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Standard Chartered Bank marks AIDS Day

An essay competition for staff and their teenage children and handing out of red ribbons to customers at all their branches are some of the activities that Standard Chartered Bank has planned to generate awareness of HIV and AIDS, as the world marks AIDS Day on December 1.

The initiative is in line with Standard Chartered Bank’s key focus and global commitment to education and awareness generation in the fight against the spread of HIV.

Demonstrating its high level of concern In Sri Lanka, Standard Chartered Bank played a pioneering role in the formation of the Lanka Business Coalition (LBCH) for HIV, a non-profit body of corporations and businesses, established in 2007, to fight the spread of the pandemic. Standard Chartered’s lead HIV champion, LBCH Director and Legal, Compliance and Assurance Head, Rasadari Perera said that while AIDS in Sri Lanka is a low prevalence issue, awareness among communities is still the most powerful tool to arrest the spread.

“We still need to keep up collective efforts of education and awareness as these are the only ways in protecting the communities and critical in halting the spread, given that there is still no cure for the virus,” Perera said. Central to the Bank’s approach is the training of ‘HIV Champions’ to educate their peers and conduct ‘training of trainers’ seminars. Collaborating with the National Council for HIV and Health Ministry, to-date Standard Chartered Bank’s HIV Champions have trained more than 1,000 people including the bank’s staff.

Earlier in June this year, the bank globally launched an interactive web site, www.vir.us aimed at providing young, web savvy consumer audiences, relying on internet as their primary source of information with basic introduction to HIV education.

Chief Executive Officer Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar said “Nothing is more important to us than the health and well-being of staff and their families including the communities they live in and we hope this year’s essay competition will make a difference in addressing the awareness levels of one of the biggest global challenges of our time.”

Catering to the niche market:

Eesann Bespoke Tailors mark 20 years

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

People in this country prefer to dress well especially when attending important functions. Capitalizing on this demand Eesann Bespoke Tailors has continued to offer hand-sewn suits in its 20 years of operation in Sri Lanka.

The high- end middle income families are quality conscious and Eesann Bespoke continue to cater to the niche market. Sri Lankan customers have a long standing relationship with the company and this is testimony for the high quality service, Eesann Bespoke Director Saeed Ahamed said.

“Our prime objective was for Eesann to produce 100 percent quality suits. Eesann has been committed to creating designs that are comfortable, durable and of high standard”, he said.

Some view suits as being uncomfortable, due to thick fabric lining and other inner works.

However, this is an outfit worn on a daily basis in certain countries.

Therefore, suits need to be comfortable and we strive to do that, he said.

Eesann also undertakes tailoring with material provided by the customer offering the customers best service, quality designs and on-time delivery and assures high level of customer satisfaction.

The customers are presented an extensive range of woolen fabrics from Italy and England, imported from Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore while shirt material can be selected from the variety of Irish linen and Egyptian cotton. The high quality accessories are imported from Germany.

Eesann has around 500 to 600 captive clientele while completing 20 years in Sri Lanka.

It produces around 120 suits on monthly basis.

The company has a workforce of 22 employees and some are there from the inception. It plans to open a new store in the near future.

LG launches energy saving products

Korea’s LG Electronics Inc. have given the highest priority to developing innovative new products that protect and preserve the environment without contributing to the adverse effects to global warming. Since developing the world’s first CFC Free Refrigerator over a decade ago, LG has pumped in millions of dollars towards advanced research and technology to develop eco-friendly products to help save the world from global warming, conserve the natural resources, save energy and protect family health.

LG produced the world’s first Door Cooling Refrigerator, for which LG holds an international patent. Now, LG has combined its Door Cooling technology with innovative Green Ion technology to introduce a refrigerator that not only saves energy, but also preserves food much longer and protects family health. Green Ions released by a Catechin Deodorizer fights bacteria, eliminates bad odours and slows down the decaying of food by 2 1/2 times.

LG Low Watt Inverter Air Conditioner combines two of LG’s advanced technologies. Low Watt which consumes only 670 Watts and Inverter Technology to make an Air Conditioner that uses minimal wattage and saves upto 60 percent of energy consumed by ordinary air conditioners. In addition to LG’s already successful Health + Series, it is the perfect healthcare solution, that protects health and gives maximum cooling comfort.

A Skew Type Cross Flow Fan reduces turbulence in the distribution of air flow to eliminate noise pollution.

The LG Speech Washing Machine the first in the world is a unique development of LG’s highly advanced technology. A high-tech voice module incorporated in the machine actually talks and guides the user through every step of the washing process.

The user is thereby able to achieve the most economical use of detergent as well as minimal usage of water and energy. It also ensures a cleaner and quicker wash while saving electricity and water in addition to usage of detergent.

LG 3D LED TV is illuminated by innovative panels of LED’s directly behind the screen unlike normal LED’s. This enables the TV to achieve a mammoth 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for absolute clarity and picture quality. It also features Full HD.

LG Swarovski Side by Side Refrigerator is a unique work of art. It’s a masterpiece of the first jewel encrusted refrigerator in the world. It embodies the latest state-of-the-art design and technology with genuine Swarovski Crystals artistically encrusted in the door and handles of the refrigerator to adorn the kitchen with elegance and style, enhancing the features of this spacious refrigerator.

The LG Blu-Ray Disc Player permits the use of High-Density Blu-Ray Optical Discs with a capacity of 25GB on single layer and 50GB on double layer for viewing of 3D Movies. It has all the conceivable features of high-end disc players including Wi-Fi and Full HD.

The best part of the whole deal is that Abans make these innovative LG products affordable and well within the reach of every family through special seasonal discounts and interest-free easy payment terms.

ComBank launches e-Exchange in Malaysia

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has extended its e-Exchange Instant Money Transfer service to Malaysia by joining with International Money Express (IME), one of the leading remittance services companies in that country.

Utilizing IME’s extensive network of 58 branches Sri Lankan expatriates in Malaysia can now send money home with ease. Recipients can conveniently access these remittances through the 185 Commercial Bank branches in the country, a significant number of which are open even on weekends and statutory bank holidays.

“Commercial Bank has always been quick to recognize and respond to the needs of customers in Sri Lanka as well as in overseas locations,” Commercial Bank’s Operations Deputy General Manager Sanath Bandaranayake said.

“The increase in the number of Lankan migrant workers has created a need for comprehensive money transfer facilities in many countries.

We are taking steps to meet this need by expanding our e-Exchange facility,” he said. The bank’s sophisticated yet low cost real-time online money transfer service is already available in more than 50 countries and was recently expanded in Saudi Arabia.

IME is a reputed brand name within the remittance services market and operates in more than 20 countries. The company is principally involved in the provision of general and educational remittances.

National Business Excellence:

LOLC bags four awards

Highly diversified financial conglomerate, Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC (LOLC), was lauded at the National Business Excellence Awards 2010 held on November 26. At the event, LOLC won the coveted Gold for the “Diversified Group of Companies Sector” while emerging runners-up and second runners-up at the Best “Capacity Builder” and “Extra Large Sector” categories respectively. LOLC’s associate company LOLC Leisure Ltd. was awarded Silver at the “Hospitality” category for one of its hotels - Eden Resorts and Spa.

The National Business Excellence Awards is an annual award competition conducted by The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) which recognizes and celebrates the spirit of excellence amongst the local business enterprises.

Enterprises which have contributed to the socio-economic development of the country through its exemplary business practices are given the opportunity to display its business excellence at a national platform, while being further encouraged to climb the highest ladders of achievement. Institutions that have demonstrated excellence in progress in areas such as business and financial performance, global reach, knowledge integration, technological investment, capacity building, performance management, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility are evaluated and adjudged by an esteemed specialized panel of judges. At the previous year’s ceremony too, LOLC emerged winner at the “Specialized Banking Sector” category in its very first participation of this prestigious competition.

Starting with humble beginnings, over the years LOLC has rapidly evolved into a highly respected, extremely dynamic and diversified group of companies in Sri Lanka. Progressing from being a pioneer leasing and factoring company, LOLC emerged a leader in providing innovative financial and non-financial solutions to people and sectors in different spheres of society.

FutureWorld opens retail store in Kandy

Futureworld opened a new Apple authorized retail store at Level 2, 2A, Kandy City Centre, Dalada Veediya, Kandy. The new store offers shoppers in Kandy the opportunity to learn and experience Apple’s innovative products and solutions in a modern and welcoming environment. The new store offers the complete range of Mac’s, including desktops, notebooks, displays and software together with the full range of iPod digital music players and iPod accessories.

FutureWorld Business Manager Ponnin Selvan said: ‘We’re very excited to open an Apple authorized retail store in Kandy. Customers can now visit our store to feel, touch, try and purchase the full range of Apple products and accessories. We offer excellent personal service for home and business users that includes installation, training and after sales support.” Thakral Group, Sri Lanka General Manager Manish Fitkariwala said, “Apple Retail stores (FutureWorld) is one of our key business initiatives for Sri Lanka, The Colombo FutureWorld Store has been a phenomenal success story for us and our second store in Kandy is one of our foot steps in building a chain of outlets for Apple range of products across the island.”

At FutureWorld knowledgeable experts are available to help visitors learn about all the latest products from Apple. The hands-on experience provides visitors with an opportunity to test-drive Apple’s entire product line from the latest Mac Book and Mac Book Pro, through to Apple’s full line of desktop computers including the Mac Pro, Mac and Mac Mini and the newest additions to the iPod family.

FutureWorld offers customer service and advice from experts for both consumer and enterprise customers. Apple Premium Resellers also offer regular in-store demonstrations and training to help customers get the most out of their purchase.

Lanka IOC opens outlet at Marawila

An all-new innovative fuel-retail outlet equipped with the latest technology, environment-friendly lighting and washrooms with special facilities for physically challenged persons was opened at Marawila, on the Puttalam Highway by Lanka IOC PLC recently.

Built at a cost of Rs 15 million this is the first Lanka IOC fuel outlet in the country to be completely constructed by the company. Its opening brings the number of LIOC outlets in Sri Lanka to 153. “Our first 152 outlets in Sri Lanka were renovations of existing petrol sheds,” Lanka IOC Managing Director K R Suresh Kumar said. “The new Marawila outlet will therefore serve as a prototype and a benchmark for a wholly LIOC designed and built mo3dern fuel retail station,” he said.

The new outlet was inaugurated by the newly appointed Lanka IOC PLC Chairman G C Daga during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Abans wins Silver

Best E-Commerce website :

Abans was the recipient of the Silver Award for the ‘Best E-Commerce Website in Sri Lanka’ at the Best Web Competition conducted by LK Domain Registry, on November 12, at the Galle Face Hotel, for their on-line shopping portal www.buyabans.lk

Buyabans.lk was created by Abans (Pvt) Ltd., to cater to the requirements of Sri Lankan expatriates who desire to send gifts of home appliances to their family and friends in Sri Lanka on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas, Sinhala & Tamil New Year, Ramazan Festival etc.

Sri Lankan expatriates living or working abroad have in the past experienced many problems when sending gifts to friends and loved ones in Sri Lanka. Breakages in transit, high freight, insurance and transport costs are some of the problems they have been faced with. But now, thanks to Buyabans.com, they can forget about all the hassles and costs, the weight of the package or breakages during transit. All they have to do is get on to a computer, log on to Abans Shopping Portal www.buyabans.lk and select the product they wish to purchase, from a wide range of useful appliances, entertainment systems, crockery, glassware, cookware and more.

They can conveniently use their credit card for payment through “Secure Payment Gateway” which is facilitated by two trusted service providers in the banking sector; HSBC and American Express-Nations Trust Bank and recently extended their payment modes by accepting direct remittances and bank transfers by joining with Commercial Bank PLC.

Odel unveils newlook online store

Shoppers who prefer not to let their feet do the walking can now enjoy even more fun, and extra personalized, convenient and secure online shopping from the comfort of their homes or offices with the recent revamping of the official Odel website.

This user-friendly website www.odel.lk has been designed and developed by the reputed local web-based software solutions provider E-beyonds (Pvt) Limited. It provides the latest information on and access to promotions and sales and the full range of products and brands of the company in a clear and browser-friendly format.

Enhanced e-commerce features help the on-line shopper get a feel for the product being purchased even though it cannot be physically felt. Features such as ‘Tell a friend’ and ‘Most popular searches’ help shoppers stay in touch with what is currently being purchased and to share the experience with friends.

The website’s improved features such as a ‘chat option’ have made it easier for customers to contact and directly pose their queries to the company, while attractive and colourful themes have increased the site’s visual appeal. Customers can also sign up for an account with Odel online to receive regular updates.

Delivery to virtually anywhere in the world or in Sri Lanka is guaranteed by Odel.

“The Odel website has been improved to provide online shoppers a ‘look and feel’ that is as close as possible, to the regular shopping experience,” said Odel founder and CEO Otara Gunewardene. “This has been achieved by replicating nearly the complete range in the store and by adding sophisticated new features,” she said.

Growth in computer literacy and use of credit cards, the need for enhanced security in online transactions, a need to provide better access to Odel’s international customers and plans and a decision to increase presence in the expanding online apparel retail market motivated the re-launch of the official website, the company said.

The Odel website was adjudged Best e-commerce site in Sri Lanka in 2009 and 2010 at the annual ‘Best Web’ awards presented by the LK Domain Registry Office.

Renuka Agri wins Silver Effie

One year on since its very successful initial public offering, Renuka Agri Foods PLC embarks on a major expansion drive.

The company said that it tied up with GraceKennedy Ltd, one of the Caribbean's largest and most dynamic corporate entities, to embark on the commercial operations of its beverage expansion project next year. Under this project it will manufacture and pack Coconut Water in aseptic retail packaging and also produce a range of beverages for the international markets. GraceKennedy Ltd is a long-standing customer and a current share-holder of Renuka Agri Foods PLC. It is a public company listed on the stock exchanges of Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The GraceKennedy Group comprises a varied network of some 60 subsidiaries and associated companies located across the Caribbean and in North and Central America and the United Kingdom.

"Renuka's Coconut Water will be the flagship item of a range of exciting products in the company's tetra pack expansion. Alongside Coconut Water will also be a variety of other organic and functional drinks using Sri Lankan agricultural raw materials. Renuka Agri Foods will achieve this through the utilization of the balance funds from the Initial Public Offering of 2009.

This is set to be an exciting venture for Renuka, providing and promoting both the unique flavour, and the considerable health benefits of Sri Lanka's coconut to a thirsty international market," said a Renuka Agri Foods PLC spokesperson.

Renuka Coconut Milk Powder is available in 34 international markets, including Sri Lanka.

It was placed among the top 100 most valuable brands in the country in the Brand Finance Annual Publication released in 2010.

Its "Van Wars / Van Yuddaya" campaign by Grant McCann Erickson recently won a Silver Effie at the Sri Lanka Effie Awards for the unique concept of creating awareness for Renuka Coconut Milk Powder among the 180 vans that transport working women on a daily basis.

Renuka Agri Foods was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in January 2010 after its Initial Public Offering of November 2009 opened and closed on the same day.

The company is part of the Renuka Holdings PLC Group and already holds the title of Sri Lanka's premium manufacturer and exporter of coconut-based food products.

TBWA, TAL wins Bronze at Effies 2010

It was a night of jubilation for TBWA and TAL winning recognition at Effies 2010 for all three entries submitted.

Winning a Bronze for one and the other two entries being nominated is indeed significant and more so because this is the first time that TBWA and TAL participated at Effies.

The Bronze was won for their entry Prima Kottumee - Rambari the instant noodles with a spicy twist, for their Client, Ceylon Agro Industries in the category ' Packaged Food -Snacks/Desserts/ Confectionery'.

Getting into nominee status were the CSR campaign for Aviva NDB Insurance - Poson (a celebrated annual Buddhist festival) in the Corporate Reputation/Professional Services category and the Insurance Agents Campaign, also for Aviva NDB Insurance - the only nominee in the Insurance category. It is noteworthy that there were no awards in these categories.

The Bronze winner, Prima Kottumee - Rambari, campaign launched in 2009 instantly captured the hearts and minds of the 16 plus target audience. All communication was based on insights relevant to the youth. Creative strategy revolved around fun and music while media strategy explored unconventional means of reaching the audience. As a result Kottumee sales skyrocketed.

TBWA and TAL Managing Director Renuka Marshall said that the secret of success was the excellent team work. "On the one hand there was the Agency team which had the passion and commitment.

Then we had a client willing to step out from tradition and who appreciated our efforts. Of course, the real winner was disruption,." she said, adding "the combination was explosive convincing the eminent Effies jury that we were among the best."

Effies 2010 had 87 entries of which there were only 16 awards. There wasn't a single Gold - just five Silvers - and 11 Bronzes.

This is a clear indication of how stringent the marking system was.

Incidentally, it was a fitting celebration for TBWA and TAL on the eve of their fourth birthday in December.

Fighting AIDS epidemic in Sri Lanka:

Caltex creates ambassadors

Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, manufacturer and marketeer of Caltex branded Lubricants in Sri Lanka, recently joined with the Lanka Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS to train private sector employees as ambassadors to fight the AIDS epidemic in the country. The HIV and AIDS virus is a fast spreading illness in Sri Lanka. Statistics reveal that approximately 40 percent of the new infections that occur take place among youth aged between 15 and 24 years.

Responding to the threat affecting the social well-being and development of the community, Caltex stepped forward to help eradicate the spread of AIDS through a major awareness campaign for over 1000 private sector employees in the country. A series of awareness building seminars will be conducted together with the Lanka Business Coalition, with the specific aim of building AIDS ambassadors on 'Safety, Protection and Awareness'. This special private sector task force of ambassadors will be trained to campaign critical messages on HIV and AIDS to the public at large.

The seminars will be conducted by expert HIV and AIDS trainers using practical demonstrations on preventative methods and group discussions.

"Caltex is a committed corporate ambassador for HIV and AIDS in the country. Creating awareness to stop the spread of the fatal virus has been a concerted effort on our part. We have been involved in several awareness communication campaigns in the past. However this year, we felt it was a vital need to take on a more aggressive role where we promote the concept of 'ambassadorship' to the private sector. We strongly believe that this training mechanism will help us reach thousands of Sri Lankans across the country," said Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC Managing Director and CEO Kishu Gomes.

Approximately 75 - 90 percent of the people infected are not aware of the infection till a very late stage, which in most cases is too late to begin treatment. "Once you're infected, the productivity of the individual reduces dramatically. As a result, we lose the potential human resource and contribution by that employee towards the economy. This is a significant loss considering this scenario in the context of approximately 3000 Sri Lankans being infected, with the number increasing on a yearly basis," he said.

Caltex is an active member of the Lanka Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS (LBCH). The Coalition was established after the eighth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICCAP) which was held in Sri Lanka in August 2007. LBCH is modelled on the Global Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS and is a member of the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS.

The goal of LBCH is to leverage the business community to make a committed response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. It also provides a platform from which policies and awareness programs can be coordinated and executed efficiently by pooling resources and knowledge that exists within the business community.

Caltex, together with the Lanka Business Coalition will work to significantly contribute in making Sri Lanka a community united in purpose, to help eradicate the spread of HIV and AIDS.