February 2018 - Page 2 of 24 - Lanka Business News

February 28, 2018

Colombo. Wednesday 28 February 2018. ‘Escape 02’, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Priya Goonetilleke will be held over the weekend of 10^th and 11^th March 2018 from 10am to 8pm at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in Colombo 07.

This exhibition features around 100 pieces of work, both large and small, done in the past year, with poster colours and gel pens on Ferigoni art paper and Canford cartridge paper.

Priya displays a rare ability to fill up surfaces adequately and meaningfully through line and colour. With a distinctive individuality of her own, her un-influenced quest for beauty is untutored and undirected, thus making her spontaneous work a remarkable collection.

The exhibition showcases a varied genre of paintings and portrays her dexterity, simplicity and spontaneity which speak directly to the spectator. Her themes relate to the real and imagined world in a very intimate means of expression. In her inimitable style she paints with her inner feelings, portraying a depth in images of tree-scapes and land-scapes in a host of vibrant colours and line drawings that give strength and stability, in emphatic patterns and movement.

She has been showcasing her work since 1972 with annual exhibitions of the Ceylon Society of Arts, at the Xll Biennal de Sao Paulo and at Kala Pola.

Educated at Visakha Vidyalaya and very much a self-taught artist, Priya Goonetileke says her greatest inspiration was her father the art critic, journalist and diplomat the late L.P. Goonetilleke.

Regular visitors to the Goonetilleke home at Dehiwela were his close friends such as LTP Manjusri, George Keyt, Justin Deraniyagala, ACGS Amarasekera etc. “I’m fortunate to have been exposed to the work of these great artists for a very early age”, she says.

Priya Goonetilleke may be contacted at e: priyagoonetilleke@gmail.com

February 28, 2018

Deputy General Manager – Mr. Sajith Gunaratne, Senior Business Manager – Mr. Donavan Ondaatje, General Manager – Mr. Shun Tien Shing, Business Development Manager - Bakery Products – Mr. Indika Dissanayake with one of the winners

February 28, 2018

February 23, 2018: Employees of Watawala Plantations and Hatton Plantations took part in an outbound training (OBT) on team building and leadership recently. Held at the Che Adventure Park premises in Hanwella, the OBT programme was organized to provide a unique training method for enhancing organizational performance and deliver a valuable learning experience for employees away from their conventional working environment.

The two-day programme was organized as a series of fun-filled yet challenging activities. They were mainly focused on building a great sense of belonging by forming trust in the relationships among employees, developing high-performance and energetic teams, creating open-minded, creative and competent leaders and reinforcing ongoing internal service quality.

These activities highlighted the importance of having responsible and motivated teams in a working environment and included vital learning elements on how to build a positive, supporting and empowering work culture as well.

“In keeping with our ethos of building our future upon a strong value base where stakeholder interest comes first, our family of employees takes precedence. On that note, we believe that experiential training of this nature allows employees to move out of their comfort zone into an unfamiliar environment where they are better able to challenge themselves and pit their wits against the elements in situations that are physically different but mirror a day at work. The added advantage of being able to integrate and interact with fellow employees on a more personal level provides an opportunity for bonding that is imperative for team building and improving cohesion,” said Michelle Senanayake, Group Head of Human Resources at Sunshine Holdings PLC.

Furthermore, she added, “Sunshine Holdings is a conglomerate that has a very vibrant and diverse employee-base from different cultures, religions and ethnicities imaginable. This policy of accommodating and celebrating diversity is one of the main reasons why Sunshine Holdings has emerged to be one of the most respected conglomerates in the country.

Trainings like this serve to promote overall harmony and understanding among employees while driving home key learning outcomes. We have come to understand that investing in employees with a view of developing competency and skill is very important and we hope to carry out similar programmes like this in the future.”

The Estate Management Services Limited (EMS), the agri-business arm of Sunshine Holdings PLC, manages Watawala Plantations and Hatton Plantations. Sunshine Holdings is a diversified conglomerate with interests in healthcare, plantations, FMCG, and Renewable Energy. The Group with revenue exceeding US $120 Million is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Beginning with the healthcare business in 1967, the group has built strong businesses over the last five decades. Other Group companies include Sunshine Healthcare Lanka, Watawala Tea Ceylon Ltd and Sunshine Energy.

February 28, 2018

Colombo is transforming in to a fitness conscious, healthy lifestyle promoting modern metropolis. Once upon a time in the history of our nation, we were a fit people with the ability to build structures and waterworks that marvelled the world. But with the advent of a rat-race lifestyle we somehow lost our way. Fortunately for the new generation though, a healthy lifestyle has become a way of life. Contributing to this is the multitude of gyms, fitness training programmes, healthy eateries and food supplements that one can choose from.

When it comes to choosing the right gym Colombo is spoilt for choice, but you need to be extremely wise to choose one that fits your metabolic make-up, budget and time schedules. One other important factor is the competency of the trainers and their professionalism. A combination of all these factors is Ultimate Fitness.

Ultimate Fitness is the brainchild of former National Weightlifting Champion Nalaka Athukorala and German Qualified Dr. Nilmini Nanayakkara. Currently the CEO of Ultimate Fitness, Athukorale, has been exposed to both national and international gymnasiums since his teenage years. He represented Sri Lanka and is an international medallist at theSouth Asian Games 1995 and 1999, National Coach of the Commonwealth Games Weightlifting Team 2006 and 2010 and coach of the 2017 Sri Lanka Air Force Weightlifting Team that emerged champions at the Weightlifting Nationals 2017.

Using his experience and knowledge gained over the years, he developed the aptitude and inside knowledge on interior design, thereby creating an ergonomically sound layout for Ultimate Fitness packed with state-of-the-art equipment.

“A lot of thought went into the design and layout of this innovative fitness centre. Technogym is the equipment used by Olympic Athletes in the Olympic Villages which are of the highest standard. Even the flooring was especially imported from USA to reduce stress and strain on your joints while exercising. It’s a gym designed, built and managed by fitness professionals for fitness enthusiasts. It offers both indoor and outdoor activities to suit individual members” Athukorala said.

Within just one year of operations, Ultimate Fitness has more than 100 registered members with new faces being added on weekly. Relying mainly on word of mouth of happy customers the gym has seen many success stories in a short period of time. This has also been testament to the effectiveness of their equipment and training.

In celebration of the first anniversary, Ultimate Fitness is offering 20% off the normal membership rates and 13 months for the price of 12 months on annual membership. Ultimate Fitness is situated at the 2^nd Floor of Olympic House, 100/9F Independence Avenue, Colombo 7. For more information please contact the gym hotlines 0777 284294 or 0117 445210 or visit their website www.ultimatefitness.lk

February 28, 2018

The Singer Fashion Academy, recognised for nurturing creative skills and helping build entrepreneurial opportunities for women, celebrates International Woman’s Day across all its academies countrywide.

Commemorating International Women’s Day, which falls on 8 March, all new applicants registering for courses at Singer’s fashion academies islandwide will receive an elegant gift and an attractive discount for all the courses on offer.

Additionally, in support of empowering women further, Singer Fashion Academy offers free registration for all new students during the month of March.

The United Nations declared International Women’s Day as a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women across the globe.

In Sri Lanka, Singer Fashion Academy’s growing base of budding entrepreneurs, housewives, school leavers and students have the opportunity and ideal space to be empowered through the lens of education and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit to fully realise their potential.

Commenting on the Academy’s initiatives Koshitha Peramunugamage, Head of Singer Business School said, “The marking of International Women’s Day is an unique opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and empower them. The Singer Fashion Academy is a firm believer in the contribution women make to our economy and the world as we continue to support them to fully realise their potential.”

The Singer Fashion Academy prides itself in its role of women empowerment where small local industries such as sewing and arts and crafts for the tourism sector, tailoring and stitching in rural and village communities are now mainstays through sustainable employment.

Catering to the growing demand from diverse communities, the Singer Fashion Academy has recently engaged in expanding its reach and upgrading facilities in several locations.

Extending its reach, the Academy recently declared open its newest branch for 2018 in Thalawathugoda. Eager students in this town can now achieve qualifications from the 25+ courses available including the two Diploma Programmes offered through the Academy.

Todate, the Fashion Academy conducts classes at 70 locations, situated mainly at Singer Plus outlets countrywide offering students’ convenient venues to choose from.

Additionally, the Singer Fashion Academy in Wellawatte has been upgraded and revamped with new amenities and facilities providing students a comfortable atmosphere and homely environment.

With an aim of strengthening its course offering and education outcomes the Singer Fashion Academy is also hoping to provide students with prestigious professional credentials in the future, helping validate student skills and expertise further.

To obtain further information contact 011- 5400400.

February 28, 2018

Delivering The Special Message - Mr. Pradeep Edward, Vice President – Slim & Ceo Of Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics

February 28, 2018

Landmark Developers Chairperson Neelangani Hapangama and Managing Director Eksith Hapangama

February 28, 2018

Stepping out of being a young tech start-up and making its way towards the larger perimeters of tech-based businesses, PickMe, recently announced a significant expansion of its engineering team to equip the ride-hailing software with the resources needed to cater to the forecasted growth of the company

This expansion is based on an accelerated recruiting plan where PickMe’s partnership with the local universities will enable engineering students from these universities to be trained and recruited by PickMe, having proven their skills on individual projects assigned to them by PickMe and the students’ mentors. The students recruited will then have the rare opportunity to be resourced by PickMe to carry out their projects to its completion, thereby bringing their ideas to life & releasing their solutions for the benefits of the local commuters.

PickMe actively presents themselves in a number of career and educational fairs organized by universities in a bid to handpick prospective employees to strengthen their engineering team with the best local talent. With its rapid growth and the continuation to expand its footprint across Sri Lanka, PickMe is positive that its recruitment process will pick pace and accelerate over the next few years.

“At PickMe, we believe that efforts aimed at advancing capabilities, maximizing performance and enhancing efficiency of our service will help fuel the innovative solutions needed to uplift the transportation industry of the country and maintain our qualitative edge as the industry leader,” said Jiffry Zulfer, Chief Executive Officer of PickMe.

“This increased focus creates a need for engineering assets to actively support PickMe’s innovation through close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders of the company and ultimately, developing the best product which is tailor-made to meet customer expectations. In this regard, we are actively recruiting the best engineering talent from local universities and groom them to become future leaders of Sri Lanka.”

“As we enter the next crucial phase in our journey, this infusion of fresh blood into the PickMe team will make an invaluable contribution towards shaping an exceptional new portfolio of PickMe products,” Zulfer commented further.

A product of the University of Moratuwa, Aruna Prabhashwara from Halvitigala, Galle, is one such recruit that joined PickMe’s team of engineers recently. “I have always had a keen interest in doing something new, this is a dream I hoped to achieve when I joined the University of Moratuwa following my A/Ls, in the process I fell in love with software languages and decided that software was a very useful tool to help realize my dream,” said Prabhashwara.

“When PickMe hosted a hackathon at our university I realized that this was my golden opportunity and I went for it. My project was shortlisted by PickMe and today I’m a Trainee Software Engineer at PickMe, helping build software solutions that can help elevate the transport sector in our country,” Prabhashwara commented further.

PickMe recently strengthened its core leadership team further, with the appointment of Isira Perera as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). With his visionary leadership and proven track record in digital financial services and mobile commerce, PickMe is set for a new course of innovativeness and to thrive well in Sri Lanka’s rising digital economy sphere.

The company also announced a partnership with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and the newly-established Center for Data Science (DataSEARCH) at the University of Moratuwa recently in strengthening and extending the capacity of research and development needed to foster a culture of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.

As the software platform that hosts the largest organized taxi fleet in Sri Lanka, with over twelve thousand three-wheelers, mini cars, cars, vans and luxury sedans, PickMe currently services the transportation needs of over one million passengers based in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Kandy regions. Adding to its portfolio of services, PickMe also provides corporate traveling solutions to businesses and organizations with the PickMe Business Portal, the benefits of which is currently enjoyed by over 150 corporates in the country.

February 28, 2018

The Golden Key Hospital has installed a new ‘Visual Field Eye Investigation Machine,’ substantially enhancing the efficiency of its eye investigation unit while significantly reducing waiting time of patients.

A Visual Field Test is an eye examination that can detect dysfunction in the central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions including glaucoma, stroke, pituitary disease, brain tumours or other neurological deficits.

The new machine reduces set-up time with a single trial lens, improves confidence in test results with RelEYE™ which allows optometrists to instantly review the patient’s eye position at any stimulus point, and simplifies operations with its intuitive SmartTouch™ interface, the Hospital said.

Commenting on this latest acquisition, a spokesman for the Golden Key Hospital said: “We continue to invest in the latest and best medical equipment in order to improve the efficiency, accuracy and efficacy of patient care. This new machine not only advances the Hospital’s eye investigation procedure, but also offers convenience to patients by retaining their test records.”

The Humphrey Field Analyzer 3 840 machine’s Guided Progression Analysis (GPA) using the Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA) offers a method to test for visual field loss, which is especially useful in the testing, analysis and monitoring of the progression of Glaucoma.

It is also able to issue comparison reports by keeping past patients’ test records, significantly aiding disease management decisions at the Golden Key Hospital.

The Golden Key Hospital is the only private sector hospital in Sri Lanka that is a centre of excellence dedicated and equipped for all Eye & ENT related investigations, treatment and surgery. The hospital is backed by a team of experts and nursing staff with specialised training in Eye and ENT. It is equipped for 3D Optical Coherence Tomography and treatment of all eye diseases. Tests such as Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), Fundus Photography, A&B scans, Visual field assessment, Pachymetry Binocular Single Vision test, computerised eye tests for spectacles, as well as laser treatment and phacoemulsification surgery for cataracts are done routinely at the hospital. The hospital also offers vitreoretinal surgery for problems such as retinal detachment, diabetic eye diseases and intraocular infection.

The Hospital features a 24 hour general OPD, a laboratory, pharmacy and ample parking for up to 80 vehicles at a time. It is managed by an Advisory Committee comprising of Vidya Jyothi Professor Rohan W. Jayasekera, Emeritus Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (Chairman), Dr Saliya Pathirana, Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon, Dr Saumya Paranawithana, Consultant Eye Surgeon, Dr Dilruwani Aryasingha, Consultant Eye Surgeon and Mr Niranjan Silva (Chief Operating Officer).

February 28, 2018

LiCC, Sri Lanka’s revolutionary brand of jeans today launched its ‘Jeaneration 2018’ collection at a gala soiree at the Hilton Colombo Residencies in the presence of Sri Lanka’s business community, celebrities from the world of fashion and beauty, the who’s who of Colombo society, media invitees, its valued dealers and customers.

‘Jeaneration 2018’ by LiCC Jeans, choreographed by the well-known Prasad Bidapa of PBMA, offers a unique collection which caters to the fashionably conscious Sri Lankans.

LiCC also introduced its new Brand Ambassador, Amritaa de Silva, Miss. Sri Lanka for Miss World 2016. The LiCC brand replicates a youthful exuberance and energetic feel unlike any other brand and this is personified by the stunning beauty queen Amritaa de Silva. Her flair for comfort and style, in addition to her zest for life, make her the ideal brand ambassador.

CEO of LiCC, Yasotharan Paramanantham said that since its launch ten years ago LiCC has done wonders to jeans, which have been in use for over a century through contemporary styles, associated with high fashion. “This compulsory fashion item which is owned by all has been given a modern outlook through our numerous collections launched over the past years”.

“Designed and crafted to meet international standards, LiCC has identified itself with the trendy lifestyle of its customers. With LiCC’s popularity rapidly spreading beyond the shores of Sri Lanka, we have plans to extend our market reach to India by mid-2018, followed by UK and USA markets with our new collection”, he added.

Designing the eclectic collection was done by the expert designers of LiCC, who place immense value on the end result and ease of wear by its clientele. The designs are created through inspiration derived through WGSN which forecasts international trends, which are followed by all leading international brands.

Pandering to the global demand for innovation has strengthened its image and this year LiCC ties up with a pioneering venture by celebrated Batik Designer Kanchana Fernando. Her exclusive collection in collaboration with LiCC jeans, aptly named LiCC Batik by Kanch (Ethnic Grooves) was featured at the gala launch.

LiCC is a subsidiary of the blue chip Hirdaramani Group, a long standing establishment spanning over 100 years. The conglomerate has a wide network of companies in the apparel, leisure, power, information technology and retail industry. It has extended its presence across six countries with over 60,000 employees and is known as a company with a broad vision and capacity to explore novel ventures.

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‘Escape 02’ – an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Priya Goonetilleke

Slices & Prizes with Prima Sunrise !

Watawala and Hatton Plantations’ employees take part in Outbound Training program

Ultimate Fitness Celebrates One Year of Getting Fit the Right Way

Singer Fashion Academy continues to empower women entrepreneurs in celebration of International Woman’s Day

SLIM Certificate in Pharmaceutical Marketing – produces qualified pharmaceutical delegates to the industry

Huge demand for affordable housing in Sri Lanka

PickMe adds top talent from local universities to expand engineering team

Golden Key Hospital acquires advanced Visual Field Analyser for eye investigations

LiCC Jeans celebrates 10th anniversary with 10 unique collections at ‘Jeaneration 2018’