Business
CINEC introduces foundation program leading to an intl degree
CINEC now offers a six-month foundation program leading to International BSc Degree, a press release said.
It said: The students need not have to pass any subjects at their G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination. If students have 5 Credits in their G.C.E. (O/L) includes 2 Credits for English, Mathematics or Science in one sitting and has sat for A/L in any stream namely, Science, Commerce, Technology or Arts. In the past, students those who fail the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination should re sit the examination in the following year. Some students are unable to pass the 3 subjects even in the second or third attempt and very crucial time in their life is wasted. Accordingly, the academic process during the two years in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) is given due recognition when enrolling students for CINEC Foundation Program. The foundation program replaces need the students be qualified in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination and provides sufficient knowledge to bridge the gap. It contains degree relevant subjects such as Transport Management, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Economics, Concepts of Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics, Business Statistics, English language, and Fundamentals of Management.
Other advantage is that students, irrespective of the stream they followed in their Advanced level classes, CINEC foundation links them to a science degree which is a rare opportunity. Although the subject selection in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) should be a learned decision, there are students/parents who make a misjudgement when selecting the subject stream in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) due to poor SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Unless students carry out a systematics SWOT analysis and to identify the academic strengths and weakness of following intended subjects under respective streams it may create a lifelong barrier in the progression path both academic and professional. It is a known fact that some students follow commerce or art subjects in their A.L. despite having required minimum qualification to follow the science stream due to possible advantages in the state university selection process. In a summary, CINEC foundation program helps students in many ways. Primarily, it eases the fundamental barrier to enter to a university without 3 simple passes at G.C.E. (Advanced Level) examination. Secondly, it opens the door to a science degree for students even who followed subjects in commerce, arts or technology streams. Also, the subject program is an engineering degree but even students who followed biological science at their G.C.E. (Advanced Level) can join the BSc International Transportation Management and Logistics offered by CINEC. CINEC presently conducts a research under the World Bank grants about “Development of a Mechanism that leads to a Psychological Paradigm Shift in students’ Demand and Enrolment for various academic disciplines in the Tertiary Education in Sri Lanka”.
Business
Microsoft hosts ‘Scaling AI at Work’ to drive AI-first innovation for Sri Lankan businesses
Microsoft ignited the ‘Scaling AI at Work’ event in Sri Lanka on 26 November 2024, providing a dynamic platform for key customers and partners to delve into the transformative potential of AI. The event showed how Microsoft AI is sparking success among its customers, effectively enriching employee experience and driving business processes with the use of an AI platform that is secure, safe, and private.
Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft India and South Asia, led a power track on ‘The Art of Possible with AI for Productivity’. In her session, Dr. Srivathsa discussed the extensive suite of AI models accessible through the Microsoft platform, emphasizing that unlocking its true potential hinges not only on the prompts customers use, but also the context of one’s work. She elaborated on how AI is reshaping business transformation and the critical importance of responsible AI practices, reaffirming Microsoft’s stance on protecting customer data.
Speaking on the efficacy of AI in driving value, Dr. Srivathsa said, “Microsoft runs on trust. We aim to empower our customers to bend the curve on innovation with AI Copilots, driving efficiency through comprehensive cutting-edge systems. We’re changing the way innovation is done, effectively helping our customers accelerate their transformation in the age of AI with a platform that is secure by design to reshape collaborative businesses, processes and decision making.”
A key highlight was how Microsoft 365 Copilot enhances productivity by saving time, automating routine work, thereby freeing workforces to pursue higher priority goals with the potential of creating significant impact.
The event explored how Copilot is actively helping organizations create new business opportunities, optimize capital management, and improve profitability while reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for external support and third-party AI tools. Copilot users reported saving 30 minutes a day, equating to 10 hours per month, highlighting the value of AI in everyday business operations.
Trust and security were central themes throughout the event. Speakers underscored the importance of implementing robust security measures alongside AI adoption. In line with this, a panel discussion titled ‘Creating Customer Delight by Optimizing Processes with Utmost Security’, moderated by Harsha Randeny, Country Manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives, explored real-world success stories of businesses achieving operational efficiency through AI-powered solutions.
Business
The George Keyt Foundation unveils a distinguished line-up of Sri Lankan artists for upcoming auction conducted by Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s conducts its first ever Auction celebrating contemporary and modern Sri Lankan artists
The eagerly anticipated first-ever art auction conducted by Sotheby’s in Sri Lanka, presented by the George Keyt Foundation, continues to generate excitement with the unveiling of the distinguished line-up of artists.
The landmark event aims to bring together an extraordinary constellation of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated contemporary and modern artists whose works will be showcased and sold in an unprecedented charity auction.
The artworks will be available for viewing at Cinnamon Life on December 8th from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m and on December 9th from 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. On December 8th, Ishrat Kanga – Director, Specialist, and Co-Worldwide Head of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art at Sotheby’s will lead a panel discussion titled ‘Indian Ocean Affiliations in the Making of Modern and Contemporary Sri Lankan Art’. The Panel will be moderated by Mariah Lookman and will include Professor Jagath Weerasinghe and Anoma Wijewardene. This is a free event and registration is available on Eventbrite on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-ocean-affiliations-in-the-making-of-modern-contemporary-sri-lanka-tickets-1094936778379
The Charity Auction,conducted by Ishrat Kanga of Sotheby’s, featuring 46 Lots by 35 leading Sri Lankan artists will take place on December 9th 2024 at 6.30 p.m. at The Forum, Cinnamon Life. Pre-registration to participate in the Auction is required. For more information, please visit www.georgekeytfoundation.com/auction
The prestigious exhibition receives support from generous sponsors including Cinnamon Life as the Principal Sponsor and Nations Trust Bank serving as Co-Sponsor. Other Official Partners include Lynear Wealth for Wealth Management, Wine World for Beverages, MA Lanka for Logistics, Colombo Jewelers for Gem & Jewellery, Calcey for Technology, Printcare for Print Services, and Chatham Luxury as Watch Partner.
The exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for art enthusiasts, collectors, patrons and the public to immerse themselves in contemporary creative expressions, celebrating Sri Lanka’s artistic legacy. For more information visit our website www.georgekeytfoundation.com/auction and pre-registration details, contact: info@georgekeytfoundation.com
Business
NDB Kotahena branch sets a new benchmark with record-breaking CEO’s Club achievement
NDB Bank proudly celebrates the exceptional performance of its Kotahena Branch, which has achieved a monumental milestone in the bank’s history. The branch has become the first in NDB’s history to produce an unprecedented all 12 branch staff members qualify for the elite CEO’s Club members in a single year 2024 with a remarkable YTD achievement of Rs.37 million, cementing its position as the highest performer across the entire network.
This historic achievement is a testament to the Kotahena Branch team’s relentless dedication, exceptional teamwork, and commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions. By placing the needs of customers at the forefront, the team has demonstrated the true spirit of excellence that NDB strives for.
NDB Bank’s CEO’s Club, a hallmark of bancassurance excellence, has grown exponentially since the partnership with AIA Insurance began in 2006. As a pioneer in integrating banking and insurance services, NDB has consistently enhanced its suite of bancassurance solutions to provide comprehensive financial security for its customers. In 2023, the bank recorded a landmark achievement with 210 CEO’s Club members, showcasing the growing importance of bancassurance in NDB’s customer-focused offerings.
The 12 exemplary staff members who contributed to this outstanding achievement were Balasubramaniam Aingaran – Branch Manager, Shivanthan Jayaranjit – Privilege Relationship Manager, Jeyasekaram Kuganthan – Assistant Manager, Gagan Hiniduma – Credit officer, Navodya Nagodavithana – Credit Associate, Chamara Udayanga – Pawning officer, Sharmin James – Cash Officer. Amirthalingam Kirushikan – Previous cash officer, Mohammed Nafeel – Junior Executive, Nishan Madushanka Leonard – Senior Business Development Associate, Nidhursha Yogaraj – Banking Assistant and Sesadi Jeyasekara – Banking Assistant.
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