Untitled Document

Vavuniya - Suntel's gateway to the north
Suntel, in a rapid expansion of its islandwide coverage, is using Vavuniya as the gateway to the north. Hugo Cederschiold, Managing Director of Suntel says it is the right time for this launch - which took place yesterday - as the commercial activity of this hub town is increasing rapidly and reliable telecommunications was the need of the hour.

For the first time this northern town will be able to communicate cost effectively to the rest of the world at the touch of a button. Suntel WoW123 which is a feature that comes with every Suntel telephone line has Internet connectivity, opening doors to the world of cyberspace and with it to Internet chatting and email that connects people all over the world.

Suntel as a company who has introduced many technological advancements to Sri Lanka, is committed to the development of the north and this initial step is not only about widening their network, it is also about bringing people together across cultural divides and traditional boundaries.

Cederschiold said Suntel had planned to start operations in Vavuniya in 2000 but it was not possible then due to the security situation. "We hope and expect that this will be the first step on our way to the north and east of this wonderful country.
We want to ensure that all our customers enjoy the first class service Suntel is synonymous for, no matter where we go.

That is why Suntel always moves in a planned, careful and systematic way, in order to make certain that our customers have quality, superior service at all times - all over the country."

YKK Lanka zips opens local operations
The YKK Group launched its local company, YKK Lanka, with a state of the art facility for garment accessories at the Seethawaka Industrial Park in Avissawella last week.

This $15 million factory situated on 35,000 square feet of land brings to Sri Lanka's doorstep the YKK Group's global network with world-class quality based on the twin pillars of fastening products and architectural products, the company said in a statement.

As a backward integration project, YKK Lanka manufactures metal, coil and vislon zippers for Sri Lanka's largest non-traditional exporter, the apparel industry.
Commerce Minister Ravi Karunanayake, who was present at the launch, said global giants such as YKK setting up operations in Sri Lanka brings with it the message to the rest of the world that Sri Lanka is gearing towards bigger and better things in the world economy.

"Our apparel industry has been the backbone of our economic system for sometime now and we need the support of companies like YKK Lanka to help us steer the industry to becoming a bigger and better supplier of world class quality apparel," he said.

Managing Director of YKK Lanka, Keigo Hiramatsu said the company believes in creating new values with advantage technology within the global framework and hence has brought in that premise to its operations in Sri Lanka. "In this challenging industry, our edge over our competitors is the speedy and courteous customer service with the value addition of a dynamic sales and marketing team," he explained.

Hiramatsu said with YKK having a presence in 58 countries across six regions, the group initiates local characteristics into its business activities, thereby allowing marketing to be conducted more efficiently.

NGOs need to be managed properly - CJ
Non-Governmental Organizations should be properly managed to effectively serve as a bridge between the State and the people, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, said.
NGOs play a vital role in bridging the gap between the State and state agencies, which are the repositories of power, and the public which confers power on the State, as well ensuring that the judiciary is also involved in this bridge, he said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a seminar by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) on 'Managing the Non-Governmental Organization: Legal and Organizational issues for NGO Leaders'.

The project was aimed at senior executives, and administrative, financial and legal officers of small and medium sized non-profit organizations in order to improve cost-effective management, financial accountability and interest-based negotiation techniques.

A representative from the legal profession, who will be sent to Rome for training, is to draft legislation on the proper management of NGOs. Pasquale Ferraro, Deputy Director General of Rome-based IDLO, said NGOs have a tendency to grow in very gray areas and their workers are not trained to manage and act in a professional manner.

Since what the State can do is very limited, it is up to the NGOs to fulfill this role, he said. (RC)

Back to Business