Business & Economy

April 27, 2024

Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 26, 2024: The Four A’s Advertising Festival, powered by Unilever Sri Lanka and globally connected by SriLankan Airlines, is gearing up to be a transformative event for the advertising and creative industry this May.

With Unilever Sri Lanka as its driving force and the global mileage facilitated by SriLankan Airlines, the festival promises to be a remarkable milestone for Sri Lanka, making this event highly anticipated and significant for the local advertising and creative community, as it has been a while since an international-scale learning festival of this magnitude was held in the country.

The Four A’s Advertising Festival happening at Taj Samudra Colombo on May 30 to 31, along with its accompanying awards, adds to the anticipation and importance of this event, given that the recognition of creative excellence within the Sri Lankan advertising community has come about after some time.

The two-day learning festival is designed to serve as a source of new ideas, innovation, and inspiration. Through engaging learning sessions, workshops & panel discussions, participants will have the opportunity to interact with top-tier professionals spanning the entire spectrum of creativity. This exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise is bound to ignite new ideas and approaches within the local industry.

The speakers for The Four A’s Advertising Festival include Ajay Vikram – Chief Creative Officer at Publicis Groupe South-East Asia, Asheen Naidu – Executive Creative Director at TBWA Singapore, Assam Khalid – Independent Creative and Strategy Consultant at Vexology Advertising Dubai, Guan Hin Tay – Creative Chairman at BBDO Singapore, Mahesh Ambaliya – Senior Creative Director at VMLY&R Mumbai, Mandie Van Der Merwe – Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, Michaela Futcher – Managing Director / Head of Strategy at Media Arts Lab APAC, Singapore, Psembi Kinstan – Group Executive Creative Director at DDB Group Melbourne, Surjo Dutt – Chief Creative Officer at Dentsu Creative India, West and South Regions, and Zehra Zaidi, Group Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy, Pakistan.

These top-tier creative talents bring their experience and expertise to the festival, which would inspire and elevate the standards of advertising creativity in Sri Lanka.

“This is a big moment for Sri Lanka. The objective of this festival is to raise the bar for creative learning and recognition while establishing the country as a hub for creative excellence in the Asia-Pacific region,” Alann Lopez, the President of The Four A’s, said.

Central to the festival’s mission are The Four A’s Awards, which underscore the commitment to recognising creative excellence within the Sri Lankan advertising community after many years. With a focus on recognising excellence in creativity, The Four A’s Awards aim to inspire and motivate practitioners, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creative innovation.

“With the advertising industry experiencing rapid changes globally with Gen AI and facing serious economic challenges locally, giving local staff international-quality training opportunities is almost impossible. The Four A’s Advertising Festival seeks to help solve this problem by bringing world-class training to Sri Lankan advertising and marketing professionals,” Dilshara Jayamanna, the Board Director of The Four A’s and Co-Festival Director, said.

The impact of this event extends far beyond its immediate scope, with lasting benefits expected to resonate throughout the Sri Lankan advertising landscape. Through enhanced learning opportunities, networking avenues, and prestigious accolades, The Four A’s Advertising Festival is poised to propel the industry towards greater heights of recognition and success on both national and international stages.

“Sri Lanka is ready to step in to the spotlight. So, this festival isn’t just about creativity; we want to set new standards for learning while recognizing work that celebrates our cultural nuances. This would be a platform to inspire work that shines brightly on the global stage” Selonica Perumal, the Vice President of The Four A’s and Co-Festival Director, added.

April 26, 2024

April, 2024: The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) marked World Veterinary Day on April 27, 2024, with a social media campaign emphasising the critical role veterinarians play in safeguarding public health. This year’s theme, “Veterinarians are essential health workers,” underlines their diverse contributions beyond animal care.

“Veterinarians are often unseen activists in safeguarding public health,” stated Dr. Mohamed Ijas, President of Sri Lanka Veterinary Association. “To mark World Veterinary Day, we aim to raise awareness of the diverse ways veterinarians contribute to the well-being of animals, humans, environment and the role in ‘’One Health’’ concept. Their crucial contribution in ensuring public health, and by promoting a deeper understanding of their diverse contributions, we can foster a healthier future for all.”

“World Veterinary Day’’ is celebrated on the last Saturday of April every year and highlights the importance of veterinarians in preventing zoonotic diseases – those transmissible from animals to humans. As veterinarians are equipped with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, this collaborative approach “One Health’’ concept is crucial for preventing communicable disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, thus promoting global health to ensure overall well-being of human population.

The campaign further emphasised the role of veterinarians in food security. Veterinarians are key players in ensuring food safety, by overseeing animal production practices, supply chain of food of animal origin, to ensure safety and quality of meat, milk, and eggs consumed by the public. This guarantees human nutrition and prevent diseases that are transmitted through food of animal origin thus it is apparent veterinarians are key players in maintaining a healthy population.

The human-animal bond was another key area addressed by the Sri Lanka Veterinary Associations. Veterinarians contribute to ensure mental health and human well-being by ensuring the health of pet animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, Guinea pigs and fish etc. Studies have shown that having a pet animal in lonely environment can significantly improve mental health, particularly for seniors and patients.

Protecting biodiversity was also a focus of the campaign. Veterinarians play a crucial role in preventing animal extinction, including wildlife species. This helps maintain biodiversity, creating a healthier environment for all. The campaign highlighted the link between a healthy environment and human health.

Public health education is another major area where veterinarians have influence. The SLVA campaign emphasised the role veterinarians play in educating the public on preventive healthcare for animals, including vaccinations and parasite control. They also advocate for responsible antimicrobial use in animals to minimise drug resistance, which has public health implications for humans.

Veterinary research also featured in the campaign. Veterinary scientists also have a responsibility to protect human health and well-being by engaging in medical research understanding emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19 and developing vaccines against such infectious diseases. Notably, veterinarians’ contribution in developing the Covid-19 vaccine cannot be unheeded. Further, their research contributed to development of technologies that addressed the infertility in humans leading to advancements in human healthcare, benefiting people across the globe.

Moreover, veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring food security and safety, preventing, and controlling emerging infectious zoonoses, protecting environments and ecosystems, contributing to public health, and. Just as the practice of veterinary medicine contributes to our understanding of ‘’One Medicine’’ or ‘’one Health’’, so must veterinary research. It follows that veterinary research is, at essential level, a human health activity. The significance of veterinary research and its fundamental role at the interface between human and animal health are often not recognized and underrated. The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association is actively involved in advocating a vision to collaborate with medical counterparts for advancing ‘’One Medicine” or ‘’One Health’’ and providing solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s animal and human health problems.

Established in 1940, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) stands as the professional body dedicated to serving and representing the interests of the veterinary profession in Sri Lanka. With over 1,300 members, almost all of whom are graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, SLVA is deeply committed to the enhancement of the quality of the profession and the well-being of animals, thus contributing to public health.

Scientists have viewed that veterinary medicine is fundamentally a human health activity. All activities of veterinary scientists affect human health either openly through biomedical research and public health work or subtly by addressing domestic animal, wildlife, or environmental health.

Considering all aspects of Veterinary profession, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association continues to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among veterinarians serving in various sectors and collaboration with medical profession, environmentalists, ecologists, economists, and social scientists to advocate “One Health” concept to ensure healthy population.

The association’s commitment to excellence within the profession is unwavering, and its tireless efforts contribute significantly to the betterment of veterinary practices, human health, and standards of living. Thus, we can informally say that “Veterinarians are essential health workers’’.

April 26, 2024

Sri Lanka’s leading intimate apparel brand, amanté, unveiled its new boutique at Colombo’s One Galle Face (OGF) mall. The sixth addition to the brand’s boutiques in Sri Lanka was opened on 19th April by Chief Guest, Darshi Keerthisena, in the presence of several guests and special invitees.

While famous for its premium range of intimate wear, amanté’s offering has now expanded to include athleisure, swimwear, sleepwear and accessories. Located on Level 2 at the OGF mall, customers can now shop this full range of amanté offerings with seamless comfort and convenience.

“amanté prides itself on being attuned to its clientele’s needs and being accessible which is why we are excited to announce the opening of our latest boutique in one of Sri Lanka’s premier malls, located in the heart of the city. Our boutiques not only allow customers access to our latest collections but also ease in gaining assistance about styles and sizing from our team of expert saleswomen which allow for a more personalised shopping experience” said Mr. Padmal Silva, Business Head at amanté Lanka.

What sets amanté apart is its approach to design: each product undergoes a rigorous 12-month development cycle. Each design is tested, fitted, and manufactured to excellence at world class manufacturing facilities. This slower and more responsible approach to fashion allows amanté to ensure affordable prices for its customers without compromising on quality. With a finger on the pulse of emerging global trends, amanté’s clientele can also be rest assured that they’re always wearing the latest styles.

First launched in India in 2007 from humble beginnings, and then having entered the Sri Lankan market in 2012, amanté has now established itself as one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted intimate wear labels. The brand now boasts six independent boutiques (Racecourse Mall in Colombo 07, Marino Mall in Colombo 03, Kandy City Centre, Cool Planet Shopping Centre in Nugegoda, Negombo and now One Galle Face (OGF) mall), a retail presence at over 450 stores across the island, and an e-commerce store (www.amante.lk); making the products even more accessible to customers across the country. In 2021 amanté was acquired by India’s largest retailer Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., further bolstering its mission of creating designs that perfectly blend comfort, fashion, and thoughtful design for the confident woman.

For more information email reachus@amante.lk, or call the amanté hotline: 0114534707.

You can visit the latest amanté store at L2-38 at One Galle Face Mall or contact the store: 0112336448.

April 26, 2024

Furthering Dubai’s commitment to accessible travel and to raise awareness of autism, Emirates invited 30 UAE families with neurodiverse children to have a real check in experience and familiarisation flight on the 24 April, in Terminal 3 Dubai International Airport (DXB). The initiative was designed to help the children practice and alleviate anxieties before travelling, as well as providing a unique opportunity for Emirates to collaborate with key partners, and garner insights for improving accessible travel.

Emirates hosted Her Excellency Hessa BuHumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority of Dubai, as well as 30 neurodiverse children aged between 8 and 12 years old from Dubai Autism Centre, Safe Centre for Autism, Rashid Centre for People of Determination and the New England Centre Children Clinic to attend the flight, including their caregivers. Emirates also invited a neurodiverse child with Angelman Syndrome to join the experience, a condition which can cause delayed development, problems with speech and balance, intellectual disability and seizures. The group were joined by Adil Al Ghaith – SVP Emirates Commercial Operations in the Gulf, Middle East & Central Asia, and Mostafa Karam – SVP – Emirates Customer Affairs & Service Audit.

The group used the Autism Friendly Route through Dubai International Airport which includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security and boarding. Specially trained Emirates check in staff and cabin crew were on hand to support throughout the journey. EK2605 departed DXB at 11:20am and landed again at 12:20pm, giving children a real-life experience of a flight including inflight service, announcements from the cabin crew and Captain, and the sounds and sights of a real take-off and landing.

According to a study by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) only 13% of families with neurodiverse children surveyed take family vacations because they cite the experience of the airport and flight as too stressful and triggering for the children’s sensory sensitivities. However, 93% of families surveyed said they would take more trips if there were more autism-certified options available and support in place. The aim of the Emirates travel rehearsal initiative is to help customers with autism and sensory disorders and their families to prepare for travel, through a guided tour of the airport and aircraft cabin environment, as well as providing comprehensive training and understanding of neurodiversity to all Emirates team members. More Emirates initiatives are planned in the future, with a view to supporting neurodiverse needs and Dubai’s commitment to People of Determination.

At the event, members of IBCCES were tasked to provide insights and notes on the inflight experience for neurodiverse customers. Emirates and IBCCES are working together to develop an official Autism-friendly inflight certification, which could be eventually used by other airlines. This certification will complement Emirates’ recent achievements, where all Dubai Check In facilities – Emirates City Check-In & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman and Emirates’ dedicated hub in Terminal 3 DXB were awarded the Certified Autism Center™ Designation. This also builds on the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES, as well as aligning with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Middle East.

By working together – Emirates, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and Dubai Airports in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, are making travel more inclusive and accessible for all, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for travellers with diverse needs and aligning with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, under the theme ‘Family: The Foundation of Our Nation’.

Emirates and partners support neurodivergent passengers and People of Determination in many ways:

Emirates Employee Training

More than 29,000 cabin crew and ground staff globally have completed Emirates ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ training. The online course was first launched in 2022 and covers a range of topics from the UAE National Policy for People of Determination, recognising autism, practical tips on how to assist passengers with hidden disabilities, responding with empathy, and information on the official support systems to help passengers in the airport.

Before Travel

Information in advance

Emirates supports passengers with hidden disabilities by providing as much information in advance as possible, so that families can plan, rehearse, and be reassured about their upcoming travel. Passengers can check the Accessible Travel page on Emirates.com for information and contact their Emirates local office with queries.

Free Seat Selection and Bulkhead Seat for autistic passengers and companions

Passengers who declare a hidden disability will be facilitated as much as possible in the complimentary selection of suitable seats, for example the bulkhead seats at the front and middle of the aircraft for both the autistic passenger and their companion. This can be requested via Emirates local office.

Book with ‘DPNA code’ for extra support

A DPNA is an airline industry code for special service request (SSR) for a ‘passenger with intellectual or developmental disability.’ The DPNA code can be applied to a booking made in person, via telephone or travel agent and is applied once the hidden disability is declared, so that the passenger will be supported throughout their journey with assistance from trained staff.

Study the ‘Autism Friendly Guide’ to Dubai International Airport

Emirates has collaborated with Dubai International Airport on a comprehensive pre-travel planning tool for passengers with hidden disabilities. The Autism Friendly Guide to Dubai International Airport provides a step-by-step explanation and images of every part of the journey through the airport to boarding, and details what services are available.

Pre-order meals

Some passengers may need a special meal onboard if they have a sensory sensitivity. This can be ordered a minimum of 24 hours in advance on www.Emirates.com or on the Emirates app. There are options to order gluten free meals, bland meals, vegetarian and diabetic meals. For Kids Meals, families who are travelling with an autistic passenger may contact the Emirates local office with their request in advance.

Pre plan what to watch on ice via Emirates app

Download the Emirates app, and before a flight passengers can spend time planning and pre-selecting their favourite movies, TV shows or music playlists. Once the passenger has boarded, their personally curated playlist can be synced immediately to ice, saving time and enabling them to settle into the flight quicker with the comfort of their familiar content.

Arrival to airport

Complimentary parking for 2 hours

People of Determination receive complimentary parking in all terminals in Dubai International Airport for 2 hours. People of Determination taxis can also be booked via Dubai Taxi on their toll-free number 80088088.

Collect the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities. Emirates and Dubai International Airport staff with Sunflower pins are easily identifiable and specially trained to assist travellers with hidden disabilities. Passengers are encouraged to declare their hidden disability to these staff and collect a Sunflower Lanyard to wear, allowing for support throughout the airport journey. The sunflower lanyard can be collected from the information desk in Departures, Terminal 3 and from easily identifiable collection points in Terminals 1 and 2.

Autism Friendly Route

The Autism Friendly Route through Dubai International Airport ensures that People of Determination journey through the airport with a dedicated route. It includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security and boarding; and can be availed when wearing the sunflower lanyard. Specially trained staff equipped to support People of Determination will be easily identifiable wearing sunflower pins, allowing for increased visibility, communication and support throughout the airport journey.

Priority boarding or board last if preferred

People who have declared their hidden disabilities to Emirates staff will be facilitated in boarding the aircraft first if they choose, or last if this more convenient.

Emirates Inflight Experience

Families with children are seated together

Emirates makes every effort to seat families with children together, and passengers who have declared their hidden disability will be seated beside their companion or guardian.

Noise cancelling earphones

Passengers with an aural sensory need in First and Business Class will have access to noise‑cancelling headphones to block out ambient cabin sounds.

Light Sensitivity

If the customer, child or family member informs Emirates cabin crew about a light sensitivity, cabin crew can turn off the passenger’s individual light, close the window blind after take-off, and explain that the cabin lights will be dimmed as soon as the meal services are completed.

Get busy with puzzles in Fly with Me magazine

Young children onboard who need a screen break or distraction can request a copy of the Emirates ‘Fly with Me’ activity pack, with its own pack of non-toxic colouring pencils, featuring kid-friendly world maps, puzzles, drawing tutorials, colouring pages, educational activities about Dubai and protecting the environment.

Choose preferred entertainment on ice

Passengers enjoying an Emirates flight can pass the time in a world class entertainment library with more than 6,500 channels of on demand entertainment, over 1,900 movies and 1,500 hours of TV, as well as music, podcasts and audiobooks across 40 languages. Ice also has up to 100 video games, which can be played by two players in different seats if the game is a multiplayer game.

Video Link: https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2431/bc56d202-1f37-4ff3-a445-1deaa09f664f/worldautismawarenesss02english.mp4?76606

April 26, 2024

Recognized for its exceptional commitment to sustainable business practices, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) secured the esteemed ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2023’ in the ‘Other’ category at a recent gala event. The award was granted following a rigorous evaluation process, during which SLT competed against 33 leading corporations.

The annual awards are organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s premier business chamber, to felicitate organizations committed to sustainability across various sectors.

Sustainability has always been a core pillar of SLT-MOBITEL’s corporate strategy. The recognition reaffirms SLT-MOBITEL’s position as a champion of sustainable development in Sri Lanka amidst continuous efforts to minimize its environmental footprint. The award also highlights SLT-MOBITEL’s strength in uplifting communities, ensuring ethical governance, and driving economic progress through innovative products and services while creating long-term value for all stakeholders through responsible business conduct.

The ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award’ celebrates organizations that have implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives spanning Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects.

The Chamber evaluated companies across stringent criteria, including environmental stewardship, customer and community relations, corporate governance, financial performance, economic contributions, and special sustainable development projects.

Shortlisted companies then underwent rigorous interviews with an elite panel of international and United Nations representatives.

SLT-MOBITEL’s senior leadership team, including Mr.Janaka Abeysinghe (Chief Executive Officer); Mr.Prabhath Dahanayake ( Chief Marketing Officer); Dr. Chandana Wijayanama ( Chief People Officer), Mr.Anuruddha Suriyarachchi (GM – Marketing Services) and several other senior officials attended the glittering awards ceremony.

As Sri Lanka’s leading digital services provider, SLT-MOBITEL will continue to raise the bar for corporate sustainability, paving the way for a more prosperous and environmentally conscious future for the nation.

April 26, 2024

govi.ai, a leading innovator in agricultural IoT solutions, presented a very successful program at the recent Future Harvest Exhibition held at the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) from March 29 to 31. The govi.ai team showcased their innovative agri tech solutions in a live demo station, catered to empowering farmers (from smallholder to commercial) to adopt a data-driven approach to farming. Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. was one of the many visitors to the govi.ai demo station, commenting, “As a modern farmer myself, I found the tech innovations by govi.ai most appropriate in moving the needle in improving the efficiency of farmers. Agri tech is an absolute essential element in pushing up farmer productivity, and I hope govi.ai will success in getting the rather tech-averse farmers to see the benefits of this technology.”

govi.ai utilises Sri Lankan designed, engineered, and assembled IoT technology to enable farmers, and farm operators, to monitor and manage their farm operations remotely, and automatically, through its suite of integrated sensors and controllers. Users can monitor farm (open field, poly tunnel, greenhouse) conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, resource utilisation, CO₂ and more. Dashboards provide real-time information to aid in planning of crop planting and harvesting, and managing important resources such as water, fertilizer, and electricity. This information not only supports farmers, but provides useful insights, down the agri value chain, for consumers to know the origins of their food produce.

Speaking of the event, Rajive Silva (CEO and Director of Azend Technologies), mentioned, “This expo was a valuable opportunity for the agricultural sector in highlighting the power of agrotechnology solutions such as govi.ai, in empowering stakeholders in one of Sri Lanka’s most important industries. At govi.ai we are committed to leveraging our technical expertise in providing the agriculture sector with resilient, data-driven solutions that both uplift communities, and connect the entire value chain, from farm to fork.” govi.ai, a product of Azend Technologies, has been recognised both locally and regionally, winning at the NBQSA National ICT Awards 2023, as well as representing Sri Lankan Agri ICT innovation at the World Agri Tech Innovation Summit, both in the UK and UAE. To learn more about govi.ai and how it can help you optimise your farming operations, visit: www.govi.ai

April 26, 2024

In the “OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper”, OPPO reaffirms its long-term commitment to innovation and its proactive defense intellectual property strategy.
OPPO is investing significantly in AI innovation and is committed to advancing and popularizing AI Phones.

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 April 2024 – Today, OPPO, a Leading global technology company, released its “OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper” on World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), OPPO ranked ninth globally in patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2023, making its fifth consecutive year in the global top ten. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed over 101,000 patent applications globally, with more than 55,000 patents granted, and 91% of all patent applications are utility patents.

“At OPPO, we believe that technological innovation and intellectual property protection are fundamental to our company’s past, present, and future success,” said Feng Ying, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO. “Through our proactive defense IP strategy and commitment to fostering a healthy long-term IP ecosystem, we are fully committed to supporting the future of innovation as envisioned in the ‘OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper’.”

OPPO’s Commitment to Advancing and Popularizing AI Phones

Through extensive R&D investment in areas such as image processing, computer vision, speech technology, natural language processing, and machine learning, OPPO is pioneering AI technology development and widespread application in its smartphone products. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed a total of 5,399 AI-related patents globally, including 3,796 utility patents in AI imaging. According to the “Artificial Intelligence Patent Ranking” published by intellectual property media outlet IPRdaily on April 22, 2024, OPPO ranked ninth in China with a total of 3,743 AI-related utility patents granted.

As part of its efforts to enhance smart life experiences for its users, OPPO is focused on transforming the latest technical innovations into practical, consumer-centric applications. This includes the introduction of over one hundred AI-driven features on the latest OPPO Find X7 series, while future plans involve integrating generative AI features such as AI Eraser and AI Magic Studio into more OPPO products.

Advanced Key Technologies through Open Innovation

OPPO’s commitment to open innovation is driving the company’s efforts to build an intellectual property ecosystem based on key technological breakthroughs in high-value areas such as 5G/6G, AI, flash charge, and imaging.

To date, OPPO has deployed 5G essential standard patents in over 40 countries and regions globally. It has also filed over 6,100 families of global patent applications, declared over 3,300 families of 5G standard patents to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and submitted more than 11,000 5G standard-related proposals to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In other areas, OPPO has applied for over 12,306 global imaging-related patents and has licensed its VOOC flash charge technology to more than 50 companies, enabling more electronic devices with fast charging capabilities.

Proactive Defense IP Strategy for Sustainable IP Ecosystem Development

Over the years, OPPO has signed licensing or cross-license agreements with dozens of patent owners globally, resolving numerous intellectual property licensing issues through negotiations and cross-licenses that fully reflect the value of intellectual property rights from all parties. These steps echo the company’s wider belief in charging reasonable licensing fees and avoiding coercive patent litigation while defending its legitimate legal rights and interests where applicable.

Driven by its mission of “Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World”, OPPO will continue to invest in innovation to create more industry-leading products and services while contributing to the development of the global intellectual property ecosystem through practical actions.

April 26, 2024

Colombo, Sri Lanka – April 25, 2024 – In celebration of Earth Day, Sri Lanka Resorts of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts conducted a series of impactful initiatives conducted across its eight properties in Sri Lanka, under this year’s global theme of ‘Plastic Vs Planet’.

The beach properties of Sri Lanka Resorts, including Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, and Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, organized beach clean-up drives in their designated regions with the support of the surrounding community. These proactive endeavours not only facilitated the removal of polythene, litter, and debris from the shorelines but also acted as a rallying cry for individuals to embrace their role in safeguarding coastal ecosystems. Collectively, all resorts gathered over 200 kilograms of plastic waste during the clean-up activities. In addition to beach clean-up efforts, Cinnamon Bentota Beach contributed to environmental conservation by planting trees along the Bentara Riverbed. Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon also conducted a thorough cleaning of the ocean strainer at the Mawakada Canal in Hikkaduwa, to prevent further environmental degradation in the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, Cinnamon Wild Yala organized a beach clean-up at Palatupana beach, reaffirming the brand’s dedication to preserving the natural habitats of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife. Cinnamon Citadel Kandy also took action to protect the Mahaweli river by leading a clean-up project along its banks and surrounding areas, by engaging with local communities and mobilizing resources.

Recognizing the importance of waste management and sustainable living, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon collaborated with the Palugaswewa Divisional Secretariat to host a workshop for women in Habarana under the name ‘Empowerment through Sustainability’. The workshop focused on empowering the participants to generate income through upcycling used plastic and waste materials into creative home decor items. The Resorts plan to continue this initiative, making a lasting impact on both the community and the environment.

Commenting on these initiatives, Johan Aschan, Area Vice President of Sri Lanka Resorts & General Manager of Cinnamon Bentota Beach stated, “At Cinnamon, we firmly believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change. Polythene, a common material in everyday life, poses grave environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature. Our Earth Day initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices, in line with our ESG policies. By fostering partnerships with local communities, we aim to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship, combatting plastic pollution, and promoting sustainable practices. Together, we strive to mitigate the harmful impacts of polythene on our planet’s delicate ecosystems, ensuring a healthier environment for current and future generations to enjoy.”

As a leading hospitality brand in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to driving sustainable tourism practices and fostering a deeper connection between the community and the natural beauty of the island. Through ongoing efforts like these, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for environmentally conscious hospitality in Sri Lanka.

April 26, 2024

Inqbaytor Technologies, a leading travel technology company, recently announced a groundbreaking achievement as the first travel platform in the country to be certified for Emirates Gateway Direct NDC API. This landmark collaboration empowers Inqbaytor to directly connect its B2C platform, crazyjets.com, and B2B platform, Ticket Gadget, to Emirates through the IATA NDC standard, eliminating intermediaries and unlocking a world of benefits for both the airline and travelers.

Dr. Harshani Perera, CEO of Inqbaytor, expressed her excitement about the partnership, “This certification marks a significant milestone for Inqbaytor, solidifying our commitment to innovation and providing next-generation travel solutions. By connecting directly to Emirates through NDC API, we empower our platforms to offer more value-added, differentiated, and competitive Emirates products, surpassing the limitations of legacy systems.”

The New Distribution Capability (NDC) program, spearheaded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), represents a paradigm shift in the travel industry. By leveraging the innovative XML-based NDC Standard, Inqbaytor and Emirates can now establish a more dynamic and direct connection enabling; Enhanced product offerings: Emirates gains the ability to showcase its full range of fares, products, and exclusive offers directly to Inqbaytor’s platforms, Personalized travel experiences: Travelers can enjoy tailored offerings catering to their specific needs and preferences, leading to a more seamless and fulfilling booking journey, and Cost-effective distribution: Both Inqbaytor and Emirates benefit from streamlined communication, reducing overall distribution costs.

Inqbaytor’s achievement positions Sri Lanka at the forefront of travel technology advancements. By pioneering the adoption of NDC standards, Inqbaytor paves the way for a more dynamic and personalized travel experience for all Sri Lankan travelers. This collaboration with Emirates sets a new benchmark for the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of travel distribution and retail.

Inqbaytor’s outstanding performance was also recently recognized at the prestigious Emirates Awards Night, held at Shangri-La Colombo, and this recognition is a testament to Inqbaytor’s dedication to providing exceptional service through technology.

Older Posts

The Four A’s Advertising Festival Set to Transform Sri Lanka’s Creative Communications Industry

Sri Lanka Veterinary Association celebrates World Veterinary Day under the theme of “Veterinarians are essential health workers’’.

Premium lingerie brand amanté unveils latest boutique at One Galle Face Mall

Emirates arranges Autism Familiarisation Flight and Travel Rehearsal for 30 families

Rates Quoted By Commercial Banks For Telegraphic Transfers – 26.04.2024

SLT-MOBITEL crowned ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2023’

govi.ai captures industry attention at Future Harvest Expo 2024

World Intellectual Property Day: OPPO Maintains Top 10 Global IP Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year

Sri Lanka Resorts of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Mark Earth Day with Impactful Eco-Initiatives

Inqbaytor Takes Flight with Emirates Gateway Direct NDC API Certification Leading Sri Lanka’s Travel Industry into the Future