February 28, 2018
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1min

As the excitement reaches its peak in anticipation of the 139th Battle of the Blues, Prima Kottu Mee and Prima Treats prepares to take on the role of Specialty Food Partner for the 12th year running.

The Royal-Thomian Big Match will be played on the 8th, 9th and 10th of March at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, and Prima Kottu Mee and Prima Treats will be right there supporting the Blues by providing the papare bands and offering a full range of the products available courtesy of both brands. Big Match goers will be able to indulge in Prima Kottu Mee noodles, marinated chicken, sausages and drumsticks. Whilst spicing up palettes with delicious food, Prima Kottu Mee and Prima Treats will also be adding color to the event in the form of their vibrant branding that resonates the youthful liveliness and energy the brands embody.

With this initiative, Prima has fuelled big match fever in the country. With two of Prima’s most youth-friendly brands in play the Battle of the Blues will most definitely be fun thamai.


February 28, 2018
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3min

Tuesday 28thFebruary 2018, Colombo: Capital Alliance (CAL), one of Sri Lanka’s leading investment banks, has appointed Kasturi Wilson as a non-executive Director to their Board.

Wilson is the Managing Director of Hemas Pharmaceuticals and Hemas Logistics and Maritime Sector of Hemas Holdings PLC., and brings to the CAL Board a wealth of financial expertise and managerial excellence.

Wilson has an unparalleled track record of growing and transforming businesses, as evidenced from her time at Hemas Holdings. Having joined the group in 2002 as Finance Director of Hemtours (presently, Diethelm Travels), she was appointed as Head of Vishwa BPO, Hemas’s shared service unit, in 2005.  During her two-year stint there, she built a highly motivated business support team which streamlined transaction processing and SBU reporting across the group. From there, she went on to roles as Chief Process Officer of Hemas Holdings and as Managing Director of the Group’s transportation sector, and since April 2016 she has been the Managing Director of Hemas Pharmaceuticals, along with her role as Managing Director of Hemas Logistics and Maritime.

“Kasturi’s financial acumen and ability to get things done, while being cognizant of the bigger picture and future needs of a company, have made her one of the strongest corporate leaders in Sri Lanka’s private sector today,” says Ajith Fernando, Managing Director / CEO of CAL. “These abilities and wide ranging experience will make Kasturi an invaluable member of our Board.”

Kasturi Wilson also brings to the CAL Board a strong streak of pursuing excellence and competitiveness, characteristics that were developed during her sporting career with the National Women’s Basketball team, which she captained in 1989.

Wilson is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK and a member of the sub-committee on Economic, Fiscal and Policy Planning of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.


February 28, 2018
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3min

Pro Food / Pro Pack and Agbiz Exhibition, Sri Lanka’s largest food, packaging and agriculture expo will be held from 3rd – 5th August 2018 for the 17th consecutive year at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition is organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS). More than 350 stalls have been allocated for the local and foreign manufacturers, which is the biggest event in the country in relation to the food, drinks and agriculture sector.

The exhibition and consumer fair scheduled to be held within a span of three days, expects more than 30000 visitors to attend. The event also helps to interact with prospective buyers and also understand the new technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and the meticulous process that is required, for food products in order to make them available to the consumer. During the event Institute of Science and Technology will present its annual research paper and several other institutes will conduct several training programms for interested parties.

This year’s expo has two separate pavilions from the largest global players in the Industry India and China. Over 80 companies from India and China will participate at this year’s event. The event is set to attract all stakeholders from many South East Asian countries as well. The Ministry of Industries will sponsor the SME and micro sector entities pavilion. The event is a sold out exhibition. The Organizing committee has taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for the University students and this is an ideal opportunity to showcase their innovative products to more than 30000 visitors.

Platinum Sponsors
– Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd,

Gold Sponsors
– Aussee Oats Milling (Pvt) Ltd
– CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd

Silver Sponsors
– CMC Engineering Export GmbH
– Alli Company (Pvt) Ltd
– Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd
– Maliban Tea
– Nikini Automation Systems (Pvt) Ltd
– Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd
– Mespack India (Pvt) Ltd

Official Sponsor
– Zenra Tea


February 28, 2018
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7min

The most awaited awards program among marketers and brand custodians, which reveals the true place of a brand/organization, is mere weeks away.

At the approach of the SLIM – Nielsen People’s Awards, the President of SLIM and the Project Chairperson give us a glimpse into the innovation, influence and inspiration behind one of the most renowned awards in Sri Lanka.

President of SLIM – Mr. Karthik Elangovan

What was the thought behind the initiation of the SLIM – Nielsen People’s Awards?

The idea behind the People’s Awards was to get a non-biased view of a brand’s occupation in the consumers’ minds. There are many panel-judged award ceremonies but none of these check the people’s pulse on their preference through a systematic research process, which will capture the true nature of a brand’s imprint in the minds of the consumers.

Has it achieved the initial objective of creating the award?

It has been more than a decade now and organizations as well as the consumers value the true choice of the people, and it helps the companies to improve their performance as well as get an insight into their brand’s bearing in the market, which helps them in their future strategies.

From a consumer point of view, it helps the general population get an idea of the brands most preferred by the consumers, since association by nature is a key component of a human psyche when making purchase decisions. As we all know, one always tends to buy something when it is referred to us by a friend.

These are the two key objectives, which are imperative for People’s Awards recipients and this has been elevated over the years to greater levels with the commercialization of the awards and the acceptance of both the participating organizations and the consumers.

How has the People’s Awards been able to contribute to the marketing fraternity and the country?

The quality of service is one area where the People’s Awards have contributed most.  Products that are placed in the market by organizations need to improve if they are to stand out in the mind of the consumer. So continuous improvements have happened in order to compete for these awards and thus industries have improved areas such as product quality, offerings, channels and communication.

Also, from a marketer’s perspective the awards enable them to understand the consumer’s requirements and strategize accordingly in order to make their brand more appealing to their customers.

Project Chairperson – Mr. Lakshitha Wijesinghe

What makes the SLIM – Nielsen People’s Awards stand apart from the many other industry awards?

The selection of the winners in most awards in Sri Lanka is based on either a selection criterion or the judgment of a panel of judges. People’s Awards is the only award where the winners are selected based on island-wide research. More importantly the Nielsen Company carries out the research, which is one of the largest and most recognized research companies in the world. This greatly improves the credibility of the selection process.

Explain the criteria by which the winners are chosen. How different is it from an evaluation from a panel of judges?

The winners of the People’s Awards are selected based on the Sri Lankan’s top of the mind recall, identified through an island wide research program. The People’s Award tag line, ‘The True Voice of Sri Lanka’, clearly projects the essence of the selection criteria. Therefore, this award evaluates the last mile of the brand effort, whether it has been successful in winning the people’s hearts and minds. There is no better testament for the success of a brand than the endorsement of the general public.  In contrast, evaluation by a panel of judges takes in to account the judgment of the panel, which is based on a particular criterion. When it is necessary to scrutinize something in detail that requires in-depth understanding in the respective subject matter, evaluation by a judging panel is suitable.

How important is public opinion for a brand to be successful?

The success of the brand completely depends on how it is perceived by the public, which includes both its current consumers and non-consumers. The public owns this perception, not the brands.  A brand custodian might want to project a particular image of their brand, but its success depends on whether or not the public perceives it the same way. Every brand manager wants his or her brand to be more loved by the public than any other brand. The People’s Awards put their brands into a test in this aspect.

What benefits does a brand receive from the SLIM – Nielsen People’s Awards?

Like I mentioned previously, there is no better testament to the success of the brand than the endorsement of the general public. The People’s Awards confirms that the winning brand is the most popular brand in its category among Sri Lankans. Since the research is carried out by the leading research agency Nielsen, an award is valid anywhere in the world. Winning an award will further drive awareness and usage. We humans always love to be associated with the best and the most popular. Further, the popularity of the brand tells the market about the superior quality of the product/service, which improves the consumer’s confidence in the brand, making it easier and faster for the consumer to traverse through the buying process


February 28, 2018
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4min

Stafford Motor Company Pvt Limited, the sole Sri Lankan distributor for Honda products since 1977, today appointed Kundasale Auto Service Pvt Ltd as the exclusive dealer for Service and Spare parts of Honda vehicles in the Central Province.

The dealership agreement was signed by Managing Director/CEO of Stafford Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd, Dr. Kalinga Kaluperuma and Managing Director of Kundasale Auto Service (KAS) Mr. Ravi Mediwake.

Mr. Tarindra Kaluperuma, Executive Director, Mr. Charaka Perera, Director (COO) Mr. Sanjeeve Gooneratne, General Manager (Automobiles) and Mr. Damitha Jayasundara, General Manager (Spare Parts) of Stafford Motors and Mr. Damsith Bulumulla, General Manager of KAS were also present at the signing ceremony.

Speaking after the signing ceremony Managing Director/CEO of Stafford Motors Dr. Kalinga Kaluperuma said, “This agreement will no doubt strengthen our dealer network in the Central Province. The Honda population in the country has grown exponentially over the last three years and we are constantly looking at ways of reaching our customer base. Kandy and the entire Central Province have a large customer base for us and we want to be able to reach them”.

Also expressing his thoughts Sanjeeve Gooneratne, General Manager (Automobiles) at Stafford Motors noted, “Through this agreement, Kundasale Auto Services will not only cover customers in Kandy but also reach out to Nuwaraeliya, Mahiyanganaya, and even Batticaloa.”

“The Honda base is further expanding with the introduction of the brand new Honda CRV through Stafford Motors as well as the new Honda Civic hatchback imported from UK through other channels as the current duty structure has a distinct advantage for vehicles with lower capacity engines with higher BHP similar to that of new European models. There is also a well established Honda Hybrid customer base spread across Central Province who will now be able to patronize KAS for all future service and spare parts requirements. We are looking forward to Ravi and his team therefore servicing many clients covering the Central and Eastern Provinces”, he added.

The 2-S facility at KAS will provide full service for Honda vehicles while also stocking the latest spare parts for the demand. KAS is the largest accident repair center in Sri Lanka and also has the widest network of independent service stations in the country. Founded by Mr. Mediwake, who is himself an Automobile Electronics Engineer, KAS service centers are built to European standards and follow the most stringent quality standards required by global vehicle manufacturing giants.

KAS has three large, state-of-the-art Vehicle Repair Workshops situated in Kundasale, another within the Pallekelle BOI Estate consisting of a floor area of 33,000 square feet and Mihintale where a 39,000 square area facility lies. Mechanical and electrical repairs are carried out using the latest computerized diagnostic scanners and software. The center’s portfolio includes lubricant service, mechanical/electrical and accident repairs, chassis and body aligning, computerized wheel alignment and air conditioning repairs. They also carry out specialized repairs on Hybrid vehicles. A highly efficient 24-hour recovery service is also available for accidents and breakdowns which operate island wide 365 days a year.

For more information call KAS on 081 2 420130 for customer care or 0773 115656 for the recovery services. Customers can also visit their comprehensive website www.kas.lk


February 28, 2018
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3min

The second event in the series launched by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in association with the Colombo Stock Brokers Association (CSBA) to showcase S&P SL 20 companies to an exclusive audience of Local Institutional and High-net-worth Investors was recently held at the Taj Samudra Hotel. The event featured investment case presentations and discussions on Access Engineering PLC and Seylan Bank PLC while research on the two companies was also distributed by John Keells Stock Brokers and Capital TRUST Securities respectively. Video highlights of the event and discussions could be accessed via www.cse.lk

Managing Director Mr. Christopher Joshua and Manager – Business Development Mr. Shanaka Fernando represented Access Engineering PLC at the presentation and discussion on the company which was moderated by the Head of Research at John Keells Stock Brokers Mr. Navin Ratnayake.

Seylan Bank PLC was represented by Chief Financial Officer Ms. Champika Dodanwela and AGM – Finance Mr. Nirmal Costa at the presentation and discussion, which was moderated by the Head of Research at Capital TRUST Securities Mr. Charitha Gunasekere.

Commenting on the initiative, CSE CEO Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike stated “The market at present offers attractive valuations and sound buying and diversification opportunities, which have been supported by the encouraging performance our listed companies have maintained in the recent past. We are pleased to continue to create this platform where such opportunities are showcased to local institutional investors and High-net-worth Investors, which are key segments in our investor base. Presentations and discussions featuring key decision makers of S&P SL 20 companies provides valuable insight into each company’s investment case and future growth outlook. The research distributed by CSBA member firms also adds an independent angle to this perspective. ” he added.

Commenting on the conclusion of yet another successful Research Presentation, the President of the CSBA Mr. Prashan Fernando in his closing remarks stated that “The CSBA was delighted to bring this Stock Broker Research Series to the Local Institutions and High-net-worth individuals together with the CSE”. He also said that “the aim is to educate the investors by bringing selected companies from the S & P 20 Index where an in-depth analysis of the respective companies are presented, by the management of those respective companies themselves. In order to bring value to the presentation, a Research Analyst from a Broker Firm, moderates the Q & A session to bring out the relevant areas of interest for effective and sound decision making on their investment options”.

The series has previously featured John Keells Holdings PLC, Sampath Bank PLC and Teejay Lanka PLC and similar events featuring other S&P SL 20 companies are expected to be held in 2018.


February 28, 2018
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3min

 

Dell EMC is pleased to announce the appointment of Chrishan Fernando as the new Dell EMC Country Manager for Sri Lanka & Maldives. Chrishan, who will be based in Colombo, joins from IBM Sri Lanka where he was Country General Manager for the past eight years, responsible for the growth of the business in Sri Lanka. Prior to that, he was Country Manager at HP for 12 years, piloting operations in Sri Lanka while covering regional markets in South Asia.

 

Harjeet Rekhi, General Manager, South Asia Developing Markets Group, Dell EMC, discusses Chrishan’s appointment, “We are delighted to have Chrishan join the leadership team for Sri Lanka. The wealth of experience he brings will be an asset as we strengthen our leadership position in the market.”

“I am excited to join Dell EMC at a time when the organization is becoming a powerhouse in all segments of the market. Through the merger of Dell and EMC, the company is well-positioned to help more customers navigate the challenging landscape of digital transformation. With Sri Lanka expanding tremendously in both infrastructure and economy, Dell EMC is well positioned to capitalize on this growth and I look forward to deepening its leadership in the market,” says Chrishan Fernando, Country Manager, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Dell EMC.


February 28, 2018
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5min

Nawaloka Petroleum (Pvt) Ltd, a fully-owned subsidiary of Nawaloka Holdings Limited recently announced its plan for 2018 to expand operations in a bid to become the preferred automotive solutions provider in the country. Established in 2010, the company has in a short span of 8 years become the complete solutions provider with products ranging from lubricants to batteries and tires.

The Nawaloka Petroleum product range includes globally recognized brands such as Total and Elf Lubricants, Volta and Nawata Batteries and Deestone, Royal Black, Austone and Sportrak tires. Through strong ties with multi-nationals, Nawaloka Petroleum has been trusted by global vehicular giants like Tata, Renault, Maruti, Peugeot, Nissan, Citroen and Kia.

Total Oil is the 4th largest oil company in the world and their lubricant oils, greases, break fluids and coolants are marketed and distributed solely by Nawaloka Petroleum under the Total and Elf brand names.

Meanwhile, powering the nation’s transportation sector Nawaloka Petroleum’s very own brand Nawata batteries are built to German technology at the largest battery manufacturing plant in South Asia located in Bangladesh. Also in Nawaloka Petroleum’s portfolio is the “Volta” battery. Imported from Rahimafrooz Accumulators Limited (RAL) in Bangladesh, this battery perfectly suits the varying weather conditions of a tropical nation as it is developed in one. High standards of its operations are certified by both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

With a range of tires to suit every terrain in our tropical island the Nawaloka Petroleum tire range is built for any type of vehicle be it road, track or racing. When it comes to the exterior of the vehicle, Nawaloka Petroleum also deals in the most sophisticated tyre brands in the world. Austone is the fourth largest tyre manufacturer in China using superior American technology. It is also an original equipment tyre supplier to more than 30 leading vehicle companies in China, including Brilliance BMW, FAW-VW and China National Heavy Duty Trucks. Nawaloka Petroleum will be the sole agent for the Sri Lankan market. Meanwhile, Sportrak which is a more endurance and performance based tyre brand will also be available to the racing fanatics in Sri Lanka. Sportrak tyres are sold in more than 100 countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South America.

All of the aforementioned products are available for both on and off-road vehicles, and for industrial machinery as well ensuring that Nawaloka Petroleum services the entire gamut of vehicles in the industry. With an island wide distribution network of more than 2000+ dealers, Nawaloka Petroleum guarantees that any product can be supplied within 24 hours of order. A sound technical team is also on call to provide continuous support.

Nawaloka Petroleum is a trusted brand used by renowned local motor car racers, while also working with the School Van Association of Sri Lanka promoting safe driving for school children. Further cementing the company’s position as an industry leader, Nawaloka Petroleum was also recognized as the Official Lubricants Partner for the Motor Show 2017. With awareness campaigns on safe-driving and sponsorship of racing events throughout the year, the company has also reached out to the masses thereby becoming a household name.

Further strengthening its operations and widening its horizons Nawaloka Petroleum will also venture in to importing spare parts and accessories from Japan and India, and import and distribute leading car care products through its strengthened island wide dealer network this year.

For further information please contact Nawaloka Petroleum on 0112 937937.



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Lanka Business News is amongst the leading online Business News portals in Sri Lanka, unique for its focus on contemporary business news relevant across multiple industries operating in the country. We present not only the news, but a perspective based on observations and possible implications of a prevailing news item. LBN also provides an insight to the impact of a global economic or industrial development, thus helping stakeholders make informed and calculated decisions.




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