Advertorial

Ceylinco Life invests in own building to serve Gampaha

Construction work has begun on a new operational nucleus for the branches of Ceylinco Life in the Gampaha area, where the country’s life insurance leader has a dominant presence.

When completed, the showpiece three storey edifice will be Ceylinco Life’s 28th purpose-designed branch in a building owned by the company. It will be located at 91, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Gampaha, and is scheduled to be ready for occupation in August 2012.

The new branch will comprise 8,975 square feet of space of which the entire ground floor of 2,980 square feet will be designated as the Customer Service area. The first and second floors comprising 5,995 square feet will be designated for staff.

For the benefit of visitors and occupants, the office will be fully air-conditioned and will be also equipped with a stand by generator.

With the new office coming into operation next year, the existing network of Ceylinco Life in the Gampaha region will be significantly strengthened, the company said. Ceylinco Life currently operates two branches in the Gampaha town and also has branches in Yakkala, Minuwangoda and Divulapitiya.

The foundation stone for the new building was laid by Ceylinco Life Managing Director and CEO R. Renganathan.

“Our investment in our own building in Gampaha reflects the growing importance of this fast developing area,” Renganathan said. “This branch is custom-designed to deliver extra convenience and efficiency to customers and enhances the facilities available for the training of our sales professionals and staff.”

All Ceylinco Life branches are fully IT enabled and are computer linked to each other and the company’s head office using IP/VPN technology, providing policyholders with access to information on their policies from any branch.

JKF, HelpAge hold eye camp in Padaviya

John Keells Foundation (JKF) - the corporate responsibility arm of John Keells Holdings PLC, recently joined hands with HelpAge Sri Lanka and So Others May See Inc. (SOMS) to conduct an eye camp at the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Office of Padavi-Parakramapura in Padaviya. Dr. Palitha Bandara, the Regional Director of Health, Anuradhapura, had identified this area as one with minimal access to eye care services due to its remoteness and being part of the former `conflict zone’.

The eye camp that was held on August 23, comprised a cataract clinic operated in collaboration with HelpAge Sri Lanka and a spectacles clinic conducted in collaboration with SOMS and was patronized by over 460 persons, most of whom do not have easy access to eye care services. Of these, 54 persons who were diagnosed with cataract by the HelpAge medical team will undergo surgery at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, under the sponsorship of JKF.

Meanwhile, SOMS distributed 407 pairs of eyeglasses sponsored by JKF at the spectacles clinic conducted at the same premises. While the reading bifocals were presented on spot, distribution of the custom-made eyeglasses will be followed up by SOMS in mid September.

Dr. Nuwan Hettiarachchi, Lecturer attached to the Faculty of Medical Science of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and Medical Officer of the Anuradhapura General Hospital, was in attendance at the cataract clinic and offered his fullest cooperation to the organizers. Another 286 pairs of eyeglasses funded by JKF were distributed by SOMS at a separate eye clinic conducted in Padavi-Sripura on the same day.

This camp was attended by 311 persons of whom 35 were diagnosed to have cataract while 286 were issued with eyeglasses. The program was held in MOH offices in Padaviya and Padavi-Sripura to best facilitate access from as many villages in the area as possible.

Coca Cola dedicates new water, sanitation project in Kattankudy

Jayasri Jayakody in Kattankudy

The Coca-Cola system in Sri Lanka, in a joint partnership with the United Nations Foundation, dedicated a new water and sanitation project to the local community of Kattankudy, Batticaloa at a total cost of US $ 550,000.

The project aims to provide clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation conditions to 350 households in the region. The project is part of Coca-Cola Company’s programmes to promote growth and development of local communities for sustainable communities.

The completed project was handed over to the residents of Kattankudy last Friday. Coca-Cola Far East Limited Country Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives Abhishek Jugran, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Country Manager Patrick Pech, Coca Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Limited Human Resources and Employee Relations Manager and Public Affairs and Communications Head Rohitha Amarapala, United Nation Development Programme Country Director Douglas Keh, Child Development and Women’s Affairs Deputy Minister M.L.A.M. Hisbullah and Kattankudy Urban Council Chairman S.H.M.Asfer were in attendance.

Kattankudy has a population of around 40,000 in a land area of 6.5 kms making it one of the most densely populated towns in all of South Asia. The town was devastated by the tsunami in 2004, which rendered 99% of the well-water unsuitable for human consumption. Three-hundred and fifty households were living under extremely unhygienic conditions, with each house situated on less than six perches of land, which included a well, a septic tank and a soakage pit.

In view of the population density, scarce land and capacity constraints, residents had deviated from the Urban Council stipulation of maintaining a distance of 50 meters from the well to the soakage pit. This meant that sanitation and hygiene had taken a downward spiral, and the health of the local population was at serious risk.

Coca-Cola Far East Limited Country Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives Abhishek Jugran told Daily News Business, “The well-being of the local community has always been a huge priority for our company. We are proud of what we have achieved in Kattankudy. We are glad that we had the chance to directly touch the lives of so many families. We have overcome several challenges in implementing this project, and I must commend the UNDP for their excellent work on the project.”

Speaking to Daily News Business, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Country Manager Patrick Pech said, ‘We have always had strong values and human connections that we hold in great esteem. It is imperative to us that we are always present to help people when the need arises.

“I am very happy that the project we launched with the UNDP will help lift the living standards of the people of Kattankudy.’

The impact of this project promises to be staggering. Not only will over 2,000 people directly benefit from it, the new system is also expected to benefit the residents of the adjoining villages, which will promote greater harmony between the different ethnic communities in the district.

Asked about how they selected this particular area to carry out a project of this magnitude, Coca Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Limited Human Resources and Employee Relations Manager and Public Affairs and Communications Head Rohitha Amarapala said, “Initially this programme was proposed by the Kattankudy Urban Council to the UNDP.

“Coca Cola International works very closely with the UNDP especially on projects concerning water. When the UNDP forwarded the proposal to us with their recommendations, we agreed to funded though it was an expensive one. If not for the recent floods, which again devastated the area, this project would have been completed sooner.”

[email protected]

ESOFT offers short-term Diploma courses

ESOFT, the pioneers in the sphere of professional information and communication technology (ICT) education in Sri Lanka, has introduced a series of short-term diploma courses in the specialized fields of ICT, Business Management and English Language. The study programmes on offer are the Diploma in Information Technology, the Diploma in Software Engineering, the Diploma in English, the Diploma in Business Management, the Diploma in Computerized Accounting and the Diploma in Web Engineering. Students who sat for the GCE (Advanced Level) examination this year, job aspirants and people who are already employed, can make use of this opportunity to follow a short-term diploma course in accordance with their academic aspirations and individual convenience at any of the 36 islandwide branches of ESOFT Computer Studies (Pvt) Limited.

Diploma in Information Technology-This diploma course is best suited for beginners who wish to acquire a thorough knowledge in IT for higher studies. It is also suitable for those who wish to take up careers in other fields such as engineering, medicine, accountancy, management etc. to obtain a sound IT knowledge to boost their respective careers.

Diploma in Software Engineering-Sri Lanka is a prime location for software outsourcing resulting in a surge in the career market. This diploma will provide the student with hands-on knowledge in software engineering concepts, analysis, designing, project management, testing and development with practical programming environments including Java and C#.net Diploma in English-This course provides a comprehensive knowledge in English. It covers English grammar, comprehension and spoken English. The specialty of this course is that the knowledge is given a more practical approach.

Diploma in Business Management-This is the ideal course for anyone with an interest in business management from a practical point of view, or for those who would like to progress in the field of business studies. It provides the ideal foundation knowledge reaching into many areas of business management. Diploma in Computerized Accounting -This diploma course is designed to teach with practical approach about modern software which is used accounting.

Diploma in Web Engineering - This diploma course is designed to teach with practical approach about modern software which is used to create and maintain web pages. The City and Guilds ESOL and SESOL English Diplomas are also conducted in the islandwide ESOFT branch network.

As a professional higher education institution, ESOFT Computer Studies (Pvt) Limited offers students a quality qualification which is accepted both nationally and internationally. The same high quality standard of education is maintained at all ESOFT branches islandwide. ESOFT has a dedicated and experienced academic staff consisting of a full-time faculty supplemented by visiting lecturers. Their performance has been proven time and time again. This pioneering ICT education institution has complete with air-conditioned classrooms, an auditorium, modern laboratories, libraries and all fully-fledged facilities required for ICT education.

Farmer associations can empower farmers - HNB DGM

Hatton National Bank organized two farmer forums for Nilaveli and Thampalagama farmer community in the Eastern province recently.

A man with a vision and a passion for the farmer community of the country attended the forum as the chief guest and delivered the keynote speech, which was well received by the small holder farmers.

HNB - Marketing and Retail Banking Deputy General Manager Chandula Abeywickrema also the overall Head of Development Banking covering Agriculture lending and Microfinance

enlightened the farmers on the importance of understanding the commercialising of the agriculture industry in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the importance of creating farmer associations either by regional basis or product category basis in order to empower the farmer community to a more sustainable and relevant agriculture industry status.

He also emphasised that it is through strong farmer associations that they would be able to lobby to obtain information and knowledge, technical know-how, state-of-the-art best agriculture practices in the world to increase productivity and reduce the cost of the product. In addition, he stated that stronger farmer associations play a crucial role in creation of significant market linkages and partnerships with both the public and private sectors. This would aid in resolving perpetual issues such as land ownership, storage facilities and most importantly finding markets for the harvest at the right price and commanding a premium price for the produce.

Significant engagement by multiple stakeholders from both public and private sectors are required to graduate smallholder farmers from traditional cultivating practices to commercially viable agriculture entrepreneurs.

State institutions could facilitate by creating a more suitable regulatory, legal and policy framework. Whereas, the private sector could facilitate and empower the farmer community by introducing state-of-the-art best global practices to smallholder farmers and by creating a more commercially viable platform for the produce, with improved quality.

Moreover, creation of opportunities for the farming community to market their produce, investment in significant capacity building initiatives to drive sustainable revenue generation are also equally important instead of making hay while the sun shines and making the farmer a victim than a victor.

Making financial services available, accessible and affordable is a momentous challenge faced by the Banks and Financial Institutions in playing their role. This requires much greater commitment, engagement and a long-term visioning.

Particularly, resourcing the bank and financial institutions with agriculture experts and designing suitable financial services based on specific smallholder farmer requirements contrary to the normally accepted credit products available are important aspects.

Also designing and creating a framework, risk assessment, delivery of financial services appropriately to benefit the farmer as well as safeguard the interests of the financial institutions need a greater engagement at the grassroot level needs to be put in place with a clear purpose of handholding the farmer on a long-term journey. Abeywickrema noted that the food industry is one of the most lucrative industries in the world. Yet, the farmer, who is the main and the most important link of the supply chain remain poor and vulnerable in Asian countries, particularly in Sri Lanka.

Due to this unfortunate fact farmers not only are poor, they continue to revolve around the vicious cycle of indebtedness. As a result, farmers and children of the farmers do not see a future for themselves in the industry that has been passed on to by their parents. However, if this continues to the future, we are certain to witness a depletion of the farmer force in Sri Lanka.

The gravity of the situation should be recognized and all efforts must be taken to correct the inevitable.

A right framework should be designed to alleviate the farmer from the current level to commercially viable agriculture entrepreneur level and to give due dignity to labour. Farmers will be empowered and economically enriched, where the generations to come will begin to see the vast potential and opportunity in the agriculture industry.

Hence it is sad to say that will not only remain in their fathers’ profession but will encourage others to take up agriculture as a living as well.

Dialog rewards ‘Lord of the Reload’ customers

N P Gambarage of Tissamaharama was the winner of a brand new Kia Sportage SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), while M R M Rilwan from Modara won a Suzuki Swift car at the fifth round of Dialog ‘Lord of the Reload’ monthly super draw competition.

Winners had an option to walk away with the money if they chose to cash in their prizes.

In addition to the two top prizes, another 20 brand new Bajaj Discovery motorbikes were also won at the draw by lucky Dialog customers.

Instant prices comprising of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) televisions, Vodafone mobile phones, laptops and dongles worth 25 million rupees were also awarded to 7,700 winners at the Dialog ‘Lord of the Reload’ monthly super draw competition.

“Lord of the Reload is our way of showing our gratitude towards our loyal customers, Pradeep Keerthirathne, Dialog Axiata PLC Senior General Manager, said.

‘Dialog will continue to reward its loyal subscriber base with the opportunity to win more prizes and surprises in future.

Pre paid subscribers who reload in 50 rupee multiples would automatically be entitled to win instant prizes and the monthly super draw competition. For example a 250 rupees reload will entitle subscribers five chances to win at the draw.

Unilever Gamata Saubhagya project

Unilever Sri Lanka’s Gamata Saubhagya gives new hope to rural communities.

Unilever Sri Lanka recently reached out to ten villages through its Gamata Saubaghya initiative to renovate wells, provide safe drinking water to schools and rebuild community halls.

The Gamata Saubhagya initiative was launched as a community development project within Unilever Sri Lanka’s Sunlight Saubhagya micro-entrepreneurship scheme.

This scheme is designed to provide a sustainable source of income to participants, thereby enhancing livelihoods and helping improve the quality of life.

Under the Gamata Saubhagya initiative, Unilever Sri Lanka’s Customer Development team combined with the Sunlight Saubaghya entrepreneurs to identify pressing infrastructure needs within these communities and took steps to rectify them.

When we initiated this programme, our aspirations were twofold. We wanted to uplift the quality of life in selected rural communities and at the same time help our very own Sunlight Saubhagya entrepreneurs increase the respect they have among the community.

We will complete 35 ‘Gamata Saubhagya’ projects in 2011. Upcoming projects include the renovation of a bridge in Tissamaharama area. Next year too Unilever plans to complete over 50 similar projects which have been already identified”, Unilever Sri Lanka Customer Director Surith Perera said.

Unilever Sri Lanka’s Sunlight Saubhagya initiative is an innovative partnership scheme that trains women in villages to become entrepreneurs by recommending and selling Unilever brands among households in their villages.

It is such initiatives that have helped rank Unilever as the top multinational company in LMD’s ‘Most Respected Entities in Sri Lanka’ survey.

Japan’s Hoya Corporation appointed Photo Technica as their sole agents in Sri Lanka for Hoya products. Hoya filters are the leaders in the filter market in the world and they are renowned for their optical quality. Hoya also acquired Kenko and Cokon brands recently. Here, Photo Technica Sales Executive Suranga Niroshan, Hoya Corporation Japan Overseas Sales Manager Masaharu Morishita, Hoya Corporation Japan General Manager Yuji Nakano and Photo Technica Managing Director Harsha Malvenna.