ADVERTORIAL

CBL export revenue up

Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), is exporting its products to 45 countries while recording the highest ever revenue in its history. The stability and the consistency of the export operation is further strengthened by it growing by 15 percent during the global recession period of 2008-10 era where some companies were forced out of business. CBL is confidant of a growth exceeding 20 percent in exports during the 2010-11 financial year establishing itself as a strong player in the country's export arena. The expertise CBL has shown in strengthening its activities in the global market place with non-conventional exports has helped in building Sri Lanka's reputation as a non-traditional exporter.

Exports General Manager Jude Rubera with a visitor during a SIAL exhibition

With a history dating back to 1982, CBL had only a few limited export markets until the year 2000. However, the up- scaling of the CBL export sector began with the dawn of the new millennium and has achieved and maintained a steady upward mobility since then.

An operation which had only the Maldives, Canada, Australia and the USA as its export markets during the late '90, CBL has now spread its wings across all continents encapsulating both conventional markets and non-conventional markets for confectionery exports. Countries such as Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Tahiti and Fiji are emerging as the high potential regions while New Zealand, UK, France, Switzerland, Norway and Singapore have a steady following in terms of both value and volume. East European countries are the latest addition to the portfolio and while the company authorities claim that West African nations have shown the fastest and highest growth during the period in consideration. The consolidation of conventional markets and gaining entry into emerging markets saw a growth over 200 percent for the export operation of CBL during the 2000-2010 decade.

The export product portfolio is led by Munchee biscuits recording the highest volume and income. In addition Ritzbury chocolates and Tiara cakes have secured exports to 15 countries while Samaposha and Lanka Soy brands have strengthened their positions in ethnic markets (among Sri Lankans expatiates) such as the UK, Australia, the middle-east and Canada.

CBL Exports has extensive plans for future expansions. Rubera who is quite upbeat about the future said it is their objective to become the number one confectionery brand in Asia. To achieve this, the company has set an interim goal of becoming number one confectioner in the SAARC region. "We are also exploring the possibility of expanding our production facilities to West Africa," he said.

Diethelm to manage Hilton Colombo Travel Counter

Diethelam Travel Managing Director Harith Perera and Hilton Colombo General Manager Jerome Auvity signing the agreement.

Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka (DTSL), one of the countries's top DMC's (Destination Management Company) with over 30 years of experience recently signed an agreement with Hilton Colombo to manage its travel counter located within the hotel premises.

"We are extremely pleased to be affiliated with a prestigious international brand such as the Hilton Colombo and look forward to serving its patrons and guests with a fully integrated transport solutions counter which commenced operations on January 1, 2011" said Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka Managing Director Harith Perera.

Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka has been a pioneer in managing hotel travel counters across the island and currently manages travel counters in three city hotels - Ramada Colombo, Taj Samudra and Hilton Colombo and two resort properties namely, Taj Exotica (Vivanta) Bentota and Taj Airport Garden in Seeduwa.

"While we as an organization strongly focus on providing our customers with a quality-driven and customized Sri Lanka travel experiences, offering the best in transportation is a part of our responsibility. Hence, we have gone a step further by introducing the luxury SUV (KIA Sorento) as the vehicle of choice at the Hilton Colombo" said Perera.

Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka is a part of Hemas Holdings PLC which is a widely diversified Group of Companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Printcare EMS receives ISO

Printcare PLC, one of Sri Lanka's global players in the printing and packaging industry, became one of the first printing and packaging companies to receive the ISO 14001:2004 certification for the successful implementation of its Environmental Management System (EMS).

Organizations that achieve this certification can control and monitor the environmental impacts of their business and adopt a program of continuous environmental performance improvement.

"This certificate is only the first step in the Group's goal to be recognized as one of the most environmentally responsible companies in the country," said Business Services General Manager Krishna Ravindran.

"We needed to understand more about our impact on the environment and as these issues become more prominent we want to show more responsibility. As the leading printing and packaging company in the country we have a responsibility to lead the way on this issue," Ravindran said.

Semi annual visits by an external auditor and monthly internal "Green Team" meetings ensure a program of continuous progression. "It also means we can plan for other environmental certifications." "We have adjusted work processes, which are resulting in measurable improvements in efficiency across the board, this means that everyone will be a winner: our customers, the environment and our company, Ravindran said.

"The only Sri Lankan printing and packaging company selected as a Business Superbrand, Printcare is internationally known for being the global leader in the supply of tea bag packaging, supplying nearly all of the world's most reputed tea brands, Printcare is now a diversified Group which is also involved in printing and packaging for the apparel and FMCG sectors, security printing for the lotteries and telecom industries, printing and binding for the publishing and education industries, and specialized digital media services.

Here, Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer and Director Ravi Dias opening the branch. Branch Manager Annie Fonseka and Colombo North Regional Manager Risijaya Srikantha look on.

ComBank in Dankotuwa

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC opened its 188th branch at Dankotuwa.

Located at No 38, Negombo Road, Dankotuwa, the new branch is equipped with all the facilities available at other Commercial Bank branches.

It is connected to all Commercial Bank branches and supermarket banking counters in the country, enabling online real-time banking.

The two ATMs at the Dankotuwa branch are linked to 401 other ATMs of the bank and over one million terminals of the Cirrus (Mastercard network) and Visa networks worldwide.

Continental Insurance offers cashless medical insurance

Continental Insurance Lanka Limited is providing their corporate clientele with cashless medical insurance coverage. Policy holders could now enjoy hassle free cashless hospitalization in times of illness.

From left - Representing Continental Insurance - Principal Specified Officer Gerry Gunadasa, Director Chaminda de Silva, Director Suren Galagoda, Chairman and representing Iris Solutions (Pvt) Ltd D H S Jayawardena, Managing Director Anil Nair.

Continental Insurance announced a partnership with Iris Solutions (Pvt) Ltd., as its Third Party Administrator (TPA) to administer and facilitate cashless hospitalization. Iris Solutions (Pvt) Ltd., whose registered trade mark service is eKlaims, is a subsidiary of Iris Technologies, a UAE based company providing innovative products and services to the healthcare insurance industry in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) region as well as the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia.

Continental Insurance is partnering with eKlaims, in providing a cashless hospitalization service experience to its customers.

Continental Insurance and IRIS share a common vision of delivering an excellent customer experience in respective spheres of service provision.

This unique cashless hospitalization system offers Continental Insurance customers who are in possession of a Continental Insurance Medical Card immediate admission to any empanelled hospital islandwide without having to bear any expenses. Continental Insurance Lanka Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of the prestigious DCSL Group, is a dynamic player in the insurance industry and are committed to provide world class service in motor, fire, general accident and marine insurance segments in the country.