January 30, 2018
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3min

Tuesday 30th January 2018, Colombo: Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist, has launched its annual ‘Upgrade your Wardrobe’ initiative, an idea that will be reiterated through the year. Most shoppers tend to buy clothes on impulse and many a time never end up wearing the impulse buy. This initiative by Hameedia encourages shoppers to be more mindful and to plan their wardrobe by first donating old clothing and then identifying their precise new clothing needs. This would not only help manage a perfect wardrobe on a budget but it would lend satisfaction and pride about the fact they bought clothing they really needed. Dressing well gives, the confidence you need to succeed and dressing to impress and looking sharp can be game-changers in any sphere of life.

Driven by the theme – Dress Better – the promotion encourages people to refresh their wardrobes by shopping at Hameedia while simultaneously donating their wearable condition clothes and shoes to Hameedia outlets. In turn, Hameedia will channel the used items to the needy. This way, shoppers are made part of a worthy cause while upgrading their style in the process.

People wishing to donate their used clothes and shoes may do so at all Hameedia outlets. Care should be taken to ensure that the items being donated are properly cleaned, wearable and segregated and marked for size and gender.

The Hameedia Group is an organization that constantly uplifts and works towards the well-being of all communities, irrespective of their religious, ethnic, political, cultural and other affiliations.  Its ‘My Friend Foundation’ CSR initiative has enabled it to support, empower and make a positive impact in the lives of thousands of people across Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 1949, Hameedia has cemented its place as the preferred menswear specialist in Sri Lanka with its world-class quality, custom tailoring and ready-made clothing. The company continues to make its presence felt locally and internationally with Hameedia outlets across Sri Lanka and stores in the Seychelles, Maldives and Australia respectively. Along with its own branded clothing and accessories, which includes FH, Envoy, Le Bond and Signature, Hameedia also showcases international brands such as Raymond, Van Heusen, Louis Philippe. Killer and Adidas.


January 30, 2018
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6min

Chairman of Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka invites Corporates to build homes, communities and hope

 COLOMBO, 22 January 2017 Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka’s (HFHSL) President and Chairman of the National Board of Directors – Lakshan Madurasinghe’s unique Habitat journey started with him volunteering at a Habitat Build event, and thereafter led to over a decade long partnership with HFHSL. Today, a key member of HFHSL’s leadership team, Lakshan not only continues to volunteer whilst encouraging hundreds of others to do so as well, he has applied his corporate, PR and management expertise to shape the vision and mission of Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka, and aid its ongoing commitment to providing homes for families in need across Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 1994, Habitat for Humanity has enabled over 24,600 families to achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. A proper home is the strong foundation on which families and communities thrive. Better, affordable living conditions lead to improved health and stronger childhood development and give families the ability and financial flexibility to make forward-looking choices. In 2017, HFHSL had the opportunity of providing homes for 80 families affected by landslides in the Kegalle District and providing 37 families who lived in temporary shelters in Kalutara with permanent homes. HFHSL is also currently in the process of implementing two large-scale housing projects funded by the European Union in Killinochchi, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu and the Indian Government in Batticaloa and Pussellawa.

In 2018, Habitat for Humanity is on a mission to forge more partnerships with like-minded individuals, Corporates, organizations and donors that will enable them to reach more communities and provide safe and decent homes to more families in need across Sri Lanka under the theme of “Partnerships with Purpose”. In keeping with this theme, Habitat is committed to enhancing its corporate engagement through partnerships with Corporates who are interested in implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that focus on housing and providing adequate sanitation facilities for vulnerable communities across the country. Habitat Sri Lanka is particularly looking for support from the corporate sector for its newly launched ‘Homes for Hope Campaign’, which focuses on constructing homes and sanitation facilities for families that are battling disabilities, special needs, or chronic illnesses such as Chronic Kidney Disease and Leprosy..

Additionally, towards fostering volunteerism within the Corporate sector, Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka has also launched its ‘Corporate Team Builds’ program which offers Corporates the opportunity to have their staff volunteer at a Habitat build site on a one-day build where they will provide their unskilled labour to construct a home for a family in need. Very often corporate teams opt to invest in high-end training and out-bound team building exercises for their staff; however Habitat Sri Lanka offers a unique alternative to those types of typical out-bound training programs through its ‘Corporate Team Builds’ program.

Unlike any other volunteer experience, Habitat’s volunteers get hands-on construction experience building a home with their teammates and also have the satisfaction of knowing that their generosity and hard work resulted in a family in need being blessed with a place to call home. Commenting on this further, Mr. Madurasinghe said, “At HFHSL, you get to do more than just donate money to a cause. The beauty of volunteering with Habitat is that you get to be a part of changing people’s lives. An additional benefit is that the results of your team work will be extremely tangible and will have a positive impact on multiple generations. It’s a great way to give back to communities and do something truly meaningful with your work colleagues. I invite all corporates to join us in our mission to provide everyone in Sri Lanka a decent place to live.”

To learn more about Habitat Sri Lanka’s Corporate Partnerships and volunteer opportunities contact Ms.Melissa Jayasuriya (Senior Manager, Corporate Relations & Resource Development) on +94 112577102 or visit www.habitatsrilanka.org 


January 30, 2018
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3min

A solid education is valued above all, in the present society. Education indeed defines an individual and opens up many opportunities for success. It is this distinction that is sought by the schools and the parents alike for their children.

At the end of the day, the hard work and dedication of the parents and schools pay off when the ardently committed student performs academically well at their exams. To emerge as a high achiever a well-defined focus and goal orientation alongside untiring efforts remains the success formula for many.

Amana Takaful’s (ATL) “Adhyapana” policy was introduced with the intention of supporting the hard work and dedication of the students who are academically oriented; in the unforeseen circumstances leading to the demise of the parents, the education insurance policy would ensure that all expenses related to the child’s education is well taken care of. Furthermore, the policy also not only recognizes but also rewards the exceptional achievements of students with cash prizes and scholarships at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and G. C E O/Levels.

Fathima Rifna of Hambanthota is one such student who bagged 9 A’s at the GCE O/L examination in the year 2016, ranked number 1 in the Tamil Medium in the Hambanthota District. She hails from an ordinary family and is the second child in her family. Her father, who is a businessman, believes that this exceptional performance is the result of the dedication and hard work put in by Rifna as well as the backing received from members of the family. ATL recognized and rewarded Fathima Rifna with a scholarship, at an event held at the Zahira College, Hambanthota recently.

Furthermore, 25 “Adhyapana” Policy holders who performed exceptionally well at recently concluded 2017 Grade 5 scholarship examination were also rewarded. ATL’s “Adhyapana” is viewed as one of the ‘must subscribed’ policies, to ensure that your children get the much-needed financial backing, making their education dream a reality.


January 29, 2018
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2min

Thushera Kawdawatta, vice president - Technology and chief software architect, Virtusa and Chandi Dharmaratne, senior director, Human Resources, Virtusa handing over the cheque for the grand prize of Rs.100,000 to Team XYZ from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), the champions of Virtusa LAN Challenge 2018


January 28, 2018
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2min

It is rumored that the Huawei nova 2i, which is the newest top seller in the premium mid-range smartphone segment, will be getting a surprise feature addition soon according to market sources in Sri Lanka. The hottest selling premium mid-range smartphone featuring high-end specifications is set to introduce a fast, safe and accurate facial recognition unlock feature, a reliable source revealed.

Demand is no doubt growing towards the need for safe and convenient unlocking methods, especially the requirement for unique identification methods other than the finger print sensor or the screen swipe. For some time now, face unlock mechanisms have been growing in demand and have also been incorporated into leading global smartphone brands which are in the higher market segment.  With Huawei’s nova2i being a mid-range smartphone, this news would no doubt be an excellent opportunity for Huawei customers to enjoy.

According to research many competing smartphones in the market today adopt basic unlocking features leaving customers vulnerable to easy access of their phones by others.

However, according to the source, the Huawei nova 2i is rumored to hold a much more superior unlock feature using facial recognition compared to many other competitors in the market. This new feature will be made available to existing Huawei nova 2i customers by updating to the latest software version. When inquired whether it’s a 2D unlock the source abstained from commenting.

 


January 28, 2018
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3min

Eurocars, the official agent of Porsche cars in Sri Lanka officially launched the new 911 Targa 4 GTS recently in the presence of 911 sportscar enthusiasts in Colombo. The 911 Targa 4 GTS is the newest model to be included in the Porsche 911 sportscar range and stands out not only for its technology, but also its visual design.

The 911 Targa 4 GTS sportscar is for even greater sporting dynamics, but nonetheless suitable for everyday use. In addition to its performance-orientated features, the model boasts a high trim level. The vehicle is based on the wide all-wheel-drive chassis, which measures 1852 mm. The new Sport Design front apron emphasizes the sporty character and the front end is aerodynamically optimised. A low front spoiler and increased rear spoiler extension height further reduce the lift forces on the front and rear axle compared to the Carrera S models.

On the rear, the 911 Targa 4 GTS is unmistakable: smoked tail lights, silk-gloss black air intake grille and central black twin tailpipes of the sports exhaust system, which is included as standard. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch wheels with central locking device painted in silk-gloss black, plus GTS logos on the doors complete the side view. The characteristic Targa bar, which is supplied in black for the first time on the GTS, also lends the 911 Targa a particularly distinctive look.

Five variants are available under the 911 GTS range: the 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive – both of the above available as a Coupé and Cabriolet – and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive. A newly developed turbocharger for 3.0-litre six-cylinder flat engine increases power to 331 kW (450 PS). The engine delivers 22 kW (30 hp) more than the 911 Carrera S and 15 kW (20 hp) more than the corresponding GTS prior model with a naturally aspirated engine. All variants are available with a manual seven-gear transmission or optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK).


January 28, 2018
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1min

Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF 2018), the largest Consumer Exhibition and Trade Fair in the fast-growing northern region of Sri Lanka, opened yesterday, 26th January and will go on till the 28th of  January 2018 for the 9th consecutive year. The event aptly named as “Gateway to the North” will be held at Jaffna Municipal Council Grounds.

JITF 2018 is Organized and managed by, Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS) in association with the Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) with the support of the Jaffna Municipal Council, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and International Business Council, will be endorsed by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Consulate General of India in Jaffna, National Chamber of Exporters and ASSOCHAM of India.



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