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Perfect faculty for aspiring fashion designers:

LIFT relocates in Horton Place

Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) announces its relocation to No. 87, Horton Place, Colombo 07. Nurturing young creative minds for over 11 years LIFT has carved its niche in the country for training fashion designers. The institute at its new location offers more facilities and opportunities for students in a calm and quiet environment that is ideal for designers.

Since its inception on August 8, 2000, Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology's only objective has been to develop fashion education and promote students who become designers at a world class level. Teamwork dedication and grit are the key words ingrained in every LIFT student. The distinguished faculty forms a very vital link between the student and their aspiring careers. LIFT as an Institute is producing fashion professionals to meet the demand of reputed fashion houses, Export houses, boutiques and the budding designers who come out with their own labels. The institute has its own unique way to meet the interest in the fashion community.

Courses offered at LIFT has a unique balance in practical and theoretical work that enables students to gain complete experience of a designer's role in the industry. From concept to creation of a successful garment is the outcome of brainstorming sessions, design development, fashion illustration, pattern cutting, garment manufacture, textiles, fabric embellishments, portfolio development, market research, fashion business development, fashion styling and photography, computer aided design with the support of Lectra.

Amana Bank, Bank Islam ink agreement

Amana Bank signed a technical advisory service agreement with its strategic partner Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, the pioneer Islamic financial service provider in Malaysia, at an event held in Kuala Lumpur recently. At the ceremony Bank Islam was also presented with its Share Certificate confirming its 20 percent stake in Amana Bank, the Sri Lankan pioneer in Islamic banking.

Under the technical advisory service agreement, Bank Islam will play a significant role in transferring Islamic banking expertise to Amana Bank. Having been involved with the Amana group since 1999 as a strategic partner, Bank Islam will render its valuable technical know-how and service to the new bank.

Bank Islam’s Managing Director Zukri Samat said This business venture was Bank Islam’s maiden overseas banking venture in line with our regional expansion plan. “Sri Lanka was chosen not only to capitalize on our existing presence and familiarity with the business environment, but more importantly due to its favourable economic prospects and tremendous untapped potential of its promising Islamic financial service industry.”

Amana Bank’s Managing Director Faizal Salieh commented on Bank Islam’s continued support and commitment to establish Sri Lanka’s first licensed commercial bank to operate under the principles of Islamic banking. He said “Malaysia stands out as an icon in the world of Islamic banking. I see today’s event here in KL as a significant milestone in the area of Islamic Banking cooperation between our two countries. We are indeed happy to be at the centre of this cooperation.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Bank Islam Chairman Zamani Abdul Ghani, Bank Negara (Central Bank of Malaysia) Assistant Governor Bakarudin Ishak and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Malaysia Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe.

Both Bank Islam’s Managing Director Zukri Samat and Chief Operating Officer - Business Support Jaafar Bin Abu have been appointed as directors of Amana Bank. In addition Bank Islam’s AGM and Sharia Division Head Mohd Nazri bin Chik is also sitting in the Independent Sharia Supervisory Council of Amana Bank.

Amana Bank is well poised to offer the Sri Lankan market a unique and rewarding banking experience and expects to commence operations during the second half of this year.

ETPL powers Jaffna University

Enhancing internet connectivity:

Enterprise Technology (Pvt) Ltd (ETPL) - one of the leading systems integrators in the country - successfully completed the implementation of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure project comprising a campus wide structured cabling system with both optical fiber and UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables at the Jaffna University. The multimillion Rupee project was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and managed by a monitoring committee comprising academics and administrative staff from the Jaffna University, the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC), the Peradeniya University and the Ruhuna University.

ETPL provided the best design for the structured cabling infrastructure and certified engineers to implement the project. The project included providing secure connectivity to over 2500 work stations together with over 5000m of external fiber and over 1300m of internal fiber interconnecting the entire Jaffna University. The project was carried out according to accepted international telecommunication industry standards. The network design incorporates features to scale and expand the network and connectivity as and when the need arises, keeping in line with the growth and expansion plans of the University.

The Jaffna University offers degrees in several disciplines covering computer science, arts, law, medicine, science, agriculture and business studies for over three thousand internal, over 800 external, 500 post graduate and over 350 students at the Vavuniya campus. The network and infrastructure was not available hitherto to connect workstations or to provide connectivity to the internet which limited the opportunities for collaboration, learning and wide-spread research activities at the University.

“We are delighted that ETPL was selected and given the opportunity to design, test and implement this project as the Jaffna University is the centre of education in the Northern Peninsula. The project will benefit the students, academic staff as well as the university administration by providing the means for enhanced collaboration via seamless access to each other as well as to the outside world via the internet,” said ETPL Chief Marketing Officer T. Janarrthanan.

ETPL is a member of the reputed ERI group of companies.

Asiri introduces Thromboelastometry Analyzer

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

Asiri Surgical Hospital has introduced another first of its kind advanced technology to its clients investing Rs 5 million. The machine built with German technology titled Rotem Thromboelastometry Analyzer is a powerful tool in the management of bleeding disorders and in providing the clinician ability to facilitate goal directed therapy in critical situations.

Speaking to a large number of Sri Lankan doctors, Prof Sukesh Chandran Nair an expert on the subject who arrived in Sri Lanka said that this analysis with a blood sample enables monitoring and fine tuning of the therapy. He said bleeding can be life threatening and always requires immediate action. Therefore rapid differential diagnostic information is the basis of targeted therapy. So Rotem analysis provides valuable results in 5-10 minutes and treatment can start instantly.

Dr A.Jayaweera of Asiri Hospital said that in addition to better patient care, this equipment effectively reduces cost. It leads to better control of bleeding with lower transfusion requirements. As it is designed to assess clot formation and can be used in even on operation trolley while saving lot of time. Risks of complications are also minimized as the trauma package come from the machine itself. Surgicare Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Analytical Instruments Pvt Ltd, is the responsible arm of marketing the Thromboelastometry Analyzer.

 

A-Z Electronics to distribute Philips, Toshiba

A-Z Electronics (Pvt) Ltd., have been appointed authorized distributors in Sri Lanka for two of the world’s most trusted brands of electronic products - Toshiba, Japan’s No.1 brand of LCD and LED and Philips, the leading player in audio and video entertainment systems in Europe.

Both brands Philips and Toshiba are synonymous with high-end, quality products, exclusively for discerning and quality conscious enthusiasts for which A-Z Electronics provide an equally matching high quality level of product guarantee and after-sales-service to customers islandwide.

Even the Japanese proudly say “You can’t beat Toshiba”. That’s because Toshiba’s innovative technology and outstanding design capability has surpassed its rivals by a long shot and made it the chosen leader not only in Japan but all over the world where consumers are looking for quality global products.

Toshiba 46 and 52 inch (High Definition) LED Large Screen Televisions come with unique Power Meta Brain Pro Technology which projects smooth motion, sharp detail and vivid colours for ultra-pleasure viewing, exclusively for those who want only the best.

Another unique product from Toshiba is the Regza Power TV, with built-in rechargeable batteries, automatically switches to its battery power whenever there is a break-down in the mains power supply. This enables the viewer to enjoy favourite programmes in Full HD without interruption.

Toshiba’s Computer Division, recently entered the Smartbook market with the new Toshiba AS100 and AC100, designed with a slate and traditional clamshell format respectively. Their slimness and light weight coupled with their always-on capability make them ideal devices for consuming media, browsing the Internet, viewing and editing documents, emails and other messages while out and about.

The slim and light-weight Toshiba AS100, highly portable, with its always-on capability, offers a high definition, rich multimedia experience no matter where you are. Toshiba’s Protege R700 is the thinnest and lightest (only 1.3kg) full performance ultraportable Notebook which includes the world’s first Honeycomb Structure and Fresh Air Cooling Technology in a Notebook. It provides consumers and business professionals with unprecedented performance in a highly mobile form factor at mainstream prices. The Android AS 100, on the other hand, is the ultimate for high definition multimedia experience.

If you are truly obsessed with sound, you can now experience surround sound from all angles, like in the cinema. Start enjoying the original cinema experience, no matter where you are in the room.

The Philips HD Home Theatre System is equipped with innovative 360Sound Speakers which are designed with sound drivers in the front and on the sides to fill your room evenly with surround sound for the ultimate listening experience.

When you go to the cinema, you don’t just watch a movie. You experience the thrill of the big screen and the booming stereophonic sound which makes it a special night out and a treat for all your senses. The Philips 2011 range of LCD and LED Televisions take you as close to the experience you’ll enjoy at the cinema, in your own home with the best seat in the house, without even buying a ticket.

The Philips range of portable products are luxuries that frequent travellers cannot afford to miss. Enjoy your favourite movies and music wherever you are with Philips Portable DVD Players and Hi-Fi Systems.

Visit your nearest A-Z Showroom to convince yourself that Philips and Toshiba products are unmatched in quality and performance, and at the same time make yourself aware of the periodic promotions and special offers that A-Z Electronics offer their valued customers.

Hyster receives FLTA Environment Award

Hyster Europe has received the Environment Award in the UK Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Awards for Excellence 2011 for its tyre saving technology. The technology, now available on Hyster Empty Container Handlers, significantly reduces the cost of operation and reduces waste.

“We are delighted to receive the FLTA award as it marks the technological innovation Hyster has achieved in tyre saving technology,” said Area Business Director for Hyster Europe Julien Monteiro, who received the award on behalf of Hyster, together with Hyster Brand Manager Kate Pointeau. Hyster Tyre Saving Technology is now available on Hyster 5-8 high Empty Container Handlers. Tyre wear can be reduced by as much as an anticipated factor of 3 for the front (drive axle) tyres as the typical conical wear of ‘fixed’ twin-tyre sets is eliminated. The differential is mounted in the wheel ends at each side of the axle, an innovation that allows the wheels to rotate independently, greatly helping to minimise tyre scrubbing.

Less rubber waste means a better environmental footprint, particularly when combined with the 15 percent fuel savings delivered by the new range of Hyster Big Trucks, which feature Tier 4 Interim / Stage IIIB compliant engines.

Ernst & Young interested in IFRS

Year 2012 will herald a new era for financial reporting, and will enhance the governance and financial reporting of Sri Lankan entities to higher levels.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka has issued accounting standards that are applicable for financial periods beginning on or after January 01, 2012, (SLFRS) equivalent to the globally recognized International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Throughout Asia and other parts of the world, including United States of America is making their way towards this change. Several expertise have given their views on the subject relating to the necessity and impact of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards equivalent to Sri Lanka Financial Reporting Standards, comprising of SLFRS and LKAS.

Piaggio opens showroom at Kurunegala

Associated Motorways (Pvt) Limited (AMW) recently added another showroom to their extensive network of showrooms spread throughout the island, at Wehera Junction on the Kurunegala-Colombo road.

From this new showroom at Kurunegala, passenger and goods transport three wheelers can be inspected and purchased with a guarantee, including the newest model of the Piaggio family, the “Piaggio Ape City” three wheeler. Customers can buy also these three wheelers on lease basis. Other than Piaggio three wheelers, Eicher buses, tippers and trucks can be inspected and purchased at this showroom.

The Piaggio brand of diesel three wheelers can be run for more Kilometres at minimum cost. A Piaggio three wheeler can be run for 38 Kilometres with a single Litre of diesel. The maintenance costs of Piaggio three wheelers are very low. The customers can purchase spares and obtain services from authorized islandwide dealer network.

After the opening of the new showroom, General Manager (Piaggio and Eicher) Suneth Sudasinghe handed over the newly purchased three wheelers to customers.

Sales Manager Amitha Gamage and Asst. Area Manager Sujeewa Somasiri attended in the opening with a large crowd of well-wishers.