ADVERTORIAL

Amana Bank commercial operations commence today

Amana Bank, Sri Lanka’s first licenced commercial bank to operate fully under the principles of Islamic banking, opens for business today. A launch event to mark the opening was held at the bank’s Corporate Office at 480, Galle Road, Colombo 3 with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal attending as the chief guest. Breaking new ground and carrying Islamic banking products to all Sri Lankans, the Bank launches itself through the statement, “It’s Your Bank.”

It stands on the steadfast belief that it is a unique banking concept in line with everyone’s faiths, principles and expectations; it is a bank that yearns to ensure prosperity and true happiness to all customers through its unique, humane and honourable values.

Islamic banking is in fact a concept gaining fast popularity and acceptance across the world. Guided by strong values and ethics the banking model has shown great resilience during the recent global economic downturn and as a result is now emerging as a popular alternative to conventional banking.

Amana Bank will be offering a range of financial products and services including current accounts, savings accounts, children’s savings Accounts, term investment accounts, home financing, SME banking, corporate banking, trade services and treasury services. It will be opening its doors to the public across 14 branch locations with presence in Colombo 3 (Main Branch and Ladies’ Branch), Pettah, Kandy, Kurunegala, Akurana, Gampola, Mawanella, Galle, Oddamavadi, Kattankudy, Kalmunai, Akkaraipattu and Sammanthurai.

Airtel Lanka clinches award

South Asia’s Best Operating Unit:

At the recently held Airtel Achievers Club award ceremony in Singapore, Airtel Lanka emerged champions, clinching the much coveted Award for Best Operating Unit in South Asia for 2010/11. The Airtel Achievers’ Club is an annual contest in which all Airtel business units in South Asia compete on excellence in business deliverables to vie for the Airtel Achievers Club Award.

With this, Airtel Lanka becomes Bharti Airtel’s No 1 Sales and Marketing Team in South Asia.

South India and Sri Lanka Operations Director Vineet Taneja said, “For Sri Lanka to have emerged victorious from all circles and country operations across Airtel in South Asia comes as no surprise to us, given the overwhelming response the brand has received from Sri Lankan customers since launch of services, and given the company’s commitment to make Airtel available at every touch point throughout Sri Lanka.

“The recognition received for both fastest growing and fastest expanding network service provider in the history of Sri Lanka, stems from the dynamism embodied by all Airtel team members, which in turn, has translated into Sri Lanka’s achievement of the award for best operating unit in 2010/11. I congratulate the Airtel Lanka team for winning the hearts of Sri Lankans in record time, by taking them closer to what they truly love.”

The Airtel Achievers Club recognizes top performing units from across Airtel’s 23 business circles in India as well as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Governed by revenue generation based on topline delivery, sales led achievement and performance in value added services, among other determinant variables that make up the award, the top sales and marketing teams are selected from across the company’s business units comprising mobile, broadband, digital TV and fixed line operations.

Since its launch in early 2009, Airtel has accrued a number of accolades for itself in Sri Lanka. This recognition is one among them, and will no doubt pave the way for greater achievements in service delivery, through business excellence.

Novel credit card promotion successful

The “Nail It Everyday” promotion launched by HSBC in July has resulted in phenomenal success with cardholders reaping maximum benefits each day of the week. The novel promotion that extends into August has brought in more new merchants to the fold, offering exciting new offers across the categories of dinning, clothing, fuel, shopping, fast food and lodging.

Never before has HSBC Credit Cardholders seen such an intensity of privileges on a daily basis. Needless to say, the promotion has no doubt been mutually beneficial to both customer and merchant partners alike, bringing in staggering numbers in terms of sales and revenue generation.

It not only attracted large numbers of HSBC’s much valued loyal credit cardholders, but also ran seamlessly from a delivery and fulfillment standpoint. The answer to HSBC’s successful campaign is simple; offer something of value and something that customers view as relevant and appealing!

July, began with exclusive dining deals at leading hotels and restaurants that appealed to all food lovers who got to savour various cuisines through HSBC’s Amazing Dines Free Relay. The much anticipated Trendy Tuesday, had cardholders whisking goods off the shelves of Cotton Collection, Triumph, Mondy’s and Odel with discounts of up to 25% that resulted in an overall increase in revenue of 600% on the relevant day it was held.

Mondy Managing Director Ranjan Wijeweera said, “This was by far one of the best promotions that was launched in time for the off peak season. We did exceptionally well as a result when compared to the April season.”

The ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ promotion held at Pizza Hut and KFC on Thursdays saw customers cueing up to purchase pizzas and burgers at merchant partner outlets. Similarly, Wednesdays resulted in cardholders amassing fuel stations for a 10% saving on fuel top-ups between 4.00p.m and 6.00p.m.

The other amazing offer such as the one rupee deals at all Arpico Supercenters from every Friday saw great success, with its unique concept sweeping the floors and aisles alike. After a tiring week of shopping, dining and filling shopping carts at Arpico the 25% discount at all Amaya hotels proved to be extremely useful when it came to being pampered, relaxing and reenergizing in time for the following week’s promotions.

Amaya Resorts and Spa’s Marketing Manager Hameem Farook mentioned, “We have seen an increase in the number of reservations made by HSBC cardholders at all Amaya properties, due to promotion. We believe this trend will continue with the August holiday season approaching, with more cardholders patronizing our properties and enjoying an exclusive 25% off until 30 September 2011.”