Sri Lanka Newspapers - 02/01/2012

Sampath Bank in aggressive expansion drive
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
The Sampath Bank completed an aggressive expansion plan for the last year by widening the reach from 100 to over 200 branches thereby having an extensive presence in the country.

The Bank’s branch expansion and the exceeding of the industry average in terms of credit and deposit growth created a milestone in its 25 years of operation in the country. However, the credit growth and branch expansion were not carried out at the expense of credit quality as the deleted ration dropped from seven percent four years ago to a healthy 2.8 percent at present, Sampath Bank newly appointed Managing Director Aravinda Perera told Daily News Business.


Sampath Bank Managing Director Aravinda Perera
Picture by Sulochana Gamage
“We are at present having our presence in most important towns in the country. This enabled us to book new deposits and loans where most of the new branches are looking to break even in this year,” he said.

The bank will continue to branch expansion process where potential locations are available. The bank expects that the continuous growth will reaffirm its efforts to become the number one commercial bank in the country.

We are progressing towards this goal and it is a long process. The bank will undergo changes and the board of management will see major changes shortly. We have performed better than the competition on profitability and plan to do well in 2012 as well, he said.

‘The banking industry is very competitive and we could envisage increased competition in 2012. The competitiveness is good for the customers and there will be a fierce battle for deposit mobilization as a few more foreign banks including an Indian Bank is looking at business opportunities in Sri Lanka, he said.

The entire banking industry showed positive results and this augurs well in the long run as the country has an emerging economy. The regulatory framework has made banks more stable coupled with financial standards and risk mitigating techniques introduced in the recent past that are in the process of implementation.

This will have positive impact on the long term stability of the system.

“Banks were given considerable tax concessions under the 2010 budget and we are directed to use this saving for development projects where the country could benefit and achieve economic progress. “The country is not overbanked and our savings habits when compared with other Asian countries are below than average. The bottom of the pyramid is not served properly.

It is necessary for the banks to go out to all remote areas of the country. The banks should focus more on internet and mobile banking and innovative products to cater to this market segment. “The mergers among the banks are not happening at present. However, capital adequacy requirement will lead to merges.

It is important not to kill the competition in the process. The draw back for Sri Lankan banks to go overseas is not having substantial capital. With the deposit drive we will be looking at venturing outside,” Perera said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus17.asp

Indian High Commissioner visits HDCC
The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha visited the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) recently. This was the High Commissioner’s second visit to the Chamber.


Hambantota Chamber CEO, Azmi Thassim greeting the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha
During the visit the High Commissioner met with officials of HDCC, Board of Directors, past Presidents and business community of the Hambantota district.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by Consul General of India in Hambantota K.N. Mohanakumaran. Discussions were very cordial and fruitful and both parties agreed to work together to increase trade between local business and India and to invest in joint projects in the fields of industry, agriculture and tourism.

The High Commissioner stressed that, with the construction of the harbour and the international airport in Hambantota, there is ample scope for increasing the trade between local business and India. He encouraged the business community of Hambantota to directly link with Indian businesses not only for importing but also for exporting. He said that this was the main purpose of opening the Consulate in Hambantota.

The High Commissioner pointed out that most of the items of export from Sir Lanka are free from tax in India under the Free Trade Agreement. He said that the Consulate and the High Commission would be happy to facilitate linkages and also visits of local businessmen to trade fairs in India to make direct business contacts. He said that the Consulate would be happy to issue long term visas to genuine businessmen. The High Commissioner advised the Chamber to make use of the large number of scholarships offered by India under ITEC for capacity building.

The High Commissioner mentioned that the business people of Hambantota should get the maximum benefit from the developments.

The High Commissioner informed members of the Chamber that the Indian Government is starting a special train for Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka. The train, named Dambadiva Vandana, will start from Chennai and cover 15 pilgrimage sites in 21 days before returning to Chennai. The test run started on November 3 and regular service is expected to start in February.

They reiterated their commitment to work towards the strengthening of the relationship between India and the people of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus18.asp

Etisalat gives back to rural community
Etisalat gives back to the Gabbela Maha Vidyalaya in the village of Endana, a rural community of primarily plantation workers. The community of Endana caught Etisalat’s attention following the erection of an Etisalat Telecommunication tower in the area.


CSR activity Etisalat carried out for a school in Endana.
Etisalat CEO, Dumindra Ratnayaka said, As we look to expand the coverage of our network in our quest to become Sri Lanka’s number one mobile telecommunications operator we aren’t forgetting that we as one of Sri Lanka’s largest corporate entities have a social obligation to help uplift struggling communities.

So we want to give back to some of the rural communities that could use our contribution, and we chose to give through their school because its through education that we can empower citizens to uplift themselves in the future.This initiative by Etisalat was planned in concurrence with the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Gabbela Maha Vidyalaya.

The move saw 350 school bags being gifted to the students, the donation of a new printer and a selection of books being added to the school library, which is open to students and parents alike.

Endana, located south east of Watapola in the Sabaragamuwa province, became one of the southern locations to fall under Etisalat’s expansion and see the establishment of a telecommunications tower in February of this year.

Come year end the community of Endana is boasting one of the highest concentrations of Etisalat subscribers and users amongst the rural locations.

“As mobile technology evolves and the role it plays in the lives of people becomes increasingly vital, the demands of the market increases. Rural communities such as Endana are developing, as they do they look to the services that Telcos can provide to empower them,” Ratnayaka said. He said,

“Providing mobile connectivity to Endana was only the first step, we then provided the community access to our industry leading mobile broadband services. Less than a month in and we have already seen substantial subscription numbers. Endana has been a testament to the growing potential in rural communities and their demand for cutting edge mobile connectivity.”

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus50.asp

Spa Aura opens
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Spa Aura treating a customer Pictures by Saliya Rupasinghe
Going beyond the concept of beautycare to include wellness in it comprehensive service range, the Spa Aura the latest addition to the Chandani Bandara salon chain was launched recently at Nugegoda.

The Spa Aura will provide holistic treatment for relaxed and stress-free mind and body.

The varieties of services from the Spa include massages for body, face and foot, milk bath, sauna acupuncture and Ayurveda body treatment.


Spa Aura treating a customer Pictures by Saliya Rupasinghe
“The Spa Aura was launched to cater to the growing demand for such services from our longstanding clients. They have requested for this kind of facility for some time as they were satisfied with our range of beautycare treatment,” 4Ever Natural Skin Products Company Chairperson and Managing Director Beautician Chandani Bandara told Daily News Business.

“The lifestyles of the modern day Sri Lankans have changed and they live in a stressful environment. Therefore, it is important to engage in de-stress activities and the Spa Aura provides ideal solutions for total relaxation,” she said.

“We have employed a well trained staff to attend to the customized needs and the services are reasonably priced to cater to all strata of society.

The approach to the service is total satisfaction and hence, this will be a special feature in the chain of salons that are very popular among women of all ages,” she said.

The Spa serves exclusively women and it is operating on all seven days except Poya days.



Hainan Lanka, ZOA partnership for bicycle industry
Ramani Kangaraarachchi
A leading bicycle manufacturer Hainan Lanka signed a MOU with ZOA Refugee Care Netherlands recently to manufacture bicycles as a cottage industry.

This will be a sustainable livelihood project for the grass roots level people in the North and East.

Seva Lanka and UNHCR work as facilitators to this project worth Rs 150 million, Managing Director Hainan Lanka Amal Suriyage said.

He said 300 to 500 units will be assembled in these areas consisting four to five people in each group. Manufacturing of various parts of the bicycle will be sub contracted to them as self-employment and finally 5,000 bicycles will be assembled in the factory in Vavuniya.

It is significant that 50 percent of these people are female and the balance consists of disabled and displaced people.

Suriyage said a permanent factory will be constructed in Vavuniya.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus50.asp

Imesha’s passion for colours, shapes, ideas
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
Creativity plays a key role in shaping the ideas into monetary values. It also gives the momentum to do things differently and enables to achieve end results. If not for creativity the world would have been a monotonous place to live in. The jewellery designer in Imesha Wijewickrama proves to be a successful combination in building an effective business model for Sala Enterprises (Pvt) Limited.

Her involvement in this technology firm now operating as a family business by way of providing expertise in designing, architecture and interior decor has contributed immensely to become a reputed venture in the field of information technology.


Imesha’s passion for colours, shapes, ideas
Operating under the tag line ‘We make technology affordable’, Sala Enterprises has emerged as a popular choice for quality technology products within the reach of masses simultaneously making these products available in Sri Lanka when launched worldwide.

This move has ensured that highly advanced products are in the Sri Lankan market providing the opportunity for customers access to the latest technological devices without a time lag.

As the Advertising and Promotions Director she looks into minute details when it becomes her responsibility to maintain excellent standards in the work undertaken. When at work, her abundance of creativity knows no boundaries, but is focused on reaching targets always.

As IT is a constantly changing field, Imesha has kept vigil to track revolving trends to make Sala Enterprises ahead of time and aligned its futuristic approach by periodic product introduction to meet the technological transformation.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business. Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?


Imesha Wijewickrama
A. My husband Chintaka Wijewickrama started Sala Enterprises in 1992. He was in the USA for nine years pursuing higher studies and came back to Sri Lanka to take care of his parents. The venture was started going beyond his liking to technological developments to make them available in the country.

The selling of Seiko Electronic Dictionaries gave the right opening for the business to flourish. We met in 1994 and married a year later. The venture was initially set up at Alfred Place and moved to Galle Road, Kollupitiya. At this point I joined Chintaka and after three years of hard work the business grew steadily.

We have been taking part in every Techno exhibition since inception and this boosted our sales volumes. We have won several awards and our pride has been computer assembling and selling. In the early years of business selling one computer on a given month was rewarding and it soon became ten computers per month. The gradual increase in sales, speaks for the technological thirst in the country and we see much potential and crave in the younger generation regarding IT. We strive to bring in latest technology and travel frequently to Singapore for purchases.

My contribution comes in the designing and organizing aspects where a blend of creativity and managerial skills is put into good use. The Sala Enterprises head office is located at Rajagiriya and we have few showrooms including in Pamankada and Pepiliyana.

Q. How do you strike a balance between family life and business?

A. The venture has become a full-time job for me. We have three sons, Malinda (13), Charitha (10) and Rakitha (7). As my mother lives next door things have become easier for me. She gives me the flexibility of spending more hours at generating businesses. However, once at home I see that the house is in order. I spend quality time with our children and help them in studies.

Q. What motivated you to venture into business on your own?

A. My business involvement comes as a case of attraction of opposites. When it comes to designing Chintaka has no clue and I fill the void. I also come from a business background and my father was involved in a successful food related venture. The liking for business is inherent and my creative talents were beneficial in running the business.

Q. What are your goals?

A. My prime concern is to think out-of-the-box. This comes with the goal to improve performance continuously. I make an effort to do the best in whatever I do, be it business or household. I try to achieve the best while giving the best within my capacity. This ambitious aim has made me to help the business to move in an upward curve and remain at the peak.

Q. How do you face competition?

A. I consider every step as a new beginning. I engage in business moves with an open mind to have room for perfection. Every challenge provides a lesson and competition is no difference.

Q. What example do you provide others?

A. I am a person who likes to see smiling faces. For this I go that extra mile in making others comfortable in whatever way possible. My value proposition is change for the better and I work to reach the desired level.

I am for sharing and caring and I want to provide inspiration in the efforts to make a difference in our society.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. I am a qualified jewellery designer. I also have the ability to do flower arrangements and making cakes.

I have made maximum use of my skills thanks to the business started by my husband. My passion is for colours and I have a dream of having a dessert parlour one day complimenting the culinary skills.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. We started in a humble way and the business has grown steadily. We have a reputation as a supplier of quality and timely technological products at affordable prices. We have a well connected dealer network islandwide for greater accessibility. When looking back from where we started and where we stand today, the entire journey is an achievement. We have stayed in front and the difficult part is to maintain this level.

The number of awards we won is testimony to our success. Among them are Sala Enterprises became the overall award winner at the Infotel 2008 and have won Techno awards consecutively.

The GPS solution was commended at the recently concluded e-Swarnabhimani event.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. The country needs socially conscious people and we need to play a key role in the development process to make Sri Lanka a better place. In realizing this, there should be a society that upholds family ties and values to mould productive citizens thus making them prime movers of economic progress.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus20.asp

Software such as hhims play pivotal role in fulfilling Mahinda Chintana aims - Minister Siyambalapitya
Software such as the Hospital Health Information Management System (hhims) can significantly improve service delivery to the citizen. They are pivotal in achieving the goals of the Mahinda Chintana ‘Vision for the Future’,” says Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, at a ceremony held at the Karavanella Base Hospital in Kegalle recently at which the Hospital Health Information Management Systems (hhims) was presented to him.


Karavanella Base Hospital Medical Director Dr.Anuruddha Jagoda presents the hhims computer software to Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjth Siyambalapitiya. Associated in the presentation are Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministry Secretary deleted Athukorala and ICTA Re-engineering Government Programme Director Wasantha Deshapriya.
The Minister said that one of the core aims of the government’s policy statement is to make people’s lives comfortable through the use of ICT.

Thanks to this new software, the fruition of a joint effort by the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the Health Ministry, patient care will receive a shot in the arm. This will do away with the need for patients to register themselves on each and every visit to the hospital. Moreover, the software will enable the hospital to preserve and retrieve medical records bringing relief to both patient and doctor.

“Software such as this contribute much towards making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia by 2016, the challenge placed before us by the President, the Minister attested.

Expressing views in this regard ICTA CEO Reshan Dewapura said that the software - hhims - was a great step forward in taking the benefits of ICT to the people. The ICTA CEO further said that this software was recognised a winner at the National Best Content award e-Swabhimani Awards, being a product developed and deployed locally. He said this type of initiative would contribute towards making Sri Lanka the knowledge hub of the region. Participating in the occasion ICTA Re-engineering Government Programme Director, Wasantha Deshapriya explained the progress of the development of the software.

The software - hhims - was produced by the Regional Health Services Director, Kegalle District and ICTA. It has been tested in five hospitals in the Kegalle District for over six months - Karavanella, Mawanella, Undegoda, Kitulgala and Deraniyagala and now it is ready to be installed in other Government hospitals islandwide.

The software allows doctors and nurses to maintain the patient’s medical record electronically. When the patients return for treatment, their medical record is easily accessible. For the first time in Sri Lanka, doctors in government hospitals can view the patient’s medical record - visits, drugs prescribed, any allergies noted etc - on a computer screen. The patient only has a number - the hospital dispensary and the laboratory identify the patient from this registration number and will dispense medication and carry out tests as per the doctor’s ‘prescription’ which is documented on the electronic patient record and available to them on their computer screens.

This user-friendly software (hhims), enables accurate diagnosis and will lend itself to a paperless hospital. It also facilitates the production of many routine but essential hospital reports thus saving time and much paperwork. A positive indirect effect of the system is that the medical staff has more time to attend to their patients, Deshapriya attested. hhims is available as a free and open source software. More information on the software could be found by visiting the web-site www.hhims.org

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus15.asp

Minister assures safety for tourists
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Laxman Yapa Abeywardena said that the government and Sri Lanka Tourism jointly convey their deepest regret about the very unfortunate incident that took place in Tangalle on 24th December, resulting in the death of a tourist and injuring his partner.

"The Police Department is conducting a full scale investigation about this incident and so far, within 48 hours duration, five suspects including the chief suspect have been arrested and the weapon used for committing the crime too has been found by the police.

Special police teams and a group of CID officers are deployed round the clock to further investigate the incident and arrest other suspects connected to this incident." The Russian lady who was injured by the clash, has been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo (Lanka Hospitals) and she is undergoing further treatment now.

We are constantly overlooking her condition and have made all arrangements to provide the best of medical attention for her speedy recovery.

Both Russian Ambassador and Sri Lankan Ambassador in Moscow (Udayanga Weeratunga who is currently in Sri Lanka) have seen the patient who is recovering fast along with the Chairman, the Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism and government representatives.

The dead body of the tourist has already been brought to Colombo and the British High Commission is awaiting instructions with regard to transportation of the remains to England from his family.

The External Affairs Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism, the two Embassies and the Ministry of Defence are fully employed in coordinating the investigations and updating the media, public and other stakeholders about the progress of this incident.

As the government of Sri Lanka, we take the full responsibility of handling this incident and all suspects will be brought to justice without despite their ranks and positions. We strongly condemn what took place in Tangalle and express our condolence to the family of the victim and the injured.

"These incidents, though unfortunate, have happened in other tourist destinations in the past and can happen anywhere in the world.

This will by no means overshadow the warmth that is offered to Tourists by our hospitable nation and people and responsible service offered by the Tourism Industry," he said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/02/bus16.asp