November 2017 - Lanka Business News

November 30, 2017

Young entrepreneur Rohanthi Wijewickrama, the Founder/CEO of Sri Lankan children’s products company Quebee Den (Bellybees) was invited to participate at the 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit, held by USA and India, on November 28-30, 2017.

Recommended and nominated by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce Sri Lanka (WCICSL), and selected by the U.S. Department of State, Ms. Wijewickrama attended the highly prestigious, invitation-only 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), held in Hyderabad, India with the participation of more than 1,800 entrepreneurs and investors from 148 countries. Ms. Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President of the USA, headed the United States delegation to the Summit. Through networking, mentoring, and workshops, the GES empowers entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding, and create innovative goods and services that will transform societies.

Quebee Den is a local consumer goods company with an emphasis on safe, healthy and convenient products for one’s home. Its mission is to re-invent the future with healthy and safe products that will uplift the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the industry, community and the world.

The company has built a powerful portfolio of niche brands like “Bellybees”, which specializes in food and beverages with no preservatives and “Qbee” a dedicated household products brand for non food items. Catering to all age groups, Quebee Den develops products dedicated to Baby, Toddler, Kids and the entire family, becoming one of Sri Lanka’s top self made brands to cater to the entire family, making it available island-wide in supermarkets and grocery stores.

Quebee Den has won several national awards including JCI’s Top Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka Award in 2016, as well as the Western Province’s Best Entrepreneur – Industrial and Manufacturing Sector in 2017 and the Best Entrepreneur Award for 2016, both awarded by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. Quebee Den has also been recognized as the Runner-up, and one of the “Top Fundable Companies”, at Venture Engine 2016 and with a Women Entrepreneur Award and Best Women CEO Award in 2015.

Commenting on the success of Quebee Den, Ms. Wijewickrama notes that her company’s focus is on producing entirely natural and locally-sourced products, which enables her to offer sustainable products that are free of toxic chemicals. Her commitment to a healthy world also emphasizes on reaching out to under privileged communities to help rebuild the next generation with healthy products. Also important, 95% of her workers are women, ingredients are purchased, including vegetables and fruits mainly from women island-wide. It is additionally important for her to help working mothers, by offering them with organic and sustainable alternatives that are healthy and safe for children as well as financial freedom giving them an opportunity to pursue their own dreams.

Elaborating further, Quebee Den Founder/CEO Ms. Wijewickrama added, “We are not only about putting a product on the shelf. We also want to ensure the livelihood of the next generation, our kids’ generation, is preserved. That is truly what Quebee Den is all about.”

More information is available at www.quebeeden.com

November 30, 2017

Anniversary cake being cut by His Excellency the Ambassador and the Oman Air Team

November 30, 2017

Monday 27^th November2017, Colombo: DFCC Bank, recently joined hands with the upcoming Fairway Galle Literary Festival, as the event’s official banking partner. The partnership is part of the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting events that uplift the arts and literature in Sri Lanka whilst raising the profile of the island as a creative hub in the international arena. The sponsorship will also help to highlight the Bank’s growing presence in the southern region, one of its key areas for growth and expansion.

Commenting on the Bank’s partnership with the exclusive literature festival, Lakshman Silva – CEO, DFCC Bank, said: “We are proud to partner with the Fairway Galle Literary Festival 2018 as the festival’s official banking partner. This is an ideal platform for the DFCC brand to leverage on and to drive its vision for knowledge sharing under the brand theme of ‘Know & Grow‘ as it provides a pivotal platform for the country’s writers, poets and literary specialists and helps to uplift the country’s image in the international arena, highlighting our nation’s rich history in the arts and our ongoing commitment to the development of artistic fields. This sponsorship will also help us to gain exposure and highlight our presence in the south of the country, which is one of our key areas for future expansion and growth. We also believe that the festival will showcase Sri Lanka as a nation that shelters a plethora of vibrant talents and personalities that derive inspiration from the unique and diverse cultures of the country. We will be arranging activities around the Literary Festival to enable our customers to be a part of this event and to have an up close and personal interaction with the multitude of both international and local artists and authors who will be participating at the Festival. We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with this prestigious event, which will play a key role in steering the country towards reaching its full potential as a premier hub for both contemporary and classical arts and literature.”

Over the years, DFCC Bank has strengthened its presence in the southern region, offering a wide-range of loans and financial services to customers in the Galle, Matara and Hambantota areas. Serving customers as a fully-fledged commercial bank, DFCC Bank offers a full-spectrum of products for personal, corporate and SME customers. DFCC Bank prides itself on delivering tailor-made products that are designed to meet the specific lifestyle needs of customers, attractive interest rates, structured repayment plans, easy access to all funds and fast and prompt support. The southern region remains one of the bank’s key areas for expansion and growth, attracting an increasing number of customers seeking reliable financial services that support their personal and business needs and specific lending requirements.

November 30, 2017

Wednesday, 29 November 2017, Colombo: Serendib Flour Mills (SFML) recently won a Silver award in the B2B Brand category at the prestigious SLIM Brand Excellence Awards, which took place at BMICH recently. The prestigious awards programme is conducted each year at a national level to recognize brands, teams and organizations across the country for showcasing excellence in the fields of marketing, advertising and communications. This was the very first year that SFML participated in the awards programmes and the company’s significant achievement at the event serves as a testament to its impactful and well-rounded marketing and branding efforts.

Conducted by SLIM (the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing), the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards is a celebration of exemplary branding and marketing across multiple local industries. Through this event, SLIM endeavors to encourage best practices in marketing, whilst enhancing the image of the field in the country as well as that of SLIM within the region. Now in its 16^th edition, the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards programme acts as an industry platform for recognition and each year, entries are judged by an elite panel of experts who evaluate and reward truly outstanding brands that are making waves in their respective industries.

Commenting on SFML’s achievement at this year’s SLIM Brand Excellence Awards, Kalinga Wijesekera – Head of Marketing & Communications, SFML, said: “We are naturally delighted to recognized and to be honored with this prestigious award at the SLIM Brand Excellence award. Having competed for the very first time and among very strong and established brands and thus winning a silver award becomes even more credible. At SFML, we operate under a robust marketing communications strategy that is geared to deliver strong messages to our clients about our products, their benefits and our overall commitment to delivering a seamless and sustainable operation. At Serendib Flour Mills we truly believe in building brands. Last couple of years we have invested in building the 7 Star brand as it’s the only SLS certified wheat flour in the local Market. As such this award is a testament to the efforts that we have put in making 7 Star a winning brand. It is truly a delight to be recognized and rewarded for our consistent efforts as a top local brand and responsible B2B player, and we look forward to participating in this important programme in the coming years.”

Serendib Flour Mills is one of the leading flour mills in Sri Lanka and is a joint venture between Al Ghurair Foods (AGF) and Emirates Trading Agency (ETA). The company’s ‘7 Star’ brand of flour has been nourishing the nation for 9 years and embodies purity, innovation, quality, freshness, expertise, service and trust. Serendib Flour Mills is committed to becoming the number one producer of wheat flour in Sri Lanka and the preferred flour supplier in international markets. Serendib Flour Mills launched operations with a state-of-the-art single-line capacity wheat flour mill in the Port of Colombo on 26 May 2008. Serendib Flour Mills has developed and implemented an integrated management system (IMS) based on ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, BS OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 22000:2005 requirements. The system complies with applicable laws and regulations, international standards and codes, and best manufacturing practices in the areas of quality, environment, occupational health and safety and food safety.

November 30, 2017

Colombo, 29^th Nov 2017: INSEE Cement strongly believes in encouraging and inspiring youth to achieve career success through focus on training and education that would help them to progress professionally. INSEE Cement spearheaded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Enterprise Based Vocational Education (EVE) training center and the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) in an endeavour to improve the quality of life of youth in Puttalam, the location of the Company’s main manufacturing plant.

The project started in 2007 and has completed 8 batches, benefitting over 175 students who have successfully passed out as Technicians in electrical and metal fabrication. Many who graduated are currently employed at INSEE Cement as full time employees. Whilst others are productively self-employed or working for others in the industry.

Sameera Madusanka who joined the INSEE Cement Colombo Cement Terminal as Shift Foreman recently is an excellent example of this endeavour. He is a graduate of the Enterprise Based Vocational Education (EVE) training center.

Sameera was positive about the experience he gained and looked forward to career progression at INSEE Cement and was happy with the career boost he has received. Looking back at his career, he recalled that there were over a hundred applicants when he came for an interview four years ago. He was able to follow a month’s induction course at which senior INSEE Cement officials lectured the participants on subjects such as team working, time management, personality development and public speaking that dramatically improved his skills as well as his outlook and attitude to his life and career.

The EVE graduates’ three and a half year training period at INSEE kicked off with physical fitness training, meditation, drama sessions and even exposure to the hospitality industry. “In 2015 INSEE Cement offered me a scholarship which was a great help to focus on my education rather than having to worry about my finances. I got a comprehensive hands-on experience in Electrical & Electronic fields by working at the cement plant in Puttalam” he explained.

“Now I am planning to follow a management course next year and hope to develop my educational background as well as my career based on the invaluable opportunity I have got from INSEE Cement” Sameera commented

Prasad Piyadigama, Organisation and Human Resources Director of INSEE Cement said “INSEE Cement takes pride in providing opportunities for young people in the Puttalam area to benefit via obtaining outstanding technical skills as a part of our initiative to promote sustainable development. This will enhance the educational level of youth in the area and increase their employability giving them a stable career path. The initiative will further help to develop future technicians for the nation. At INSEE Cement we are striving to enrich the community where we do business and our efforts will help many youths in the area to achieve career progress.”

The course is free of charge and the trainees receive a monthly allowance from INSEE Cement in addition to transport, meals and technical support. The current batch is the ninth and the programme has been a great success and has produced NVQ Level 4 and 3 multi-skilled maintenance technicians with computer training.

November 30, 2017

29 November, 2017: As the festive season comes around, the reason to look your dazzling and confident self is at the top of the wish list. Durdans enhance Cosmetic Centre offers a comprehensive and premium line of aesthetic solutions including facial and body contouring, and facial rejuvenation therapy.

Body contouring offers the opportunity to enhance the visible body silhouette through procedures such as liposuction, body lifts, implants and liposculpture. Liposuction targets contours in the body that contain fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise. Body lifts improve shape and tone of dimpled, sagging and out-of-shape areas while liposculpture leaves fat in certain areas to enhance and achieve athletic contours.

Dr. Yasas Abeywickrama, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Durdans Hospital says, “Our services range from tummy tucks, breast procedures, arm lifts, upper and lower body lift, thigh lift and mons lift. Breast procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction and reconstruction, nipple surgery and male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) surgery while facial contouring incorporates face lifts, rhinoplasty, ear surgery and facial reconstruction.”

Anti-ageing skin therapy, skin lightening therapy and skin perfecting therapy are cosmetic solutions available for facial rejuvenation. Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne, Medical Cosmetologist at Durdans enhance Cosmetic Centre says, “For a youthful appearance, clients can opt for Botox®, fillers and PRP treatment that reduce fine lines and wrinkles while a flawless complexion can be achieved by the reduction of pores, pigmentation, melasma, uneven skin, facial hair and dark circles through laser resurfacing, peels, skin polishing and mesotherapy.”

The Durdans enhance Cosmetic Centre, located on the 1st floor of the Durdans Hospital, is a state of the art facility with stylish interior and warm staff. Expert plastic surgeons and cosmetologists use medical grade cosmoceuticals and follow clinical guidelines to ensure utmost safety to the patient. With more than 3000 procedures up to date, specialists maintain long term contact with clients to ensure that their comfort and satisfaction is maximised.

For facial rejuvenation and body contouring appointments call enhance Cosmetic Centre on 011 2 140 163 or Durdans 1344 helpline.

November 30, 2017

Sri Lankan fashion staple, Cotton Collection, launches its newest store in Pelawatte at 968, Thalawathugoda Road. The vibrant new branch will feature Cotton Collection’s flagship brand COCO and a host of other brands meant exclusively for free-spirited women. Spread over an expansive 2,700 square feet of retail space with ample parking, Cotton Collection’s newest store is located at the heart of bustling Pelawatte, right opposite the Hameedia Store.

Managing Director, Niloufer Esufally Anverally commented: “We are delighted to open an exclusively ladies store in Pelawatte. Our customer is unique and has a very distinctive taste. We have been frequently requested to move to Pelawatte. Finally, here we are, closer to our clientele living in this part of greater Colombo. It gives me great pleasure to invite valued customers in the area to visit their newest neighborhood Cotton Collection and to be part of the inauguration on 17^th November at 10 am and enjoy our eclectic collection.”

The Exclusive All-Ladies Cotton Collection Store showcases a niche collection of brands including Cotton Collection’s pride of place flagship brand COCO and its own sprightly yet sophisticated accessory brand, Raspberry, alongside independent designer brands such as Kaveri and Aseesa.

November 30, 2017

With preparations for the world famous triathlon event ramping up, a collection of Colombo’s leading hotels were announced as hospitality partners to the internationally famed triathlon event, IRONMAN 70.3, which is set to kick off in the city on the 25th of February 2018.

“On behalf of IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, we are very pleased to announce this exciting partnership with some of the very best hospitality providers in the city and we wish to register our gratitude to each of them for joining together with Hayleys Tours and Pro-Am Serendib to support bring this prolific event to our sunny shores,” Hayleys Tours Director, Amith Sumanapala said.

Newly opened international luxury brand, Shangri-La Hotel Colombo will serve as Host Hotel to IRONMAN 70.3 while Hilton Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, Mövenpick Hotel Colombo, Galadari Hotel Colombo, Fairway Colombo, OZO Colombo, Pearl Grand Hotel Colombo and The Steuart by Citrus have signed on as partner hotels

“Across the world, the IRONMAN triathlon serves as an example of courage and determination in action, inspiring millions in the process. This is the very first time that IRONMAN is coming to South Asia, and as a result we believe that the city of Colombo and Sri Lanka as a nation, will gain valuable international exposure.

“This will be the perfect time to showcase the vibrancy and rich diversity of our island and working closely with our 5-star Host Partner, Shangri-La, and all of our esteemed partner hotels, we are confident that IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo will be a memorable event, and the first of many to come in future. As the DMC arm of the Hayleys Group, it is therefore a source of great pride for all of us at Hayleys Tours to serve as the official travel partner to IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo,” Sumanapala added.

Serving as the qualifying round for triathletes seeking to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, the Sri Lankan event will take place in the heart of Colombo, starting at the Galle Face Green with a one-loop 1.9km swim through the warm and clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

The swimming section of the triathlon will be followed by a flat and fast three- loop 90km bike course that will travel through Colombo’s city centre and past the Old Parliament Building and the historic Port of Colombo.

Currently one of the largest on-going sporting events in the world, the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon is widely considered one of the most challenging single-day sporting events in the world. Pro-Am Serendib (Pvt) Ltd. is the official licensee of the World Triathlon Corporation and owner of the IRONMAN global triathlon brand, and as organisers, are hopeful that IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo will become an annual event, putting Sri Lanka on the global triathlon map, given the country’s significant potential to become a mainstream sport in Sri Lanka.

For more information about the event, including information about how you too can participate in IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, please visit: http://asia.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman-70.3/colombo.aspx#axzz4u3pModkZ

November 30, 2017

Hayleys Kelani Valley Plantations’ Deputy General Manager- HR & Corporate Sustainability, Anuruddha Gamage receiving the award for Outstanding HR Leadership from SAPSAA 2017 Chief Guest and Chief Advisor for HE Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. Gowher Rizvi

November 29, 2017

The felicitated staff with Commercial Bank’s Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, members of the Board and corporate management.

Older Posts

Quebee Den at the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit

Oman Air marks 8th Anniversary of fruitful operations in Sri Lanka

DFCC Bank partners with the Fairway Galle Literary Festival as the event’s official banking partner

Serendib Flour Mills – Seven Star Wheat Flour claims Silver at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards

INSEE Cement’s endeavour to educate youth in Puttalam

Facial Rejuvenation and Body Contouring at Durdans Hospital Enhance Cosmetic Centre

Pelawatte Gets Its Own Exclusive All-Ladies Store by Cotton Collection

Shangri-La and leading city hotels roll out the red carpet for IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo

Hayleys Team shines at regional awards for leadership and HR innovation

Commercial Bank honours 136 staff for 25 years of service