Sri Lanka Business News | Online edition of Daily News

National Mobile Services Provider Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel officially launched its first regional contact centre in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, expanding its capacity to serve its customers even better.

The Sooriyawewa Contact Centre was officially opened by Minister of Telecommunication and Information Technology Ranjith Siyabalapitiya and Chairman Hambanthota District Development committee, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa in the presence of Mobitel officials and employees.

Minister of Telecommunication and Information Technology Ranjith Siyabalapitiya and Chairman of Hambantota District Development Committee and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa ceremoniously opening the Mobitel Regional Customer Care Contact Centre in Sooriyawewa while Shamindra Rajapaksa, CEO of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel Lalith de Silva looks on.

The new contact centre is located in Sooriyawewa at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Complex.

This is the first ever regional contact centre opened by Mobitel. Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel successfully reached the completion of this project within a short span. As the National Mobile Services Provider, Mobitel remains consistent in working towards the development of ICT in rural areas of Sri Lanka.

With the proposition for an IT park in Sooriyawewa, Mobitel believes that Sooriyawewa is a suitable location for a technologically advanced customer care contact centre to establish its roots and support the vision for ICT development in the nation.

The opening of the Mobitel Contact Centre in Sooriyawewa has benefitted the residents of the area vastly as it has created a significant number of job opportunities while additionally introducing Mobitel technology to the region.

All employees of the Sooriyawewa Contact Centre has been selected from the area and its adjacent towns and as a result, Mobitel now boasts of a strong team of qualified and dynamic individuals who will undoubtedly prove to be of great value to the company’s performance.

The Mobitel Sooriyawewa Contact Centre will act as a support system to the Colombo based principal contact centre which presently caters to customer care requirements of over 4.4 million customers.

This clearly demonstrates the capacity and capability of the Mobitel infrastructure and technology in establishing a similarly able support system in Sooriyawewa, which will now be utilized to support the Colombo Contact Centre.

Speaking at the ceremony Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Ranjith Siyabalapitiya said ”I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mobitel for this very special initiative of taking ICT to rural areas such as Sooriyawewa. This initiative would contribute much to realizing the President’s expectation of making Sri Lanka a knowledge hub in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Hambanthota District Development Committee and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa said “Mobitel today open the doors for educated rural youth to join hands with them to serve the Nation.

Previously contact centre operations were limited to Colombo and suburbs. Today Mobitel has created a new culture in call centre operations by creating job opportunities for educated rural youth.

"I would like to invite Mobitel to consider Mullaitivu District to start their next contact centre, opening doors to youth in the Northern Province as it has now done in Sooriyawewa in the south. I would like to thank Mobitel for this great initiative.”

Commenting on the expansion, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, Lalith de Silva said, “This is truly a momentous moment for all of us at Mobitel as we open the first regional contact centre in a celebrated city such as Sooriyawewa, which is significant to the development of our nation.

As the National Mobile Services Provider, we wish to contribute towards the nation’s development by developing the ICT landscape through our service offerings and technology.

With the proposed IT Park, we believe our expansion into this area takes place in an ideal setting as we prepare the community to embrace the upcoming opportunities.”

He further added, “As a customer centric mobile services provider, we strive to ensure that our services and customer care is provided unimpeded to our customers and with the objective of enhancing our capacity to serve them better, we engaged in this strategic expansion to Sooriyawewa.”

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel has extensive plans for further expansion with the aim of amplifying its presence island-wide to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

The Mobitel Sooriyawewa Contact Centre will be utilized to support and sustain customer care operations for the company’s customer base while providing enhanced customer care from its contact centre operators.

Nations Trust Bank opens at Aluthgama

Nations Trust Bank added an important milestone to the bank’s expansion plan with the opening of the 50th branch in Aluthgama recently. With the entry to this picturesque city customers of Aluthgama will be offered innovative banking solutions coupled with 365 day banking and extended banking hours.

To commemorate the 50th branch opening exclusive offers were made available for customers in Aluthgama on Leasing, Personal Loans, Pawning Services and the American Express Card membership.

Located at Galle Road, Aluthgama the new branch is based on their proprietary design concept offering the ultimate in banking standards and greater convenience and simplicity in banking.

Nations Trust Bank has been in operations for over 12 years and grown in strength and stability. The Bank had its best year ever in 2011 posting an after-tax profit of Rs. 1.5 b, up 40% over 2010.

This was a significant uplift in earnings and also a stable balance sheet recording a balanced growth in deposits and advances. Essentially the bank was able to grow the business - advances up 39% and deposits up 38% - that resulted in a liquid and a well capitalized Balance Sheet.

The people of Aluthgama can now experience a range of products to suit their individual as well as business requirements with the entry of Nations Trust Bank to this locality. The ongoing Nations Saver Savings account promotion across the branch network offers an array of electrical household appliances to savers which could be won at every branch each quarter.

This promotion will now be extended to the people of Aluhtugama giving them an equal opportunity to participate by maintaining a minimum balance of Rs. 5,000/- for the 3 months in their savings account. Each additional Rs. 5,000/- saved in the account will add multiple chances to the quarterly draws which will be held at every branch.

Apart from this the bank offers Foreign Currency Deposits and Investment Services, a host of attractive Leasing packages for registered as well as unregistered vehicles and machinery, Home Loans, Personal loans and Vehicle loan facilities.

Nations Trust Bank is also focused on providing a wide range of products to the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SME). The opening of “Nations Business Centers” in a number of locations has facilitated to offer financial solutions to the diverse needs of the business community across the country.

The branch network also offers Remittance services and a number of global partners have been signed up to offer seamless transactions to our customers.

Pawning services is also another facility that is being promoted thorough our geographic spread and customers could take advantage of our benefit from our proposition of 365 day banking with extended banking hours.

Singer in agreement with Dawlance

Dawlance, Pakistan's No.1 home appliances brand entered into a strategic agreement with Singer Sri Lanka PLC. The agreement will initially allow Dawlance to introduce its unique range of large capacity direct cool refrigerators to a wider range of Sri Lankan customers through Singer Sri Lanka's retail network and dealers across the country.

Ravi Katial, Director International Marketing, Greene Ethics Fze, Export Division Dawlance Home Appliances, Nasser Majeed, Marketing Director, Singer Sri Lanka, Hemaka Amarasuriya Chairman, Singer Group, Bashir Dawood Managing Director, Dawlance Home Appliances, Asoka Pieris, CEO -inger Group, Mahesh Wijewardhana, Commercial Director Singer Sri Lanka at the launch.

Speaking about this momentous achievement, Dawlance Managing Director, Mr. Bashir Dawood said, “We are the largest Home Appliance Company in Pakistan and have been able to keep this leading position for over 15 years by practicing ‘Reliability’ in everything that we do.

Reliability is our core value, our vision is to be a Global Player and it is with this vision that we have come to Sri Lanka. We plan to continue following our core value of reliability in all our activities in Sri Lanka and are confident that every year we will be able to gain market share with the help of Singer and with the trust of the people of this great country.”

The Dawlance direct cool refrigerators will standout among other refrigerators due to their lower energy consumption and, therefore, lower electricity costs.

The direct cool refrigerators will be available initially in three models of refrigerators - D-9144M, D-9175WB-HZ and D-91996-HZ - and the unique upright freezer with seven drawers, to suit the different needs of Sri Lankan customers. Dawood continued, ‘Singer Sri Lanka is renowned for trusted excellence, a reputation it has cultivated over many years of identifying what Sri Lankan customer's need and then providing them with the best products to fulfil that need. Through this agreement, the Dawlance brand will stand to get optimum exposure to the Sri Lankan market through Singer Sri Lanka's extensive island-wide retail network.’

Nasser Majeed, Marketing Director, Singer Sri Lanka said, ‘At the heart of our multi-brand retail strategy is an earnest desire to help our customers embrace a modern lifestyle. Through our retail network, we are able to offer Sri Lankans a wide array of world renowned brands with latest technologies that help enhance their lives. The Dawlance brand is among Pakistan's most renowned and comes with a reputation for reliability and durability. Dawlance's direct cool refrigerators will make for a worthy addition to our product portfolio.’

Since its inception 30 years ago, Dawlance has cemented its reputation as Pakistan's premier provider of electronic home appliances.

The Dawlance brand is also among the country's most popular brands, placing number 2 on Pakistan's favorite brands in 2011 according to research carried out by AC Nielson Research.

Singer Sri Lanka brings its trusted excellence in products and services to Sri Lankan customers through its widespread chain of retail stores.

The retail network includes the large format SINGER MEGA electronics and appliances department store, SINGER PLUS, SISIL WORLD, and SINGER HOMES for a range of stylish furniture. Singer's outstanding after sales service is available through seven regional service centers and more than 100 service franchise agents.

CIMA – UK President visits Apex Business Academy

President CIMA – UK, Harold Baird and Mrs. Baird, Managing Director of Apex Business Academy (pvt) Ltd., Deshani Gamage, Coordinator CIMA Sri Lanka Division - Southern Province, Pramudi Nanayakkara and management and the staff of Apex Business Academy (pvt) Ltd.

The President of Chartered Institute of management Accounting (CIMA- UK) Harold Baird and Mrs. Baird visited Apex Business Academy (pvt) Ltd, Galle branch recently.

Apex Business Academy (pvt) Ltd is one of the leading tuition providers in the Southern Province and is the only institute to conduct CIMA – UK classes within the region, both in Matara and Galle.

Asiri Hospitals powers CCC House

The Asiri Group of Hospitals, best known for comprehensive, ethical and high quality health care services, funded a full ward in Phase I of the 140 bed Cancer Care Transit Home built at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital by the CCC Foundation, epitomizing that a giant health care business can also share philanthropic traits.

Suresh Mendis , Trustee CCC Foundation, Mrs. Damani Wimalasundera, Director Administration Asiri Group of Hospitals, Ashok Pathirage, Chairman Asiri Group of Hospitals, Michael de Silva, Coordinator CCC Project (Ministry of Health and Nutrition) and Dr. Ravindra Ruberu, Secretary Ministry of Health

Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of Asiri Hospitals PLC., proudly announced that the Asiri Group made a generous contribution of Rs. 10 million towards the construction of the CCC House.

The 140 bed transit home will enable the large number of patients who only need the treatment but do not have to be resident to receive treatment in a more effective manner. Out of approximately 1000 patients who obtain treatment daily at the Maharagama Hospital, only a 850 enjoy the comfort of a bed, whilst the rest literally camp on the floor. Most of them have no access to accommodation nearby to the hospital, traveling from far corners of the island. The CCC House, once completed in mid 2012, will provide humane facilities to over 170 less privileged patients who are already suffering with cancer.

“Each year the numbers of patients seeking treatment at the NCI for various types of cancers keeps increasing. At present there are facilities for approximately 850 patients and 500 attend outpatient clinics daily. The bed strength of the hospital is insufficient to provide a bed for all resident patients,” stated Dr Kanishka Karunarathna, Director of the National Cancer Institute. “The CCC House will not only give a comfortable bed for these patients forced to sleep in corridors of the hospital (floor patients), but will also allow the medical staff to focus on the newly admitted and critically ill patients. This type of accommodation is ideal for patients undergoing radiotherapy and day chemotherapy.

The CCC House will also improve the psycho-social environment for the outpatient as well as the carers, making recovery more ideal in a homely environment. A cancer patient's immunity is highly suppressed, they are prone to infections. The floor is no place for them but lack of facilities forces this to happen,” he further added.

According to Pathirage, the Rs. 10 million donations was made in line with their vision to be a compassionate, efficient and dynamic private health service provider in the country. “We have understood that although the population of this country is on the increase, critical health care has not grown to meet this demand.

The total bed strength in the health care sector is still minute. We as a private health care provider have been constantly investing in creating, greater and state of the art health care. But private health care is not accessible to all and the least we can do to help the masses of this country is to provide our resources to support projects like this that will provide solace to them.

This will be a CSR initiative that is very compatible with our core values. We had no hesitation in supporting the CCC Foundation in this magnanimous project. With our contribution we will be able to fund a whole ward in the CCC House and bring benefits to many patients who require only day treatment but are staying with minimum facilities at the hospital as they have no other option.”

Courage, Compassion and Commitment is what CCC Stands for and it is what a patient needs when diagnosed with cancer. The CCC House with an estimated cost of Rs. 170 million once completed will accommodate 140 patients and 30 carers in a comfortable and hygienic manner. The donation from Asiri will be directed towards the construction of a ward, which will be named accordingly. “ Pathirage's generous donation is an inspiration for all of us who have been raising funds to make this project a reality,” stated Suren Madanayake, Chairman, CCC Foundation Sri Lanka. “They are a shining example of community philanthropy at its finest. This should be an inspiration for people and organizations throughout our country and abroad. We appeal to companies, clubs and individuals in the community to humbly support our endeavor to make a difference to those afflicted with cancer."

Amana Bank commemorates Earth Hour

Amana Bank marked Earth Hour 2012 at its head office in Colombo 3 with a large number of employees and their families gathering to pledge their commitment toward combating climate change. At 8.30 p.m. all the lights in the building were switched off, candles were lit and Chinese sky lanterns were released to the sky, colouring the surroundings in bursts of colour and aiming to create awareness among those who were unaware of this impending threat.

The campaign at Amana Bank was spearheaded by the Bank's HR Transformation Manager Elmo Francis, who is also a climate champion and a veteran in the fields of combating climate change and planet conservation.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Francis shared his experiences in combating climate change and emphasized on how climate change affects the lives of every living being in this earth.

He also stressed the need of going beyond the hour and urged the participants to spread the message, implement this in their lives and be responsible in order to protect the planet for our future generations. The participants were also educated on how climate change occurs and were treated to a host of videos regarding this major global issue.

Earth Hour led by the World Wildlife Fund is the world's largest volunteer action to combat climate change. Earth Hour was initiated in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has grown to become a global activity where millions of people switch off unnecessary lights for one hour on the 31 March.

Amana Bank is Sri Lanka's first Licensed Commercial Bank to operate in complete harmony with the principles of Islamic Banking. Guided by its principles, Amana Bank presents a new way forward enriched with Honour, Humanity, Stability and Uniqueness. As a part of its responsibility to humanity, Amana Bank recognizes the importance of educating the public on the impending effects of climate change and measures to combat them.

YNB Holdings launches Arazyme

YNB Holdings (Pvt) Limited recently launched an array of Skin, Bath and Body care products hailing from the innovative Arazyme Products range in Korea. The colorful and glamour filled event held at the Cinnamon Grand Atrium was attended by the media and a host of celebrities and other distinguished guests that included the fashion and beauty industry of Sri Lanka.

Seung Cheol Lee, C.E.O. - MCBE Co., Ltd, Bong Jun Kim, Executive Director - MCBE Co., Ltd, Dong Yeoul Lee, Director - MCBE Co., Ltd, Mrs. Thanuja D. Lee, Chairman - YNB Holdings Private Limited, Sungwook Bang, Managing Director - YNB Holdings Private Limited, Y. Lee, Executive Director - YNB Holdings Private Limited and Kwon Jung, Director - YNB Holdings Private Limited.

The range all together consists of five products: Arazyme Facial Gel, Arazyme Facial Powder, Arasense Black and Gold soap, B.A.L. Foot Care Treatment and Dr. Scalp Hair Treatment. The unique attribute of these products that sets them apart from others is that all products have incorporated the enzyme called Arazyme - extracted from the spider - with other natural elements. The name Arazyme combines the Latin word ?Ara’ for spider and enzyme to describe this Bio Tech product. Accordingly comprised of only natural extracts and devoid of toxins, the Arazyme Products relax and rejuvenate the skin and is suitable for anyone, male or female.

Arazyme Facial Gel and Facial Powder makes the face vivid, pure and healthy while dissolving the keratin layer of the face, naturally promoting skin turnover. Arasense Black soap acts as a deep cleanser and a keratin care blend while the Arasense Gold soap acts as an anti-trouble and a moisture care blend. B.A.L. Foot Care treatment revives the turnover of the skin cells of the feet making them smoother and healthier. Furthermore, it also eliminates Athlete's foot fungi and foot odor, cleansing the feet. Last but not least, Dr. Scalp Hair Treatment is a shampoo that treats dandruff and cleanses the scalp and pores while activating hair growth and preventing hair loss. Therefore, in short this latest care range provides total care for the body.

“There are a lot of cleansers and soaps made from natural substances,” said Lee, Executive Director of YNB Holdings (Pvt) Limited elaborating on the product range.

“But this is very different, this is made from an insect, the spider. The spider can isolate the impure and take in the pure substances making it very clean.”

Lee also acts as the International Director for the Korean Model Association in Korea and recently he was involved in the selection of the Face of Sri Lanka - male and female - for the seventh Asia Model Festival Awards, which was held last January in South Korea.

This transpired in his interest in cosmetics leading to YNB Holdings launching the Arazyme Products range in Sri Lanka. Lee believes the products are deal for people who live in tropical weather conditions as they reduce the oiliness of the skin and revitalize hair that has been damaged by the sun.

Equipped with the Certificate of Manufacturing Formula from the Korean Government, Arazyme Products are marketed to 26 countries, where the range also holds patents. The most prominent markets are Brazil, Japan and USA, where orders span from 200,000 to 500,000 each month eliciting very positive responses.

Therefore, YNB Holdings - the sole agent for Arazyme Products in Sri Lanka - marked a new business venture by retailing the Arazyme Products range and has shown trust and confidence in the market of Sri Lanka with the intention of promoting good quality cosmetics for the Sri Lankan community.

The above mentioned range of Arazyme Products are currently available at YNB Holdings located at Polhengoda, Colombo 5 and more information about the range could be gathered by emailing [email protected].

'The Loft’ offers a cohesive retail experience

Browns Investments recent acquisition Royal Fernwood Porcelain Ltd. (RFPL) recently announced that they are very excited about their concept store ‘The Loft’ located at Havelock Road, Colombo 05, which offers a cohesive retail experience for savvy consumers.

“It is an opportunity to express RFPL's artistry and make it accessible and available to those who understand and appreciate it,” stated Panduka Weerasingha, Senior Vice President-BCL. “We believe that The Loft's aesthetic mirrors our clients’ own - clean, modern and elegant, but with an edge. Our designs create a luxurious environment and serving refreshments in RFPL's porcelain products give our clients an all-over coveted and pampered experience.” The showroom displays and constantly introduces high-quality porcelain ware that will not only serve daily use but can also be displayed as works of art.

“The most advanced equipment is used to produce the highest quality ceramic decals not only for Porcelain, but also for other ceramic products such as Stoneware and Earthenware,” said the Senior Vice President. “We envision bringing supreme quality standards to our magnificent creations in tableware, which will be achieved through superb craftsmanship and unique design creation that will give new meaning to elegance and good taste.”

The Company is gearing itself to become one of the most sought after producers of Porcelain available globally. As Sri Lanka's newest tableware manufacturer, Royal Fernwood enters the market with a monthly production of 550,000 pieces, employing a blend of modern technology from Germany, Japan and the UK, while retaining traditional skills in craftsmanship. The products are of such exceptional quality, that the sheer whiteness of the porcelain far exceeds the accepted standards for the porcelain industry. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, situated in Kosgama, 45km east of Colombo, covers a floor area of appx. 15,000 sq. meters. RFPL is currently exporting its products to over 35 countries.

This facility has allowed RFPL to come up with some of the most innovative and popular designs to take the global Porcelain Market by storm in the recent past - winning a range of awards including, most recently, the gold award for the most outstanding exporter - industry sector and the gold award for the best Sri Lankan brand exporter conducted by the National Chamber of Exporters, Sri Lanka. RFPL emerged winners at the National Quality Awards 2004, based on the US Malcom Baldrige Awards Criteria and also the National Productivity Award.

David Pieris Motor Company introduces Boxer BM 150

David Pieris Motor Company Ltd – the country’s No.1 automotive company introduces the Boxer MB 150. Every purchase of the Boxer BM 150 is now accompanied by a free bag, helmet and jacket in DPMC’s grand seasonal offer. David Pieris Motor Company’s unbeatable island wide service includes 37 Regional Centres and over 1500 Sales, Service and spare-part dealers giving Boxer BM 150 owners the best after-sales service in Sri Lanka.

The all-new Boxer BM 150 is a more powerful, newly-designed and overall even more high-performing bike than its former model. High on reputation and trusted as the best-performing bike for any workload, the new Boxer BM 150 with its 150 cc 4-stroke Engine has a wide array of new features that makes it the Number One investment for two-wheelers in its class. Tough, durable and designed to overcome any terrain, the Boxer BM 150 has stylish new alloy wheels, wider front and rear tyres, high wheel base and self-start giving the bike a contemporary, smart look combined with greater riding ease. ExhausTEC and Strong SNS Rear Shock Absorbers are also two features exclusive to the Boxer BM 150 compared to competitors in its class.

The bike’s workload handling capacity is its key specialty: and in this respect, the Boxer stands unsurpassed as the proven best performer in every sphere of Sri Lankan life. The Boxer BM 150 with its sturdy, extended rear steel luggage carrier, larger fuel tank and powerful round halogen headlamp completes its profile as the best bike for any job on two-wheels.

The new Pulsar 220 SF, now comes with a two-tone colour combination and aerodynamic short fairing which adds to its eye-catching muscular, powerful looks. Top-of-the-line in its class, the Pulsar 220 SF is the most powerful bike from the Pulsar stables and is an instant hit with the heavy-bike, speed-loving riding enthusiast. Designed with a powerful 220 cc DTS-i air and oil-cooled engine with ExhausTEC for more power and mileage, the Pulsar 220 SF leads the way in high-speed, high-comfort riding. Comfort is enhanced with a clip on handle bar which provides better maneuverability and easy riding posture. Hydraulic disc brakes in front and rear and anti-friction bush in front supervision allow for smooth, effective braking and a comfortable ride on any terrain.

The bike also sports wide 90/90*17 front and 120/80*17 rear tubeless tyres for precision handling and enhanced safety, with 5-step adjustable gas-assisted Nitrox shock absorbers enhancing the overall experience. A gleaming, stainless-steel silencer and neat LCD digital meter panel gives the bike a sleek finish that complements its muscular, powerful frame.

Sold and serviced by David Pieris Motor Company Ltd – the country’s No. 1 automotive company, each Pulsar 220 SF now comes with a free, high-value Pulsar-branded Riding Kit inclusive of a Helmet, Jacket, T-Shirt, Cap, Gloves and Pouch in the ‘Pulsar Power’ Grand Seasonal Offer which runs until December 31 2011.

Financial institutions select Oracle FLEXCUBE solutions

A growing number of financial services organizations worldwide are selecting Oracle Financial Services solutions, including Oracle FLEXCUBE and Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications, to help them innovate and achieve competitive differentiation, ensure regulatory compliance and deliver more personalized service and greater value to customers.

Nouvobanq has selected Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking Solution and Oracle FLEXCUBE Direct Banking Solution to support the bank's growing retail and corporate banking operations.

The bank's previous solution, used for the last 22 years, caused bottlenecks due to technology limitations that could not meet modern

banking demands. “Financial services organizations around the globe face a common set of business challenges as they seek new ways to better serve customers, differentiate themselves in the market, expand business intelligence and reduce overall organizational risk,” said Frank Brienzi, senior vice president and general manger, Oracle Financial Services.

“Oracle is dedicated to helping banks meet these challenges head on through industry leading hardware and financial services-specific

applications that enable organizations to achieve new levels of efficiency, insight and performance.ÓThe implementation of Oracle FLEXCUBE will help create new efficiencies visible throughout the bank's business.

Leading pan-African bank, Ecobank Transnational Inc., has implemented Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking and Oracle FLEXCUBE Direct Banking solutions, as well as Oracle's Financial Services Risk Analytics, to standardize its processing platform across its affiliates in 30 sub-Saharan African countries. Enabling Ecobank to service more than 7 million customers via more than 1,100 bank branches, this represents Oracle FLEXCUBE's largest multi-country implementation in Africa to date.

Banque Pour Le Commerce Exierieur Lao Public (BCEL) is preparing to implement Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking on Oracle Exadata Database Machine to modernize its core banking system. BCEL's core banking modernization project is a critical milestone in increasing the bank's efficiencies around risk and growth management, while improving overall profitability of the business in a highly converging industry. Ping An Bank in China implemented Oracle FLEXCUBE.

The Big Deal Avurudu Lifestyle Fair a huge success

HSBC's Big Deal Lifestyle fair, recently held at the BMICH has reportedly attracted over 17,000 visitors over three consecutive days.

The lifestyle fair that catered to a wide audience, offered great discounts on various products by leading merchants along with products new to the market at very affordable prices, making it a one stop shop for seasonal shoppers.

Commenting on the overall success of the fair and association as Platinum sponsor, Softlogic's Director Ms. Desiree Karunaratne, said, “Much of HSBC's customer base makes regular visits to our stores island-wide and it made sense for us to come forward and introduce significant cost savings and attractive offers to all visitors. While Softlogic carries a strong retail presence in the market, we were happy to be able to showcase our range of world reputed brands such as Panasonic, Samsung, Ford, Daihatsu, ZX Auto and Jonway. We are very pleased about the opportunity and the outcome of our association as the Platinum sponsor and commend HSBC on a job well done.”

The fair which sought to benefit both customers and merchants with all kinds of lifestyle products on offer resulted in record sales being generated for many merchants.

“Although our participation in this consumer fair was a last minute decision, we were surprised by the magnitude of the event. We were able to generate substantial sales through this fair. I thank HSBC for having organised this fair in a timely manner as the exposure made this a very special event for shoppers and all stall owners. We have no hesitation in participating in such events should HSBC organise in the future”, stated Mr Suresh Wijesinghe, Managing Director of Memory Technologies Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., authorized distributors for Kingston products in Sri Lanka since 1998.

Visitors were treated to early bird deals for Avurudu, while flexible payment options were made available through the bank's 0% interest free schemes, lifestyle loans and flexi plans on credit cards. A unique feature was the auction held with many consumer durables, automobiles and household goods being offered at amazingly low prices.

Customers also benefited from free automobile health checks, valued at over Rs. 3,500 that resulted in over 200 vehicle owners receiving tips on vehicle maintenance and clean ups.

Many travel partners who set up stalls at the fair saw great value, as it provided them a channel for promoting a range of holiday packages and travel deals to holiday makers who met their right target audience.

Commenting in this regard, Chanies Ratnayake, Senior Manager Marketing of Classic Travel said, “The HSBC Big Deal Lifestyle fair was most helpful in terms of creating awareness about Classic Travel and our varied holiday packages, especially our star cruise packages. We generated many inquiries for the upcoming holiday period and also for travel later on in the year. The special offers for HSBC credit cardholders were received favourably.”

Sampath Bank PLC celebrated their 25th anniversary recently. In parallel with this significant event, Kandy Dalada Veediya branch also organized a function in Kandy. Bharana Jayawardana, Manager-Dalada Veediya branch cuts the anniversary cake in the presence of other guests and Kandy branch staff.

Saboor Chatoor Pvt Ltd has been in existence for almost 100 years, and is one of the oldest established exporters of spices and various agricultural produce. The company is
one of the pioneers in the export of spices to various parts of the world, and it was awarded the ISO 22,000 certificate recently. Here Amyn Chatoor (right) – Director Saboor Chatoor (Pvt) Ltd, receiving the ISO 22,000 certificate from Kanchana Ratwatte (Left) – Chairman, Sri Lanka Standards Institution. Extreme left is the Director, Sri Lanka Standards Institution Gamini Dharmawardena, is seen with the award.

Mobitel’s First Regional Customer Care Contact Centre opens in Sooriyawewa