted from October 16 to 21 and attracted an audience of seasoned drivers, navigators and their loyal fans.

The race was flagged off by the Co-operatives and Internal Trade Deputy Minister Neomal Perera at Waters Edge, with the Challenge then continuing in the jungles off Buttala.

MBSL Insurance Managing Director Sydney Gajanayake said, “We are pleased to be associated with this event which attracts a high end audience and is set to grow in popularity. We look forward to continuing our association with this event in future years.”

Gajanayake held up ‘Click and Go’ as an example of the kind of innovative product that is unique to MBSL Insurance. This new product makes claiming under motor insurance very easy and hassle free. “Being a newcomer to the industry we have clearly understood that to survive in the industry one has to meet the demands of the market,” he said “With ‘Click and Go’ when a customer meets with an accident they can take pictures of their damaged vehicle from their camera phone and send it to us via MMS or email. This is a product that will assist female drivers and the business community, who do not like to wait at the accident scene due to busy schedules.

“Also in today’s busy environment no one for that matter likes to waste his or her valuable time waiting for an assessor to arrive after an accident has taken place. A majority of the new generation mobile phones today has the camera facility, therefore it is easy for an individual to take the necessary photographs and MMS it to the MBSL Insurance call centre hot line.

“The key-differentiating factor is that our policyholder will not have to wait until an assessor arrives at the accident scene. Therefore through this product the waiting time factor has been completely eliminated. Our fully fledged IT centres and well equipped Motor Engineers will assess the repair dispatch an assessor with the claim form to your doorstep. Upon mutual agreement of the claim amount, you can sign the form and the claim will be settled by crediting your relevant bank account or by the delivery of a cheque.

“This method greatly reduces the unnecessary paperwork time, which include submitting of estimates and documents. This method can be effectively practised for most of the accidents, which take place. Our main focus is to cut down on the claim process time and this we have done effectively through efficient software and advanced technologies. Currently we see a very positive response from the market and our revenue is improving gradually. We are hoping the company would achieve a turnover of Rs 700 + million this financial year,” said Gajanayake.

The company underwrites both life and general insurances and currently has 25 branches and 40 development centres operating islandwide.

MBSL Insurance has re-insurance treaties with a panel of internationally reputed “A” rated re- insurers and these arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure the most prudent terms are negotiated.

Janashakthi’s Full Option Vehicle Emergency Policy :

Peace of mind to Sri Lankan motorists

Janashakthi Insurance Managing Director Prakash Schaffter answers questions on the recently launched Full Option Vehicle Emergency Policy

Q: What are the reasons that led to Janashakthi introducing a service of this nature?

A: The reason behind launching such a service is merely to give peace of mind to the vehicle owner. There are many instances when people get stuck on the road and are absolutely helpless. For example, you can run out of fuel, the engine might get over heated, the vehicle could stall or have a flat tyre so many things could happen. You might be on your way to a party with your wife and your vehicle might stall in a relatively unsafe area. You might get stuck in heavy morning traffic when people are hurrying to get to work. Imagine a situation where a mother is driving her children home and gets a flat tyre in the middle of the night. So many things can happen while you’re in your vehicle and you need a professional and trusted hand to help you.

Q: What kind of services do you offer?

A: Well we offer almost everything. As I said earlier, even if you have a flat tyre, we will come and change it. If there is a fuel shortage, our technical team, the Rapid Recovery Force will come and deliver petrol/diesel. In addition, jump starting of vehicles, changing the fan belt (when possible), diagnosing electrical faults, topping up engine oil and brake oil are some of the other services we offer. Furthermore, if by any chance you lock your keys inside your vehicle and face a situation where you have to break open the lock or even break the window you really don’t have to worry. We will arrange a locksmith to do the needful so that you can continue your journey with minimal hassle and damage to your vehicle.

We will also go a step further and offer an alternate vehicle if needed or even call the vehicle owner’s friend or relative and inform them that a breakdown has happened so the family is kept informed and at ease. In an instance when the vehicle cannot be moved from the location we will arrange for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to a garage close by.

Q: What are the other unique features that this policy offers?

A: Our wide range of services are offered in all corners of the island 24/7/365 days a year. Whether you are in Jaffna, Colombo or even in the heart of the southern coastal belt, we will be just a phone call away. Our Rapid Recovery Force consists of over 120 qualified technicians who are vastly experienced.

With a fleet of vans, bikes and tow trucks we are well equipped to be at your service as soon as you require it. We have over 130 affiliated garages across the island, which have been carefully scrutinised to meet the high expectations of customers. This network of garages has made the process much simpler and convenient for us, as well as for the vehicle owners. All services are offered free of labour charges. Our well experienced Rapid Recovery Force will assure that your vehicle will be handled with total care regardless of the type of breakdown.

Q: Is this policy only offered for Full Option customers?

A: Absolutely not! Regardless of age, gender, sex, social status or insurer, anyone can encounter a breakdown.

We have thought of this fact and have decided to offer this policy to Non Janashakthi customers as well. Regardless of whom you are insured with, Full Option Vehicle Emergency Policy can be purchased by anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Q: At what price will you be offering this policy?

A: Individuals who already have a comprehensive policy with Full Option, can add this on at a minimum charge of Rs 750 per year.

Full Option customers who have third party insurance can purchase the policy at Rs 2,500 with the third party premium free of charge.

Non Full Option customers can enjoy the Policy at Rs 2,500 with the same array of benefits offered to all customers across the board.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: We will continue to expand our 130 strong garage network and our 100 plus strong islandwide branch network.

We will also continue to tie up with dealers of spare parts, service stations and other vehicle related dealers to give a truly enhanced customer experience.

Our main objective of this policy is to offer complete peace of mind to customers, anywhere in the island at anytime, by being there to help a vehicle owner in his time of need.

ComBank donates Defibrillator

Commercial Bank, Colombo North, Senior Regional Manager Risijaya Sri Kantha donating the Defibrillator to the Marawila Base Hospital Primary Care Unit Nurse in charge. Plan Implementation Assistant General Manager Richard Rodrigo, Premises Department Chief Manager Bindusiri Perera, Commercial Bank, Wennappuwa Branch Senior Manager Thilak Wijesuriya and Dr. Sudarshana Arambegedara look on.

The Commercial Bank Wennappuwa branch recently donated a Defibrillator to the Marawila Base Hospital Cardiology Unit with the assistance of the Bank’s CSR Trust. A Defibrillator is used to reactivate the heart by providing an electrical impulse for heart patients in a critical condition. It is therefore considered a life-giving machine.

The Commercial Bank was informed of the hospital’s need by the Hospital Blood Bank Medical Officer Dr Hemantha Fernando. Marawila Base Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Sudarshana Arambegedara co-ordinated the event.