Janashakthi Insurance receives ISO 9001:2008 recertification

Proves business credentials through independent verification

Leading insurer Janashakthi continues its quality assurance leadership. They were the First insurer to get ISO status in Sri Lanka as part of its mission to lead the industry in raising standards. In a journey of continuous improvement they recently received the ISO 9001:2008 recertification, following a recertification audit conducted by Bureau Veritas Lanka. Companies that qualify for ISO standards are those that have implemented a rigourous management system of quality assurance.

Kim Dotcom, Megaupload Founder, Launches New File-Sharing Site

Indicted Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom launched a new file-sharing website on Sunday, promising users amped-up privacy levels in a defiant move against the U.S. prosecutors who accuse him of facilitating massive online piracy.

 

The colorful entrepreneur unveiled the “Mega” site ahead of a lavish gala and press conference at his New Zealand mansion on Sunday night, the anniversary of his arrest on racketeering charges related to his now-shuttered Megaupload file-sharing site. Megaupload, which Dotcom started in 2005, was one of the most popular sites on the Web until U.S. prosecutors shut it down, accusing Dotcom and several company officials of facilitating millions of illegal downloads.

Facebook’s Graph Search Is the Future of Facebook

Facebook held a big press event this morning (15). It only sent out invitations to it last week, and when it did, it didn’t disclose the topic. But in a sense, everyone who pays close attention to Facebook has been waiting for this event for most of the site’s history — because the subject was Graph Search, the social network’s first truly serious search feature.

 

Like other great big Facebook-altering features such as the Timeline, Graph Search isn’t being unleashed in one fell swoop. It’s a beta for now, and only a minuscule percentage of users will get it immediately. (Everyone else can get on the waitlist at facebook.com/graphsearch.) Still, its arrival in even limited form is an important moment.

How Much to Tip Everyone

By Quentin Fottrell | MarketWatch

Tipping etiquette in America has become a minefield of awkward handshakes, rudimentary mathematics and social blunders. This week, New York’s Conflicts of Interest Board fined two sanitation workers $2,000 for accepting a tip. They were paid $10 between them for hauling off an unusually large amount of trash for a resident in Queens, N.Y., though they requested $20.

But while tipping sanitation workers is a no-no, a growing number of workers expect it and depend on it. Many consumers may be surprised to learn that they’re expected to tip baristas, for instance. (Consider it a goodwill tax for all that free Wi-Fi.) Just this week, New York’s Court of Appeals ruled that Starbucks (SBUX) baristas must share their tips with shift supervisors. The court found that the supervisors do much of the same work as baristas and are, therefore, entitled to a share.

LOLC ties up with world giant BRAC to buy control of Nanda Investments

BRAC, one of the world’s largest micro financing providers, entered into a ground breaking strategic alliance with LOLC, one of the largest conglomerates whose core business is financial services, to acquire the controlling interest of Nanda Investments and Finance PLC (Nanda Investments).

30 Lankans in global database of secret accounts in tax havens

Nearly 30 Sri Lankan individuals and two companies have been named in a first of its kind worldwide publication of those having secret accounts in offshore jurisdictions.

Janashakthi bags platinum for Annual Report 2012

Janashakthi Insurance’s Annual Report 2012 – ‘A Transformative Spirit’ garnered the company a global ranking of 11th and a Platinum award at the 2012/13 Spotlight Awards by the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP).

Samsung Galaxy S4 launched in Sri Lanka

Samsung Electronics yesterday announced the launch of the much-anticipated Samsung GALAXY S4, the next generation handset that’s designed to bring people together and enrich everyday life, into the Sri Lankan market.

 

Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda in global recall of 3.4 m vehicles

Reuters: Four Japanese automakers including Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co are recalling a total of about 3.4 million vehicles worldwide as a result of an airbag problem, the companies said on Thursday.

Stage set for high growth trajectory: CB Chief

Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal yesterday declared that stage was set for a high growth trajectory over the next few years, starting with the economy rebounding this year with a 7.5% improvement up from 6.4% last year.

 

Dialog to ring better 4G via Rs. 3.2 b LTE spectrum buy

Dialog Axiata recently announced that its 10 MHz tranche of Mobile 4G LTE spectrum auctioned by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka has been secured.
Dialog’s success at securing spectrum for the launch of Mobile 4G LTE services to supplement its 3G HSPA and high speed mobile internet services was followed soon after the company’s fully-owned subsidiary Dialog Broadband Networks launched Sri Lanka’s first 4G LTE service, extending high speed fixed broadband services to Sri Lankan homes and enterprises.

SL gets Rs. 59 b from Japan

Japan has agreed to provide Japanese Yen 41 billion (approximately Rs. 59 billion) for four major development projects following a request from the Government.

 

Commonwealth Secretariat confirms Sri Lanka as venue for 2013 CHOGM Summit

Sri Lanka will host the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 15 to 17 November this year, the Commonwealth Secretariat website said via an announcement dated 11 March.

With $ 21.5 b in his pocket, Mukesh Ambani is Forbes’ wealthiest Indian

REUTERS: Mukesh Ambani retained the top spot among Indians on Forbes’ annual list of the world’s billionaires on Monday with an estimated worth of $ 21.5 billion.
The Head of Reliance Industries was placed 22nd on a list headed by Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim. Ambani was ranked 19th on the list last year.

Axiata eyes Airtel’s Lanka biz – Indian report

Axiata, the Malaysia-based telecom operator has approached Bharti Airtel to acquire the Indian operator’s business in Sri Lanka, according to people privy to the development.
Axiata operates as Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka. While Bharti Airtel has an estimated share of 8-9% in the Lankan market, Dialog Axiata accounts for 40% market share.