ADVERTORIAL

Sampath Bank Sanhinda Savers medical scheme expands:

More healthcare benefits for senior citizens

Sampath Bank's senior citizen's saving scheme Sanhinda Saver is especially created with value additions, in keeping with the requirements of the customer.

This special savings scheme allows the customer to draw a higher interest than normal while interest is also paid twice a month.

A special value addition given for the accountholder is the eligibility to receive exclusive discounts and benefits from a choice of healthcare service providers.

Understanding the necessity for regular health checkups amongst the senior citizens, Sampath Bank recently joined hands with Nawaloka Hospitals Ltd, Durdans Hospital and Oasis Hospital expanding their list of healthcare service providers thus allowing Sanhinda Savers to enjoy a more comprehensive package of discounts and special offers with a choice of hospitals! This ensures that the customer will be able to make use of these facilities offered on room rates, laboratory investigations, x-ray, scanning, eye care, cardiology care, dental, OPD consultations, ambulance services, pharmacy and home nursing services at a time convenient and at a place convenient to them.

The discounts offered range from 10 percent - 25 percent on the current rates and the Sanhinda Saver account holders are also eligible for priority servicing by the healthcare partners. To avail themselves of these special privileges, the customers need only to produce their Sampath Sanhinda Saver Visa Debit Card at the health care facility.

Electrolux keeps homes, surroundings hygienic

Today, after more than a century of experience and expertise in the manufacture of quality home appliances, Electrolux are evolving into production of intelligent devices that not only perform their functions to perfection, but are also multifunctional, meeting the everyday needs and making busy lives in the 21st Century more convenient and comfortable.

The world trend is focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development, which means producing electrical appliances along the supply chain that are energy saving, as well as minimizing and using eco-friendly materials for production and packaging of products. Electrolux strongly believes in and adopts green production processes from production line right up to packaging and delivery.

Electrolux is world famous for its floor polishers cum vacuum cleaners for durability and performance. The three brush floor polisher efficiently vacuums while polishing, thereby saving time and energy. Unlike in the past where vacuum cleaners were used merely for cleaning dirty floors and carpets, now in response to air pollution and allergens, they also filter the air and prevent exhaust air and dust leakages.

Electrolux vacuum cleaners feature powerful filtration functions that remove 99.97 percent of bacteria in air particles to result in cleaner floors and purer air. Electrolux Vacuum Cleaners are equipped with an "Ultra Silencer" making it the world's most silent vacuum cleaner.

Design is a factor that Electrolux incorporates in all their models making them elegant, yet sleek and simplistic.

Electrolux advocates the fact that the kitchen is no longer a smoky place at the back of the house, but a feature in modern homes where family and friends socialize and entertain guests. Electrolux therefore, focuses its designs towards multipurpose functions.

Electrolux's range of Cooker Ovens and Cooker Hoods are works of art, serving dual purposes of convenience and style. The Electrolux hybrid Cooker Hood is equipped with a oil collector and high sucking power of 1400 cubic metre per hour to meet the needs of greasy eastern cooking.

A spokesperson for Abans, the sole agents in Sri Lanka for Electrolux Home Appliances, said that Electrolux quality that lasts is never expensive.

With the popularity and demand for Electrolux products in Sri Lanka a new range of products have just arrived in time for the Avuruddha. Apart from Electrolux white goods, you can now purchase a selection of quality Electrolux Toasters, Blenders, Sandwich Makers, Juice Extractors, Jug Kettles and Steam Irons. These are available at all Abans Showrooms islandwide.

Asian Alliance introduces Global Medical Lloyds Plans

Asian Alliance Insurance PLC (AAI) announces the strategic tie-up with Global Assurance Group which will offer the Lloyds Global Medical plans to local corporate groups, local individual clients, multinational corporations and expatriates in Sri Lanka.

Increasing demands for comprehensive global medical insurance solutions with competitive rates have been a challenge to most brokers and clients in the market. AAI is of the opinion that Lloyds Global Medical plans will address this challenge by offering unique and generous benefits at affordable premium rates to local market. AAI's contribution to this partnership is a result of their superior market knowledge and expertise to ascertain highest level of customer service together with an island wide distribution network in Sri Lanka.

Asian Alliance Insurance is one of the leading composite insurers in the industry providing innovative insurance solutions. RAM Rating Ltd. has assigned a BBB- Rating to AAI underlining the claims paying ability (CPA), based on the soundness of the Company's operations and financial strength. AAI is committed to serve its potential and existing policyholders by assisting them to "protect the things they love" while honouring the fundamentals of insurance.

The brand name of Lloyds of London is well recognized as a worldwide leader in insurance with a long standing history of over 300 years together with its asset strength and credit ratings. Combining the reputation of Global Assurance Group as a Lloyds of London coverholder and years of expertise in global medical insurance has conceived an insurance plan of excellence, first class benefits and committed customer service.

HDFC holds the first ever branch felicitation

The first ever award ceremony in the history of the HDFC bank to felicitate its branch performance was held recently at the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo. Chairperson of the HDFC bank Siromi Wickramasinghe attended as the Chief Guest of the event.

The HDFC branches island wide were categorized under small, medium and large scale to evaluate their performance in the year 2010 and the Moneragala branch was awarded for the best overall performance in 2010 for its dedicated and efficient role in facilitating housing finance and providing other related banking services especially for the low and middle income rural masses in the area.

Seven other branches of the HDFC bank including the Hyde Park Corner, Ja-Ela, Colombo Branches in the suburbs and Ampara, Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala and Kandy branches in the interior of the country were also awarded for their dedicated performance in the areas of housing finance and related performances to empower the regional community in Sri Lanka.

The primary business objective of the HDFC bank is to provide shelter through affordable housing, the foundation upon which its economic and social sustainability ethos has been constructed upon.

Nivasie Developers leads eco-friendly real estate projects

Nivasie Developers the forefront of Eco-Friendly Real Estate and Housing Development Sector recently concluded the "Best Garden Competition" to beautify homestead gardens and promote green area development and sustainability at Victoria Range Bungalows in Digana, Kandy.

The Competition was held on March 27, 2011, and more than 30 Residents participated at this eco-friendly Competition. The selections were made by well-known Landscape Designer and Consultant Sarath Palipana. From the beautifully landscaped gardens, 03 were selected with greatest exertion.

Nivasie Developers has always been a property development organization that has in every manner made its fair share of contributions towards taking forward the Go Green Concept, said, Managing Director Herman S. Gonsal.

In all our Projects 40-60 percent is preserved for natural surroundings and the environment. If you take the Victoria Range Bungalows in Digana, Kandy, there are more than 75 varieties of trees which we have preserved without cutting to build the houses. Apart from that we have our own nursery in which we can boast for more than 25 varieties of trees and foliage. Even at the time of construction we have changed the position of the house, in many blocks of land in order to preserve the tree.

We at Nivasie, from the planning stage onwards to the completion, consideration is given to the environment, even when selecting the construction material as well. Most of the time our Engineers at ICC select environmental friendly materials, for a healthier living, as well as in preserving the nature. In all our projects its asbestos free, Timber free (except for doors), we use our own cellular blocks, whereby hazardous is not caused to the nature by burning of bricks. Solar power is used for hot water and we keep provision for rain water harvesting. Also, houses are designed in a manner whereby daylight as well as air could be utilized to the maximum so the consumption of electricity could be reduced, said Gonsal.

The Company also has developed mechanisms in which it has effectively reduced the carbon footprint and thereby creating carbon credit. Sustainability is now seen as the key factor in any business, and in the future only Organizations that make sustainability a goal will achieve competitive advantage.

MBSL celebrates 29th anniversary:

Assets balance sheet impressive

Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC (MBSL) commemorated its 29 years of contribution in the banking industry on March 4, 2011. It is a milestone in the success story of the Bank. During the last decade our bank has been strongly facing the challenging needs of the market and its customer needs.

The balance sheet strength of total assets has grown to LKR7.2 billion from LKR2.3 billion. Nurtured by accredited professionals with long standing industry experience, MBSL has established itself as a frontier in the flourishing banking industry in Sri Lanka with an unmatched intellectual capital of dynamic and dedicated staff of approximately 160 employees, specializing in the areas of Leasing, Corporate Advisory & Capital Markets, and Trade & Project Finance.

Our main asset is the committed staff base with expertise in any region that is anticipated from a bank as MBSL. Creativity and productivity has been increasing within MBSL with greater focus on staff motivation.

Embraced by the parental strength of Bank of Ceylon, MBSL as an incumbent player has projected immense comfort cum stability to its clientele, while blending with better industry practices with its international rapports through the strategic alliance with SBI Capital Markets Limited which is recognized to be the largest Investment Bank in India. Our branch network has grown from three in year 2000 to 11 strategically located branches island wide delivering fruits of its existence to the capital seeking entrepreneurs. The Board of MBSL to has provided immense support in reaching this heights which is a definite advantage for the future.

The year 2009 marked an end to Sri Lanka's three decade armed conflict and entered to a new era of peace with seeds of economic and social prosperity with opportunities of growth across all sectors of the nation. MBSL shall ensure that every business opportunity will be tapped at the right time with the right style.

In 2009 we took over two financial institutions which were in distress and since then commenced the turnaround process which has begun to reap benefits for MBSL. We understand these companies are at breakeven levels but with great focus on the core business of those financial institutions returns are expected to improve dramatically.

MBSL believes that the downturn is an opportunity to introduce efficiencies across all business lines which in turn will cherish towards a good platform for growth.

This would strengthen our structures, outlook for the future and to be more proactive in our business dealings. Forward thinking and building towards the future will be the key aspects that the Bank will look forward with focus on a sustainable brand management strategy.

Revlon Launches 'Top Speed Hair Color'

Revlon Lanka introduces their newest and most innovative brand in hair color yet - "Revlon Top Speed Hair Color." The advanced conditioning hair darkening color with speedy darkening effect colors hair in just five minutes leaving absolutely no room for grays.

Revlon Top Speed Hair Color is unique from any other in the market; the instant hair color formula is designed for maximum ease, care and comfort. Together with speed and ease of application, Revlon Top Speed(tm) Hair Color is free from Ammonia for greater gentleness and covers even the most stubborn grays with its Top Speed SUC technology (Speed Up Coloring Technology) penetrating every strand for beautiful even color from root to tip. It also includes Threonine and Hydrolyzed Keratin to prevent hair damage while coloring and its special after-color conditioner saturates hair giving a vibrant and silky texture to it.

The convenient features of the Revlon Top Speed(tm) Hair Color are perfect for on the go working executives.

It'll prove a worthy hair color product for those conscious of the need to color hair - but prefer consuming less time without compromising on looks, for those who are quality conscious and those who need to be socially and formally presentable at all times.

Certis Lanka receives ISO certification

Certis Lanka Security Solutions (Pvt) Ltd the Market Leader in Security Solutions in Sri Lanka was awarded the ISO 9001 - 2008 certificate recently.

Certis Lanka Security Solutions (Pvt) Ltd has been providing security services in Sri Lanka for the past thirty three years and during this period have gained a reputation for reliability and dependability.

Today they set the standard for Commercial and Industrial Security in Sri Lanka with a branch network of twelve, located in main cities of the island. Certis Lanka group is now in to transportation of cash and valuables, electronic security systems, courier services and home nursing, doctor on call and ambulance service through its subsidiary companies.

The company's services are designed to meet the individual needs of its clients, this means they innovate and redefine loss prevention solutions to meet the changing environment.

With the ISO Certification Certis Lanka assures its clients a continued fast and efficient service.

VLCC makes healthy investment

International wellness brand here:

VLCC, an international wellness brand, has made a strategic entry into the Sri Lankan market to further consolidate its presence in the South Asian region.

Headquartered in India, the brand is currently present across eight countries in the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East.

The opening of its operations in Sri Lanka highlights VLCC's commitment to the region, having earmarked an investment of US$ 15 million for expanding its presence in South Asia alone.

Wellness seekers in Sri Lanka will now directly benefit from VLCC's world-class expertise in slimming, skin and hair services; education and training institutes; and manufacturing and retailing of personal care products.

The international brand has already established two luxurious VLCC Centres for slimming, beauty and fitness in Colombo and Nugegoda and hopes to expand its presence in key locations across Sri Lanka.

VLCC Health Care Ltd, Managing Director Sandeep Ahuja said the decision to establish its presence in Sri Lanka was spurred by the increasingly evident rise in incidence of obesity as also lifestyle related diseases, coupled with rising disposable incomes and growing economic prosperity in the island-nation, along with the fact that Sri Lanka is being perceived globally as an investment hot-spot.

Wellness seekers in Sri Lanka can expect a combination of the time-honored tradition of the personal touch with customized solutions to address weight management from normal to medical/ therapeutic conditions; the latest skin care equipment and spa technology for "result-oriented" treatments; and medical skin aesthetics administered under the care of best of dermatologists and experts, along with an impressive assortment of solution-oriented treatments for the skin and hair, and high-end salon services.

All these services are now available under one roof at the VLCC Centre, rendering it a one-stop slimming, beauty and fitness solution! VLCC has a network that spreads over 237 locations across 102 cities in eight countries including India, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Nepal, Bangladesh and now Sri Lanka.

Led by a vision of 'Transforming Lives', VLCC Founder and Mentor, Vandana Luthra, opened India's first Transformation Centre in New Delhi in 1989, pioneering the wellness market in India, effectively combining fitness and beauty as an approach to holistic wellness.

Akbar Pharmaceuticals launches LINA

Formulating treatments for respiratory care:

Akbar Pharmaceuticals inaugurated for the first time in Sri Lanka fully equipped formulation development and manufacturing facility for respiratory care.

As the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry rises in importance as a vital sector to the economy that is entrusted with the well-being of the public, the LINA formulation development and manufacturing facility for respiratory care signals a significant enhancement of national capacity for research and formulation.

The grater achievement is in breathing fresh life in to an original idea - a Presidential Award winning invention - developed by a Sri Lankan, Dr Anil Goonethilake.

A novel product formulation, it is a unique inhaler device that facilitates fine particle dispensation.

Conceived and designed by Dr Anil Goonethilake, it was developed and manufactured by LINA Research Centre after intense research and supporting assistance by the Moratuwa University. LINA has also formulated and manufactured a specially designed capsule to be used with the device.

Akbar Pharmaceuticals, invested in the formulation, development and manufacturing facility for respiratory care knowing the risks involved in such a venture, but expressed complete satisfaction at the outcome.

"It is the first ever such centre in Sri Lanka," Akbar Pharmaceuticals General Manager Rohan Wettasingha said.

Considerable investment in equipment has resulted in a state-of-the-art facility.

Among many expensive research and testing equipment installed at LINA Respiratory Research Centre and Manufacturing Facility located at Borupana Road, Ratmalana, is an artificial lung used for testing how deeply medication penetrates the lung when using inhalers and other delivery devices.

a research and formulation team handles the sophisticated equipment in A sterile, climatically controlled environment.

Commercial Bank goes to Weliveriya

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has opened a Minicom in Weliveriya, increasing its delivery points in Sri Lanka to 193.

The new Minicom, the Bank's 28th Supermarket Banking Counter, is housed at the Cargills Food City at New Kandy Road, Weliveriya. It will be open for business from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm, seven days a week and provides year-round banking facilities to customers in Weliveriya.

The new service point is linked to all other branches and supermarket banking counters of the Bank islandwide, enabling online real-time banking.

ACL Cables sponsors Earth Day event

ACL Cables has strived to ensure that the well being of the environment is held paramount at all times by never solely focusing on profits. It is with this in mind ACL Cables undertook the title as main sponsors for Earth Day 2011.

Earth hour was held on March 27, 2011 from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Non essential lights were turned off for the hour during which the premises was kept lit by copra lamps which uses non fossil fuel.

A parade starting from Kotikawatta Nagarukkharamaya to the Sri Rajasinghe National School Kotikawatta was one of the main highlights of the program.

The parade was made glamorous by elephants, whip crackers, traditional dancers, drummers and flag bearers displaying the main theme of the event which is protecting mother Earth and the environment through sacrifices.

Australia's High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Kathy Klugman was the chief guest for the event while Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga was the Guest of Honour. The event was attended by more than 2,500 people which was overwhelming.

Earth Day is a global grass roots movement encouraging individuals, business and governments around the world to take an initiative in safe guarding the well being of planet Earth.

Cultural pageants such as Ginisisila, Pandam Paliya, Dekona Wilakkuwa and traditional drum beats added more colour to the event.

Unilever supports commitment to gender diversity

Unilever Sri Lanka launched its Women's Network, in support of Unilever's global commitment towards building 50 percent gender diversity and the development of its professional women managers.

Unilever CEO Paul Polman who heads the Diversity Board expressed the importance of building professional career women at management levels.

On March 8, the day the world celebrated its 100th International Women's Day, 30 women managers from across all functions joined to launch the first Unilever Sri Lanka Women's Network, "Women Connect".

The theme for the day was 'building professional career women in management'. The objectives of this network was to build and develop professional career women at Unilever and in the community through community projects and employer branding opportunities, and to build recognition and appreciation for the strength and talent of Unilever's women managers.

The network would also be an opportunity for Unilever managers to come together, engage with each other, and to share and learn through their experiences to support the growth and career of their fellow women managers.

Human Resources Director Sandamali Perera reiterated this objective by stating that the time had come for women to contribute towards the betterment of the organisation and to make their presence felt within it.

Women play a major role as consumers in the market, Unilever competes in and they become key decision makers who also influence major purchase decisions.

"They are like tea bags," she said. "You get the best of the tea when the tea bag is put into boiling water."

She said that women possess immense talent and capabilities are able to bring out their best when faced with daunting challenges.

Customer Service Director, Gayani de Alwis said that Sri Lanka held the 16th position in gender equality according to the Global Gender Gap index of 2010. This country is ahead in gender equality over many others as Sri Lanka has been one of the few countries to provide women with equal opportunities.

Currently 31 percent of senior managers at Unilever Sri Lanka are women and amongst the Unilever South Asian companies, Sri Lanka is the best in gender balance.

Keerthiratne joins Delmege Insurance

Sanjiv Keerthiratne joined Delmege Insurance Brokers as the deputy Managing Director recently. Delmege Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd., (DIB) is a member of the Delmege Group and has been a forerunner in the insurance broking arena for many years with many corporate customers under its portfolio.

The company is regulated by the Sri Lanka Insurance Board. Delmege is the current representative of Aon Benfield, the largest reinsurance broker in the World.

He was the former CEO of Lanka Orix Insurance Brokers and was involved with LOLC from the formation of the Company.

He is a chartered Marketeer and also a diploma holder of Chartered Insurance Institute - UK and has been in the insurance industry for more than 22 years.

He is the current Vice President of the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute and has been involved with the Sri Lanka Insurance Brokers Association as a Council Member and Treasurer for many years.

He pioneered the concept of co-branding insurance products in Sri Lanka.