Business
Sampath Bank donates Rs. 50 million towards 1990 Suwa Seriya’s ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ initiative
Sampath Bank has handed over a cheque of Rs. 50 million to support the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation’s ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ project. With this timely donation under its ‘Hope for a Life’ CSR programme, Sampath Bank’s contribution will fund the maintenance of 10 Suwa Seriya ambulances in all nine provinces.
One of Sampath Bank’s key CSR focus areas is extending health assistance to the community and this donation by the Bank will enable Suwa Seriya to maintain and improve the services of its 1990 ambulance network for providing lifesaving emergency medical assistance in Sri Lanka. At the Adopt an Ambulance event on 26th April, Chairman, and senior officials of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation accepted the donation of Rs. 50 million from Sampath Bank’s senior representatives which comprised the Corporate Management of the Bank as well.
The 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation introduced the ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ initiative to secure private sector funding to sustain the services it offers, as the government’s assistance for Suwa Seriya was impeded due to financial constraints brought on by the economic crisis in the country.
The 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation provides pre-hospital care ambulance services and emergency response services free of charge to any person. These facilities include providing immediate and effective pre-hospital care in a safe and clinical working environment until a person reaches the nearest healthcare provider. The Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service was established in 2016 with the assistance of the Indian government.
The ‘Hope for a Life’ CSR flagship programme has inspired Sampath Bank to make a significant contribution to health care in the country over the years. In the past, the Bank has donated a Neuro Navigator to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka at an investment of Rs. 49.7 Mn which enabled neurosurgeons to conduct more operations per day to reduce the waiting list.
The Bank also handed over a ventilator worth Rs 2.2 Mn to the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of National Hospital of Sri Lanka which enhanced the capacity of the hospital’s Neurosurgery ICU, previously limited to five ICU ventilators for all 10 beds.
Further, in 2020, Sampath Bank stepped into assist the nation’s fight against COVID-19 and jointly with CBL Group and WSO2 donated a fully equipped PCR laboratory to the Army Hospital in Colombo amounting to Rs. 32 Mn. The state-of-the-art lab has a testing capacity of 600 patients per day, thereby enhancing the country’s virus testing capacity. The Bank assisted nine state hospitals across various provinces in 2022 with donations of lifesaving medicine and medical equipment to alleviate the shortage of such items due to the lack of imports.
Closely engaged with local communities, Sampath Bank has also conducted various community empowering initiatives under its CSR flagship projects such as Wewata Jeewayak (Tank restoration to benefit farmers), Sayurata Husmak (Oceanic Ecosystem Restoration Programme) and Gasai Mamai Pubudu Pothai (Tree-planting programme for school children). Sampath Bank is a truly local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the lives of Sri Lankan people reflecting its strong corporate belief of “Values that bind us beyond a Transaction”.
Established in 1987, the Bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader for its constant innovation and customer-focused approach to business.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
Business
Members’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a Members’ Night on March 27, at the Sophia Colombo City Hotel. The event, attended by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, offered a valuable platform for business leaders, embassy officials, and Members to discuss and explore opportunities for deeper Sri Lanka-Russia collaboration, a CCC news release said.
SLRBC President, Mr. Jude Fernando, kicked off the evening with a speech highlighting the importance of strengthening international ties, which was followed by H.E. Dzhagaryan’s address on the need for continued engagement between the two countries. The event featured networking opportunities, allowing Members to connect with key stakeholders and discuss future business ventures, followed by a delightful dinner.
The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including OCEAN 7 Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Bally/Walkers Tours, Fibre cement associations, Ceylon Fresh Teas, SCANWELL Logistics, Regency Teas, Shan Teas, and others, whose contributions were key to its success.
The SLRBC is committed to further facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Russia, continuing to foster stronger business relationships.
Trump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs
Nigerian bandit kingpin and 100 followers killed
PNB detect large haul of methamphetamine and heroin in local fishing trawler intercepted by Navy
-
Business6 days agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
News1 day agoSuspect injured in police shooting hospitalised
-
Features2 days agoRobbers and Wreckers
-
Features4 days agoSri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part III
-
Midweek Review4 days agoInequality is killing the Middle Class
-
Features6 days agoSri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part I
-
Features5 days agoA brighter future …
-
Business1 day agoSanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka