Business

Mega training programme in SL in ICT related skills by Trainocate

Published

4 years ago

2022/08/12

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Trainocate, being Asia’s largest IT and human capability development training provider, in a bid to create demand for future ICT related employees will be commencing a mega training program in Sri Lanka targeting youth and corporates.

“With the rapid advancements in digitalization and digital services driven by AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security and 5G, old paradigms and business models are being challenged. More organizations across sectors are now required to have an online-offline presence and operations, Trainocate’s CEO, South East Asia New Markets and the UAE Zafarullah Hashim told The Island Financial Review.

Zafarullah added: ‘According to a recent World Economic Forum report, by 2022, close to 30 per cent of new job opportunities globally will be in data, artificial intelligence (AI), engineering and cloud computing for the future Digital Economy.

‘The pace of change over the past few years has been accelerated by the diffusion of technology, speed of innovation and rapidly evolving business needs. Jobs have changed and new ones have emerged and replaced existing ones. In tandem with this, the required skills and competencies have also rapidly evolved.

‘Many South Asian countries’ corporates as well as current employees and youth aspiring for employment are not reading this.

‘With a global presence in 15 countries, Trainocate SEANM, a pioneer in delivering cutting edge training and certifications which are industry recognized, will commence helping beginners and professionals to expedite their career advancement through our centers.

‘Trainocate also works with key government and private stakeholders to ensure that beginners and professionals have access to high quality and industry-specific training that meets the demands of different sectors of the economy for an innovative and productive workforce.

‘Knowing which skills are in demand has never been more important. With evolving consumer demands and disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we function as the bridge between vendors, such as Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, and the partner. We are also the bridge between the partner and customers. We do partner enablement programs for partners through the vendors and then from the partner to the customer. A partner has to commit to the vision and the goals of a vendor. You also need to have product knowledge and become certified, which is where we come in.

‘Microsoft has been our main force and we have been providing free fundamental training sessions, as we believe that primary knowledge is key in building the country’s digital transformation journey. Our business operation is carried out between business to business, business to government and business to customers as well.

‘Digital skills are increasingly transferable across different sectors, as more enterprises embark on digital transformation and technology adoption. The Digital Economy entails different types of skills, depending on their job role applications. Tech-Lite roles are job roles that involve the use of foundational digital solutions at work; while Tech-Heavy roles are specialized roles responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of more complex technological solutions and applications.

‘Trainocate SEANM focuses on developing skills, competency, ability and improving employee performances and organizational productivity. Organizations spend millions in acquiring and upgrading systems or hardware and give truly little thought to the training process. As a result, a vast majority of companies do not make maximum use of the features and benefits of the software in which they have invested. Proper training will increase productivity and reduce downtime which will complete IT projects faster.

‘Traincoate SEANM is rapidly reaching new heights by helping organizations that are going through a tough time and are in the transitioning period towards technology. Trainocate SEANM delivers well-informed and stable individuals who can provide their expertise towards the rise of these businesses. We have trained many blue-chip companies, along with their partners. Our goal is to develop individuals in tools that are already available that they don’t know how to use.

“Trainocate SEANM offers a range of resources, tools, certification and training programs and initiatives to help individuals and organizations identify and acquire the necessary skills to facilitate employment, improve job performance and adapt to job content changes in the midst of technological advancements and business operating model shifts.

‘We are not just a training company, but rather, a guidance company. We have been doing this for 25 plus years and have assessment tools that help us analyze and identify any skill gaps within organizations. We can use this to help the organizations’ HR and L&D teams streamline their training methods, as we can help identify these gaps and guide them on what they need the most.

‘Overall the company is helping organizations to think differently, plan strategically, save money and get the best out of technology. That is our secret to success.’

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Business

Resilience amidst geopolitical headwinds: Sampath Bank posts Rs 6.2 bn PAT in Q1 2026

Published

16 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

Sampath Bank reported Total Operating Income of Rs 28.5 Bn for the quarter ended 31st March 2026, supported by steady growth in Net Interest Income (up 5%) and Net Fee and Commission Income (up 28%) year-on-year.

Notwithstanding this performance, Profit After Tax (PAT) declined by 26% to Rs 6.2 Bn, due to significantly higher impairment provisions of Rs 4.5 Bn recognised in response to the continued expansion of the loan book and taking into account the evolving geopolitical conditions. Additionally, one-off gains from the disposal of Treasury Bills and Bonds moderated to Rs 0.7 Bn in 2026, a decrease of Rs 2.0 Bn compared to the elevated levels recorded in the previous year.

The Bank’s total asset base crossed the Rs 2 Tn milestone for the first time, representing a significant achievement supported by strong loan growth of Rs 127 Bn in the first quarter of 2026.

The Sampath Group delivered a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs 9.4 Bn and a Profit After Tax of Rs 6.8 Bn for the quarter ended 31st March 2026.

Fund Based Income

The Bank reported total interest income of Rs 46.5 Bn, reflecting year-on-year growth of 6%. This increase was primarily driven by the expansion of the loan portfolio during the reporting period and in the latter part of the previous year, compared to the negative loan growth recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year, as well as an upward movement in the Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPLR).

Interest expense for the quarter also increased by 6% to Rs 26.4 Bn, reflecting growth in both deposit and borrowing portfolios. As a result, Net Interest Income (NII) stood at Rs 20.1 Bn, an increase of 5% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The Net Interest Margin (NIM) contracted marginally by 2 basis points to 4.09%, from 4.11% reported for 2025. This decline was primarily attributable to lower yields across the Bank’s investment portfolio, reflecting reduced rates in the Government Securities portfolio compared to the previous period.

Non-Fund Based Income

During the three-month period ended 31st March 2026, the Bank’s total non-fund based income declined marginally by 4% to Rs 8.3 Bn, mainly due to a decrease in capital gains from the sale of Treasury bills and bonds. Capital gains declined from Rs 2.7 Bn in 1Q 2025 to Rs 0.7 Bn in 1Q 2026, representing a year-on-year decline of 75%.

Net fee and commission income, driven by credit expansion, higher trade volumes and increased card usage, recorded a robust growth of 28% across all income channels, reaching Rs 6.1 Bn by the end of the quarter.

Business

CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition Season 01’s Grand Finale

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

The Grand Finale of the CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition – Season 01 was successfully held on 9th of May at the CAHM premises, SLIIT Main Campus, Malabe, celebrating the talent, creativity and passion of young aspiring chefs from across Sri Lanka.

Organised by the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) at SLIIT, with 7 Star by Serendib Flour Mills as Title Sponsor, the national-level competition provided students aged 13 to 16 with a platform to explore culinary arts, gain practical exposure and discover future opportunities in hospitality.

The Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), Sri Lanka’s largest private hospitality, foods, tourism, and events education provider, in partnership with the William Angliss Institute, (RTO – 3045) Australia and operating within the SLIIT premises Malabe. Through this partnership, CAHM delivers internationally competitive training in culinary arts, offering students an exceptional learning experience that prepares them for opportunities in Sri Lanka and on the global stage.

The competition’s journey began with an encouraging islandwide response, attracting over 5,000 inquiries from aspiring participants, parents and schoolteachers, with over 1,400 applications submitted. Following a careful evaluation process, 204 applicants were shortlisted for the competition, progressing through structured rounds that offered hands-on culinary exposure, industry insights and preparatory guidance, before the final 10 contestants were selected to compete at the Grand Finale.

Following several competitive rounds, 10 finalists secured their places at the Grand Finale. The finalists were Bareerah Bariq of Muslim Ladies College Colombo 04, Nikhel Venuk Elisha of St Joseph’s College Colombo 10, Anooshka Vigneswaran of Girls High School Kandy, Prabhasha Muthubhashini Gunawardhana of Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya, Shamha Nazim of Ilma International Girls’ School Colombo 05, Sithuki Siyansa Methsandi of Buddhist Ladies College Colombo 07, Sandaruwani Nisansala of Moratu Maha Vidyalaya Senuth Insanda of Nalanda College Colombo 10, Pinidu Senuranga Fernando of Boys’ Model School Malabe, and Poorna Bandara Tennakoon of Royal International School Kurunegala.

Business

Mahogany Masterpieces launches new digital flagship

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

Website Launched

Mahogany Masterpieces (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s pre-eminent luxury solid wood furniture house and turnkey interior solutions provider, today announces the launch of its new digital flagship at www.mahogany.lk, alongside the introduction of what the company believes to be the most sophisticated AI Concierge deployed by any luxury brand in Sri Lanka.

The launch marks a defining chapter in the brand’s fifty-two-year history: a company founded on uncompromising craft, now presenting itself to the world with a digital presence that matches the standard of its showroom. The new website consolidates for the first time the full breadth of what Mahogany Masterpieces offers; bespoke solid wood furniture across beds, dining, lounge, and occasional collections; end-to-end interior solutions from concept to completion; the pioneering Furniture Spa restoration and care service; and a 46-year export programme now serving 16 countries.

Sri Lanka’s Most Sophisticated Luxury AI Concierge

The centrepiece of the new digital experience is the MM AI Concierge. A custom-built, brand-trained conversational assistant deployed natively across the website. Available at any hour and on any page, the Concierge carries deep knowledge of Mahogany Masterpieces’ full product range, materials, finishes, interior services, export capabilities, and brand heritage. It responds with the warmth and precision of the MM showroom team, handling enquiries about the Piano Finish, custom fabrication timelines, Furniture Spa services, and interior projects around the clock.