Business

AIMGSL hosts first CEOs’ Breakfast Forum: Setting Sights on EU Markets

Published

3 months ago

2022/03/5

The Association of International Marketing Graduates in Sri Lanka (AIMGSL) hosted the first AIMG CEOs’ Breakfast Forum on February 02, 2022, at Earls Court, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, welcoming the Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives – Denis Chaibi as the keynote speaker, and CEO, Dilmah Tea – Dilhan Fernando, and CEO, Brandix Apparel Solutions Limited – Rajiv Malalasekera as guest speakers at the forum.

The event welcomed over 100 participants with the presence of Ambassadors of Australia and France for a knowledge sharing session on the topic of ‘Setting Sights on EU Markets’, where Denis Chaibi shared in-depth knowledge and insights into the new rules and regulations of the EU Markets, what support the EU can extend to Sri Lanka particularly with regard to support in technology and machinery for relevant businesses, such as fisheries, the importance of Renewable Energy, how SME exporters can improve exports to the EU and what imports can benefit Sri Lanka from the EU.

In his welcome address, Chairman, Association of International Marketing Graduates in Sri Lanka – Sujith Silva stated: “On behalf of the Association of International Marketing Graduates, I extend a warm welcome to all of you. It is a great pleasure to have all of you with us. This is a key opportunity for corporate CEOs and marketers to gain keen insights into foreign markets as you look to expand beyond Sri Lanka’s shores. The aim of this programme is to further enlighten our members and industry leaders on potential opportunities for growth that will not only benefit each individual and brand but also aid in the upliftment of Sri Lanka’s economy. I wish you all a meaningful and enriching programme.”

Speaking at the event, keynote speaker – Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Denis Chaibi commented “The point I would like to focus on is the risk factor when setting sights on the EU market and the importance of risk analysis before you even start to market your product. This by far may be your most crucial step. As we all know, the EU massively regulates their trade, policies, etc, more so than any other territory or nation. The EU is an environment comprised of so many moving pieces that strict regulation is integral to its survival. This is due to the Philosophical-Legal construct of the systems, where the EU prepares to preemptively pan for envisioned scenarios, as opposed to waiting for market changes or present situations. How is this done? Well, we have 30,000 officials based in Brussels, whose core job is to assess and regulate so as to support the EU market and strengthen it. A prime example is with Cyber Environments/ Markets which posed and still poses a lot of challenges for many markets – but the EU was the first one to come up with solutions for this and to manage the expectations and regulate the market so both can grow together. These regulations then trickle down and create a knock-on effect on the entities and nations that do business with the EU. For example with ‘The EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles’, which was part of the ‘EU Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020 – there are three [03] new requirements on packaging and packaging waste, which means that for the textile industry, you need data on how you’re going to source your components as well as what happens to this once it is sold.

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Business

Wing Commander (Retd.) D. Pradeep S. Kannangara elected president, Industrial Security Foundation

Published

1 day ago

2022/05/28

Thilina Walpola

The Industrial Security Foundation (ISF) which acts as the sole organization in Sri Lanka to represent the Private Security industry having incorporated by an Act passed in the Parliament, Act No. 51 of 1999, elected Wing Commander (Retd.) Pradeep Kannangara as its President for the years 2022/2023 at its 30th annual General Meeting which was held at the PIM Auditorium in Borella. Wing Commander Pradeep Kannangara was appointed President while 14 other members were appointed to the Executive Committee, strengthening the ISF in order to drive and uplift the standards of the private security industry in Sri Lanka.

He has served on the ExCo consecutively since 2012 under four different presidents where he held the positions of Senior Vice President during the last three consecutive years. He has also been a committed member of the ISF and was awarded prestigious coveted FISF title due to his many valuable contributions to the organization and the Private Security Industry in Sri Lanka in 2012.

Wing Commander Kannangara’s journey into private security began after a successful career in the Sri Lanka Air Force for over 24 years where he served in many capacities finally being the Officer Commanding of the Special Air Borne Force. A recipient of the Ranasura Padakkama (RSP) Gallantry award for his bravery, sacrifices and service to the nation by the President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1990. He holds a Master’s in business management from the Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia too and serves as a Board Director in AB Securitas (Private) Limited in Sri Lanka and AB Securitas Bangladesh Limited.

Business

Kitchen & Bedroom reaffirms its partnership with Häfele Sri Lanka

Published

1 day ago

2022/05/28

Thilina Walpola

(L-R) Pawan Singh- General Manager Sales & Marketing at Hafele Sri Lanka, Jurgen Wolf- Managing Director Hafele South Asia, Dr. Sacquaff- Group CEO Kitchen & Bedroom, and Manish Mahajan, Director Sales Hafele South Asia

Kitchen & Bedroom, a name synonymous in the interior designing and furniture sector in the country recently celebrated its long-standing partnership with Häfele Sri Lanka during the latter’s 12th year anniversary celebratory event, reaffirming its ambitious plans to further strengthen and explore the numerous opportunities available here.

Häfele Sri Lanka, part of Häfele India which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hafele Global network, is a technology partner for various projects and initiatives of Kitchen & Bedroom. Both the companies operate in the interior design space, sharing their cumulative knowledge and expertise to provide extensive and personalized solutions catering to domestic requirements.

‘We take great pride in our association with Häfele Sri Lanka having exchanged and collaborated on many projects both commercial and household. We share similar values such as providing high quality, sustainable, functional and customized solutions to our customers, and most importantly to guide them through every aspect and step of the project and how best we could bring out their desired design,’ said Dr. Sacquaff, Kitchen & Bedroom Group CEO.

Business

DSI strengthens its islandwide presence with three new showrooms

Published

1 day ago

2022/05/28

Thilina Walpola

Amid the prevailing economic hardships faced by Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s premier footwear brand DSI recently expanded its islandwide presence in the country with the opening of three new showrooms in Kahawatta, Akuressa, and Chavakachcheri, with the aim of offering greater access to its diversified product range to a wider customer base.

Gracing the special occasion, the showrooms were declared open by D. Samson & Sons (Pvt.) Ltd. Managing Director Thusitha Rajapaksa, in the presence of Director Asanka Rajapaksa, General Manager Pradeep Samarathunga, National Sales Manager – Retail Sales Naleen Weerawardana, invitees, and well-wishers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Thusitha Rajapaksa stated: “We are excited about expanding DSI wings to three new locations. Despite the ongoing economic conditions of the country, we took a call to take a proactive measure to expand our islandwide presence. While it has been a challenge, the commitment and hard work of our team has made it possible to serve our loyal customers better, and we are confident that we will be able to continue these efforts in the future as well.”

DSI is renowned for its well-trained staff who offer exceptional customer service. The three new DSI showrooms prioritize providing a unique service and customer support to make purchasing further convenient for the customer.