ADVERTORIAL
Hutch partners ComBank for SMS banking
From left to right Sanjaya Senarath-GM Marketing of Hutch,
Athula Dissanayake-GM Sales of Hutch, Mubarak Sadhar-Assistant
Manager Retail Channel Development, Anand Prakash-Chief
Operating Officer of Hutch, Sanath Bandaranayake-Deputy General
Manager Operations of Commercial Bank, Rohan Muttaiah- Chief
Information Officer of Commercial Bank, Hasrath Munasinghe-
Deputy General Manager Marketing of Commercial Bank, Arjuna
Herath-Manager Marketing of Commercial Bank and Pradeep
Banduwansha- Senior Manager E-banking of Commercial Bank.
|
Through the linking of their services, Hutch has now enabled their
customers with Commercial Bank accounts access to a variety of services,
24 hours a day, via a simple SMS.
An agreement between the two companies was signed at the Commercial
Bank Head Office in Colombo recently. Commercial Bank was represented by
Sanath Bandaranayake, Deputy General Manager – Operations, whilst the
signatory for Hutch was Anand Prakash, Chief Operations Officer of the
company.
With the signing of this agreement, Hutch customers with Commercial
Bank accounts can reload their prepaid connections and settle post-pay
bills as well via an SMS to 8823.This convenient new service also allows
Hutch customers to pay their electricity, water, and other utility bills
through SMS banking. A great feature of this agreement is that any Hutch
customer gets the opportunity to pay their post-pay bill over the
counter at any Commercial Bank, irrespective of them being the Bank’s
customers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Operations Officer of Hutch,
Anand Prakash said, “Our objective is to reach as many customers as
possible by facilitating more touch points across the island. We will
continue to enter into mutually advantageous partnerships to achieve
that goal. I truly believe that Commercial Bank and Hutch customers will
benefit from and enjoy the host of services offered.
‘The country’s positive economic conditions have also propelled
further investments for network expansions and enabled us to offer a
host of attractive VAS and IDD products for our valued customers,’ he
concluded.
Deputy General Manager Operations of Commercial Bank Sanath
Bandaranayake said that the bank is dedicated to providing the best
quality of service to their customers throughout its extensive branch
network. “Through our partnership with Hutch, we get to enhance customer
satisfaction and will ensure that we secure the trust of our joint
clientele,” he added.
Hutch users can now gain access to SMS banking services by opening up
a Commercial Bank account from any of their 213 outlets and start
enjoying the convenience of SMS banking immediately.
Atlas, SLIM lay foundation to develop professional sales team
Vijitha Jayathunga -Head of sales – Atlas, Nishantha Hennadige-
Chief Operating officer – Atlas, Nirmal Madanayaka – CEO Atlas ,
SLIM President -Thushara Perera and SLIM CEO - Sanath Senanayake |
Atlas one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of stationary
in Sri Lanka with the largest sales force in the stationary segment,
being aware of the importance of upholding professionalism and carreer
development of their employees, has come up with a new career
development plan for the field staff to develop them to a professional
level.
Having this in mind Atlas joined with SLIM – a premier training body
in Sri Lanka in the field of sales and marketing. Atlas with the
partnership of SLIM has formulated a tailor made course content that
will enable the Atlas participants to gain knowledge and develop
themselves into professional sales personnel in the FMCG industry.
Today marked an important event – the exchange of the MOU between
SLIM and Atlas to ensure the success of this professional training which
will be conducted in four stages- The MOU was exchanged between the CEO
of Atlas Nirmal Madanayaka and the President of SLIM Thushara Perera.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony Nishantha Hennadige Chief
Operating Officer said “ Atlas has always emphasized the importance of
being a learning organization- and is keen to develop its employees to
face the future with the correct accomplishment, hence has made this
timely commitment to its front liners”
The president of SLIM Thushara Perera emphasized that they were
indeed pleased to secure the training of an top corporate body such as
Atlas and SLIM appreciates the management team for placing their
confidence in SLIM, the premier marketing body of Sri Lanka.
Atlas with a history of 50 years has always been committed to market
superior products using state of the art technology – hence today reigns
as the market leader in most of its products that it markets
Airtel continues network expansion drive in Sri Lanka
Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with
operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, completed a
comprehensive network upgrade exercise across 250 plus sites across
Colombo and greater Colombo. As part of this 6 month project, Airtel
deployed robust and world class network infrastructure and equipment –
thus continuing to strengthen its customers’ high speed data
connectivity experience. As a testimonial of the company’s consistent
efforts towards enhancing its network capabilities, the
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka recently
acknowledged Airtel as number one in speed test results among all mobile
broadband providers in the country during January 2012.
“Our new HSPA+ network infrastructure uses cutting edge technology,
which is designed to deliver a world class data experience for our
customers in Sri Lanka. We are confident that this network upgrade will
empower our customers with high speed and seamless access to data
services – thus allowing them to enjoy the best online experience across
a host of activities including emailing, downloading, uploading, LIVE
streaming, social networking etc. We at Airtel remain committed towards
further enhancing our network presence across Sri Lanka and continue to
work towards new ways of delivering a seamless network experience for
our customers”, said Suren Goonewardene, CEO – Sri Lanka, Bharti Airtel.
Ritzbury pledges continuous support for protection of wetlands
Number one chocolate brand in Sri Lanka, Ritzbury will continue to
support protection and awareness programs among school children to
educate them on the unique beauty and biodiversity of wetlands.
Manufacturer of Ritzbury chocolate, CBL Foods International (Pvt.)
Ltd's Managing Director Imal Fonseka made this statement while
addressing the national celebration to mark World Wetland Day. Titled
“Wetlands and Tourism” this year, the gala event was held at Water’s
Edge recently.
The event also saw the presentation of prizes and certificates for
the winners of the competition “Wetlands Quiz with Ritzbury.” The
competition, which was held under the complete sponsorship of Ritzbury
chocolate, was held at divisional, district, provincial and national
level encompassing the entire country. First place was won by a student
of Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya B. Shanika Hemanthi while the first runner up
position was bagged by Galle Kisthudeva Maha Vidyalaya H.M Ruwani
Hemanthika. Galewala Veerakatiya Wimalaratna Maha Vindyala student R.D.
Prabashwara won the third place to complete the top positions.
Trophies, certificates and Cash prices were presented by special
guests at the occasion, Environment Minister Anura PriyadarshanaYapa,
Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana and CBL Foods International
Chairman Ramya Wickramasingha. Special class room timetables designed on
the wetlands theme under the sponsorship of Ritzbury was ceremoniously
presented to the ministers by CBL Foods Chairman Ramya Wickramasingha.
Ritzbury is in the process of distributing this class room time tables
to schools as an extension to its support toward protection of the
Wetlands. CBL Foods International (Pvt.) Ltd's Managing Director Imal
Fonseka during his speech pointed out that over Rs.4 million was spent
on the wetlands quiz competition and special mass media campaign carried
out .The Company considers it as an investment in the future generation
of Sri Lanka. He also pledged to continue dedicating resources of the
company towards educating children.
Ritzbury has been producing a television programme titled “Ritzbury
Journey Day” to educate students on the natural beauty, rich history,
traditional crafts and biodiversity of Sri Lanka, he added. Mr. Fonseka
went onto say that the programme was geared to educate children on every
important aspect of the country.
“We will also continue to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities
of schools around the country,” he stressed. CBL Group Director Nishka
Weerasooriya, senior officials of the company, students and top
officials of the two ministries were among the large gathering at the
event.
Arpico donates traffic cones to regulate traffic near schools
RPC Polymers(Pvt) Ltd, a member of the Richard Pieris Group of
Companies, donated traffic cones used to regulate traffic and separate
lanes on roads to the Nugegoda Police Division Headquarters. This
donation by Arpico was made as a supportive measure for the regulation
of traffic that is a daily occurrence, at the “School Traffic Wardens’
Award Ceremony – 2011” held at the Lyceum International School
premises.The chief guest was Western Province South Deputy Inspector
General I.M.Karunarathne.
This donation of traffic cones, carried out as a corporate social
responsibility initiative of Arpico, was presented to school girls
directing traffic by the Marketing Director of the company, Emil
Senanayake.
Nineteen years ago, Arpico introduced the Arpico Plastishells plastic
water tanks for the first time in Sri Lanka, and the Arpico Plastishells
water tank is the only water tank with ISO 9001:2008 standard. Arpico
Plastishells have introduced several novel solutions such as triple
layer tanks, sump tanks, refuse bins, septic tanks and compost
containers to the consumers of the country.
In addition to these innovations, Arpico, as the foremost
organization in the country supplying complete water solutions, are
manufacturing Arpitec water pumps and Arpico PVC pipes and fittings.
Arpico PVC pipes and fittings manufactured using state of the art
technology and is SLS certified.
Richard Pieris and Company PLC embraces a rich heritage of over 80
years is one of the largest and most successful diversified business
conglomerates based in Sri Lanka.
Being one of the oldest is also is one of the largest employment
providers with an employee base of over 30000 in the private sector in
the country. The company is a pioneer in retail, plantation, stock
brokering, Tyre, Plastics and construction industries. Richard Pieris
and Company Limited is an unrivaled Sri Lankan institution, loved and
trusted by all. Spanning across the nation, it has been able to reach
city dwellers and rural folks alike. Arpico, the primary brand name, has
become a quintessential name recognized and respected, especially by
being readily available around the island.
Hayleys BPO and Shared Services Company receives ISO 27001
certification
Mohan Pandithage - Chairman and Chief Executive, Hayleys Group,
receives the certificate from Shyama Wijayathunga – Operations
Manager, DNV Business Assurance Colombo
|
Hayleys Business Solutions International (Pvt) Limited (HBSI), the
Hayleys Group’s BPO and Shared Services Company, was recently awarded
the internationally recognised ISO 27001:2005 certification for
Information Security Management from Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
The certification will enable the company to assure confidence of
data security in local and foreign markets. “This is the first step in
HBSI’s journey towards becoming a preferred Business Process Outsourcing
and Shared Services partner.
Certified assurance in the processes and protocols of data security
is a substantial achievement in gearing the Company to cater to
discerning clients and markets.”
Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys Group, Mohan Pandithage
remarked. DNV, a leading international, independent Certification Body,
awarded the certificate to HBSI following a stringent assessment by a
team from DNV Business Assurance.
The Information Security Management Systems certification has added
value to HBSI, allowing it to win the trust of customers and
stakeholders and prove its commitment towards business excellence, the
company said.
The objective of the standard itself is to provide a model for
establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing,
maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System.
“HBSI is a comparatively new entrant to our business landscape. Since
inception, we have worked towards bringing the entirety of our back
office accounting functions under this Unit. This has resulted in the
foundation of a technically sound BPO service provider. The strategic
decision to adopt the ISO 27001 standard is a representation of the
commitment of the Hayleys Group to excellence in all aspects of our
operations”, Mr. Pandithage disclosed.
Set up as a shared services operation offering services to the
diverse industry needs of the Hayleys conglomerate, Hayleys Business
Solutions International offers BPO services to onshore and offshore
third party clients.
HBSI’s subsidiary Haydea is geared to source BPO service contracts
from UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about
Haydea, visit www.haydea.com.
Established in 1878 and adjudged Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen
four times, the Hayleys Group employs more than 30,000 people, and
accounts for 2.78 per cent of the country’s export income.
HNB launches “HNB Al- Najah” Islamic Banking
Hatton National Bank PLC the premier private sector commercial bank
in the country entered into Islamic banking with the introduction of an
Islamic banking unit to cater to the rapidly growing Islamic banking
market.
Dr Ranee Jayamaha, Chairperson of HNB accepting a deposit from
Mohamed Fazrin Ibrahim Rajendra Theagarajah, Managing
Director/CEO , Jonathan Alles, Deputy CEO and Arjuna
Ratnasabapathy, Assistant General Manager – Emerging Corporates
of HNB are also in the picture. |
“Al Najah”, the first Islamic banking unit launched by HNB will serve
its Islamic banking clients with a special banking unit located at its
head office at HNB Towers.
The unit is fully equipped with trained staff and systems and well
structured products to serve its customers. The unit will operate under
the overall supervision of HNB and will offer a broad spectrum of
Shariah compliant products and services to its entire clientele.
In addition to the current accounts, the bank’s Islamic Banking Unit
(IBU) will provide depositors with profit sharing Mudaraba savings and
Mudaraba Investment options which will provide depositors with a Shariah
based return on their investments. For Business and Personal customers
seeking financing, the Bank would offer a range of Trade related
services, Leasing for Vehicles/Equipment and Machinery, Home Financing,
Working Capital requirements and other personal financial services.
All operations of the Islamic Banking Unit will be in accordance with
the CBSL guidelines and shall also be in conformity with the Shariah
principles. This will also ensure that the Fund Management operations
and earnings of the IBU will be segregated and distinct from the
conventional banking activity.
The Bank has already appointed a Shariah advisory panel headed by Ash
– Shaikh Mufti Yoosuf Haniffa comprising of extremely knowledgeable and
experienced well known Shariah scholars who would supervise and advise
on Shariah related aspects of the IBU business.
Commenting at the official launch, the Head of the Islamic Banking
Unit L. A. M Hisham opined that HNB’s range of Shariah based services
provide customers with the option of choosing a product or service in
harmony with their individual ethical considerations. Speaking at the
inauguration, Rajendra Theagarajah MD/CEO of Hatton National Bank PLC
stated that HNB, a bank with a longstanding history of 123 years, saw
its initiation in the hill capital with the objective of serving the
nation at a grass root level.
HNB, which ranks amongst one of the largest private sector commercial
banks in the country with an asset base of over Rupees 380 billion, is
delighted to venture in to the domain of Islamic banking and Finance.
He went on to state that Islamic banking caters to the ever growing
demand of customers. Speaking further Theagarajah stated that it was a
great pleasure to have obtained the fullest support and cooperation of
the HNB Board of Directors and Corporate Management for this venture.
This he stated was a true testimony of HNB’s far sighted vision in
going the extra mile.
Speaking at the occasion The Chairman of ADL Capital A.I. Marikkar
former Managing Director of Amana Investments ltd.,(presently known as
Amana Bank) stressed that HNB with its wide spread Island wide coverage,
and the cooperation of its Management has ventured out to provide an
efficient customer service to its Islamic banking customers.
He also stated that the HNB Shariah Board comprises of well-known
eminent Shariah scholars and that the Islamic banking Unit of HNB will
be well received by customers due to the strong brand affiliation of HNB.
The first deposits of the Islamic Banking unit were accepted by Dr
Ranee Jayamaha, Chairperson of HNB. The vote of thanks was delivered by
Fariz Fuad, Manager – Islamic Banking Unit of HNB.
ISM holds fifth CPD/CPE session
Ramani Kangaraarachchi
Prasanna Perera speaking at the session. Danesha Perera looks
on.
|
Those who were proactive about the free floating dollar is managing
the business challenges without any issue and successful business
entities were very smart and took right action for forward booking with
the large tenders and sales contracts to sustain the bottom line of the
business, Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM)President
Danesha Perera said at its fifth evening seminar (CPD/CPE session) for
its members recently at the OPA Auditorium.
He said the importance of managing the cost of an organization to
ensure that customer view is what matters for a business model for long
term sustainability.
The guest speaker, Marketing and Management Consultant, Prasanna
Perera said traditionally in supply chain management, more emphasis is
placed on the back-end of the chain but, in today's competitive market
environment, a balanced emphasis has to be maintained through out the
supply chain.
He said before the era of internet revolution, supply chains of
suppliers, manufacturers and retailers were physically separate.
However, with the internet, due to seamless integration amongst
partners, supply networks have been created. This provides a great
opportunity to derive efficiencies for all partners and also to build
stronger bonds and relationships.
Perera said suppliers should not be considered as just 'suppliers'
who are to be treated like commodities. Partnerships with suppliers are
vital for mutual benefit. In fact, treating suppliers like customers
will provide long term benefits. Identify and satisfy supplier needs and
they are certain to do like wise. Take the example of Japanese
corporations that foster great relationships with their suppliers.
Referring to supply chain management and delivering customer value he
said the real benefit of supply chain management is how it can be
leveraged to deliver superior customer value. Customer value can be in
terms of great value for money, value added services, perceived benefits
etc.
An efficient supply chain management deliver superior customer value
by integrating functions so that processes become faster, removing
organizational to enhance efficiency and productivity and by internal
integration of materials management, manufacturing management and
distribution management. Finally by the external integration of
suppliers, internal supply chain and customers.
In conclusion he said that marketeers would do well to understand
supply chain management. to deliver superior value to their customers
and consumers, thereby increasing revenue, profits and market share.
Supply chain experts should view efficiency in supply chain management,
from a customer, and consumer perspective.
Techzone offers top global brands in laptops
One of the leading IT solutions providers Tech Information Solutions
Pte Ltd, continues to take a lead in provisioning of top global brands
and software solutions to its growing customer base.
Popularly known by
its trademark “Techzone”, with its outlets conveniently located in
Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala and Negombo, the IT specialists offer the
widest range of laptops for mobile computing.
In keeping with current trends for computing on the go, Techzone
offers customers a selection of top global brands including Asus, Acer,
Dell, HP, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba with configurations ranging from
entry-level units to hardcore ‘extreme’ gamer configurations designed to
provide the highest performance and satisfaction.
‘Otara’ Jeans Collection at HSBC Colombo Fashion Week
2012
|
The ‘Otara’ jeans collection, created
by retail entrepreneur Otara Gunewardene, was launched at
the recently concluded HSBC Colombo Fashion week. The bold
colour palette of electric blues, deep purples, tango reds,
nude shade, blush tones and dramatic black, and its
commercial appeal made it a much loved collection. The
“Otara” collection will be available exclusively for the
European Autumn/Winter season 2012. |
|