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Wednesday, 7 March 2012

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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



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.

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