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IT Ministry, ICTA joint effort in National Hospitals:

Diagnoses, treatment data computerized

A national automation programme incorporating information of patients visiting the country’s Government hospitals has commenced.

The programme implemented by the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) it was officially launched at the Karawanella Base Hospital recently. ICTA says that according to this programme, relevant information with regard to all procedures and stages of Government hospital healthcare from registration of a patient on arrival till departure will be automated.

ICTA CEO Reshan Dewapura says that as a result of this automation programme the public will be able to obtain a health service that is more efficient and beneficial through the Government hospitals. While a number is issued to each patient on arrival and registration, information pertinent to all services provided to him/her will be computerised and shown under the said number. This will greatly facilitate treatment of the patient on his subsequent visit(s) to the hospital in a manner that is more comfortable to the patient and easier for the hospital staff to provide optimum service, Dewapura said.

While a website containing these data will be set up, it will facilitate retrieving of relevant information from the internet when a patient is transferred to another hospital for further treatment. As information about stocks of medical drugs and infrastructure facilities etc. available in the hospital as well will be computerised, this programme will also greatly facilitate hospital administration, Dewapura said. Telecommunication and IT Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and ICTA Senior Programme Head Athula Pushpakumara also participated in the launch of this important national programme.

ESOFT new intake for Colombo University BIT External Degree

ESOFT Computer Studies Pvt Ltd., with best results from the whole of the island in the years of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in the Colombo University BIT Degree examination, have begun recruiting students for the Colombo University BIT Degree once again, a degree with a high degree of national and international acceptance. ESOFT is the largest computer and ICT institute in Sri Lanka with the largest number of branches in the island and offering the most extensive range of computer and ICT education programmes at very competitive rates.

ESOFT Computer Studies Pvt. Ltd, Managing Director Dr. Dayan Rajapaksa said, “There is a high degree of acceptance nationally and internationally for the Colombo University BIT External Degree. Any one that have completed that degree can work in any state or private sector organization as it covers a wide spectrum of subjects in the ICT field. At this moment of time, there is a great dearth of professionals in the ICT field so the students completing this degree will not face any problems in finding employment. If you go to a University in a foreign country to follow an ICT degree course, you will have to spend about 10 - 15 lakhs of Rupees, but, it takes less that Rupees three lakhs to follow this course. This is an excellent investment parents can make to ensure a secure future for their children. At ESOFT, we only prepare students for the examination and give them ample practical training. The Colombo University is conducting the examination, evaluating answer papers, issuing results and conducting the convocation. All those are being carried out with a high degree of transparency and standards.”

ESOFT is a pioneering institution conducting classes continuously for the Colombo University BIT Degree from the year 2000, the year of its inception, and have shown the best results throughout. The Batch Tops of the Colombo University BIT External Degree for the past four years (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011) are students who have followed the degree course from ESOFT Computer Studies Pvt. Ltd.

Students who have obtained three passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination can directly enroll for the Colombo University BIT External Degree and student who have passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination can enroll after following the FIT course. Students can choose the part-time course or the full time course depending on their convenience. They can select any ESOFT branch convenient for them situated in Colombo, Kurunegala, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Negombo, Matale, Jaffna, Batticaloa and other main cities all over the island. The course fees can be paid in instalments and every ESOFT branch enrolls a limited number of students only.

ESOFT is a premier institution holding classes for the University of Colombo Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree, and is one of the three institutions that hold classes for the University of Moratuwa Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) external degree. Also, the British Computer Society (BCS) has given ESOFT a special disposition to conduct BCS Degree programmes in Sri Lanka.

There are 27 branches of ESOFT located all over Sri Lanka equipped with panels of lecturers well experienced in the ICT education field. ESOFT has an atmosphere conducive for education with sufficient laboratory facilities for practical training, library facilities and air-conditioned lecture rooms. www.esoft.lk is the address of their web site.

Dnata reveals new brand identity

dnata (www.dnata.com) the world’s fourth largest combined air services provider, has unveiled a new company philosophy and fresh visual branding after having undergone a global brand realignment following a period of unprecedented growth worldwide. Hundreds of employees from across the Group celebrated dnata’s revitalised look and feel, which include a striking new logo, at a launch event held in Dubai.

A new company vision, mission and set of values have been created to encompass dnata’s diverse portfolio of businesses and unify over 20,000 employees around the world. These will also act as a spring board for future expansion including the launch of a corporate travel service in India next month, capturing the essence of the company as a global player.

The brand refresh comes during one of dnata’s most successful periods in its 52 year history, as the company has transitioned from regional to global status. Over the past six years, the organization, which incorporates a range of services including ground handling, cargo, travel, IT solutions and flight catering, has quadrupled in size. It now has a global footprint across 73 airports, in 38 countries across five continents.

Singer makes ‘cool offer’ to pharmacies

With over 160 years of market presence and undoubtedly, Sri Lanka’s best known retail giant for household appliances, Singer Sri Lanka is offering all pharmacists special low interest payment plans on their air conditioning and cooling system requirements.

This offer is subsequent to the recent Health Ministry directive that all pharmaceutical companies or clinics selling medicinal drugs adhere to quality assurance practices by installing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in their premises. The directive is to ensure that adequate provision is taken in their premises to ensure the manufacturing quality of pharmaceutical products specified on the labelling and packaging.

Singer Sri Lanka has been established beyond doubt as the most trusted name in household appliances across the island with the recent recognition as the People’s Brand of the Year at the SLIM Nielsen People’s Awards 2010.

This is the sixth consecutive year that Singer Sri Lanka has won this award, thus creating an indelible mark in the retail industry.

In a statement, Marketing Director Singer Sri Lanka Nasser Majeed said, “We are in a perfect position to provide all pharmacies with the necessary air conditioners that they may require for their establishments.

Our renowned expertise in after sales service and the range of air conditioning units are available islandwide through our distribution network.

We are also offering these pharmacists very attractive low interest payment schemes as well as 3 to 60 months interest free and easy payment plans to enable them to purchase these units without delay.”

The range of air conditioners on offer under this scheme is well known brands, Singer and Samsung.

The Singer range come in BTUs of 9,000 to 48,000 and are factory fitted with anti bacterial filters, anti corrosive blue fin technology and outdoor fibre casing to protect against adverse weather conditions.

The Samsung range comes in 12000, 18000 and 24000 BTUs. They offer bio sleep functions, UTR compressors and a deodorizing filter.

These units are compact in design and are fitted with diamond cluster fins. These models are available in all Singer Plus, Sisil World and Singer Mega showrooms islandwide. With over 100 service agents across the island, Singer also guarantees free installation and three free services and the best quality high tech after sales services.

Metropolitan teams up with SLIIT:

Best IT student awarded

In support of the fastest growing industries in Sri Lanka, Metropolitan teamed up with the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) in awarding the Best ICT Student at the SLIIT annual convocation which was held recently. E Purnima Eashani Rodrigo bagged this award presented by Metropolitan Computers for Excellence Award in 2011.

The Best student was selected from among the BSc degree holders in ICT. The ceremony recognized the many achievements of SLIIT students in their chosen field study both abroad and Sri Lanka.

“As a keen supporter of education and career enhancement, Metropolitan Computers is pleased to be a part of this graduation ceremony. Information Technology is a key sector of the Company, and we are always looking at lending a hand to young ICT graduates,” said Metropolitan Computers CEO Niranjan de Silva. Metropolitan Computers (MCPL) is the Information Technology (IT) arm of the Metropolitan Group. MCPL is one of the largest IT companies in Sri Lanka and is a pioneer in introducing computers and other IT products to Sri Lanka.

Today the company represents top global brands such as Acer, Novell, HP, IBM, etc and offers a range of products from personal computers to large network solutions.

HNB Pathum Vimana awards Suzuki Swift cars

The four winners of the Pathum Vimana 2010 Special Car Draw was announced recently. N D Samantha (Kottawa Customer Centre), N Sriragavan (Sea Street Customer Centre), H C S Fernando (Kalutara Customer Centre) and K Thiagarajah (Jaffna Customer Centre) won brand new Suzuki Swift cars from the HNB Pathum Vimana 2010 Special Car Draw. The prizes were handed over to winners by HNB Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Alles at a presentation held at HNB Towers recently.

HNB Pathum Vimana is the largest deposit draw in Sri Lanka. This year the bank has already introduced the Pathum Vimana 2011 scheme which will award two Mercedes Benz cars in the year end premium draw. In addition to this savers with HNB will be eligible to win a range of prizes including cash prizes ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 100,000 from the Weekly TV Game Show, 4 tractors from the October Harvest Draw, 180 Motor Cycles from the Year End Max Draw, a prize of Rs.100,000 every week from the Sathiye Lakshapathiya Draw, a cash prize of Rs one Million from the Monthly Millionaire Draw, 2 Suzuki Swift cars from the Year End Car Draw and a luxury house worth Rs 10 Million or cash from the Year End Grand Draw.

New BMW X3:

Uncompromising driving pleasure

Prestige Automobile, the official distributor of BMW cars in Sri Lanka launched the new BMW X3. The new BMW X3 adds a new dimension to the pleasure of driving in its class through the establishment of benchmarks in agility and efficiency than ever before, while at the same time convincing through noticeably increased driving comfort.

The new BMW X3 has already been hailed ”Off-Roader of the Year by readers of Germany’s Off Road magazine in the “SUV” category just weeks after its launch. Started in 1982, the vote for “Off-Roader of the Year” ranks among the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany.

This accolade sees the new BMW X3 following the path of its predecessor model, which was voted ”Off-Roader of the Year” twice in succession.

Other achievements include winning the “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” award by Europe’s biggest-selling specialist car magazine “Auto Bild Allrad”, and earning an honourable mention at the Red Dot Awards 2011 – the world’s leading honour for product design. Prestige Automobile will be offering the BMW X3 x Drive 28i.

The body design of the new BMW X3 conveys urban elegance and versatile agility.

The combination of a flat front end and a high rear end produces, when viewed from the side, a dynamically formed wedge shape, indicating the vehicle’s sporting characteristics.

The convex and concave surfaces are accentuated with distinctively structured lines.

A generous and variable spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristic three-dimensional surface design provide the interior of the new BMW X3 with a modern, premium ambience and intelligent functionality. Brand-typical driver orientation is emphasized by the asymmetrically designed centre console.

The raised seating position facilities convenient entry, while optimizing the overview of the traffic situation.

NSB in Mawathagama

Opening of the Mawathagama branch of the National Savings Bank (NSB) was held at spacious premises recently and this new branch will offer its clients the bank’s full range of products and services.

The opening was officiated by Neranjan Wickramasinghe MP, NSB Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam, NSB Working Director Sumanadasa Abegunawardana, NSB Director Hema Madiwela, NSB, GM and CEO H. M. Hennayake Bandara and senior management of the bank and customers, attended the opening.

NSB Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam said that launching a new branch is part of the bank’s strategy to expand its branch network.

“We took the decision to open this new branch after analyzing the current situation of the market.

In addition to offering a more pleasant banking experience, we are incredibly pleased with the expanded capacity and look forward to provide even more convenience to our customers,” he said.

Equipped with a wide range of banking products and services, NSB is the premier savings bank in Sri Lanka.

The new branch is located at No. 54 A, Kandy Road, Mawathagama.

AVIVA NDB opens at Homagama

AVIVA NDB Insurance opened a new branch office at 113, Avissawella Road in Homagama recently to cater to the needs of the residents in the area.

The new office was opened by Managing Director Shah Rouf in the presence of a large gathering of well-wishers.

The expanding branch network offers beneficial products to the customers with value added features,” Shah Rouf addressing the gathering said.

NDB Bank takes Avurudu to Kurunegala

NDB Bank celebrated Avurudu this year with the local communities in the Kurunegala district offering special treats in keeping with the season’s nature of giving.

The bank sponsored a cycle race which was organized by the Kurunegala Municipal Council. With a participation of over 100 cyclists from all over the country, the race went on for 126 kilo metres covering areas such as Wariyapola, Hettipola, Kuliyapitiya, Pannala, Giriulla and Narammala.

The winner of the race received a generous cash prize from the bank while the second and third place winners also received cash prizes. In addition, consolation prizes were handed out those who got places from 4th to 10th.

NDB Bank also operated a mobile unit and gave out prizes every hour through raffle draws to all the participants of the Avurudu activities. A special educational yet fun programme - Tikiri Peya was conducted for children and they received special prizes for their participation.