Lumi‚re Residencies - Lighting up Colombo

Lumi‚re Residencies is at the cusp of its mission of bringing fresh light to Colombo's apartment market. The unique apartment complex is now nearing completion and the customers who have already bought their residencies will be able to move in within the next two months.

Located in the peaceful surroundings of Dabare Mawatha in Colombo 5, close to supermarkets, leading schools and five hospitals, Lumi‚re Residencies offers 29 apartments in several designs, catering to different needs.

Unique in design and facilities, this small complex leads the way in innovation.

"We wanted to be involved in a development which offered something unique to potential buyers," explains Gishanka de Silva, director, DGS Holdings Ceylinco (Pvt.) Ltd, the developers of Lumi‚re Residencies. "By optimising natural light, we are providing an extra dimension to high-rise living in Colombo."

The apartment layouts of Lumi‚re are specifically designed to maximise the sources of natural light, helping to create an atmosphere of natural openness and energy.  All bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms have at least one external face built into their design.

The developers of Lumi‚re Residencies are DGS Holdings Ceylinco (Pvt.) Ltd., a Sri Lanka Board of Investment approved company. It is a joint venture between DGS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and the Ceylinco Group.

DGS Holdings is a family company bringing with it a wealth of architectural and project management expertise, while the Ceylinco Group is one of Sri Lanka's oldest business conglomerates with one of the largest privately-owned real estate stockholdings in the country.

The consultants for Lumi‚re are Design Group Five International (Pvt) Ltd, an architectural and engineering practice with 35 years of experience to their credit. It is one of the largest design consultancies in Sri Lanka and in 2008 won the SLIA Special Award for 'Contribution to the Architectural Practice in Sri Lanka.'

Sanken Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the main contractor, was established by Mitsui Construction Company of Japan and local partners, and is one of the highest rated construction companies in Sri Lanka with ISO certification.

The flowing light and spaciousness does not stop with the design of the building alone.  Light, earthy, soft and warm interior finishes enhance the effect. Furthermore the tiled interiors use Swiss quality imported porcelain tiles from Niro Ceramics from Malaysia. Bedrooms have laminated wooden Belgian flooring which come with a 20 year warranty.  

Using the best quality material from internationally renowned producers is another distinctive highlight of Lumi‚re Residencies.  While sanitaryware is from Twyford, one of the oldest British brands, the accessories are from Kludi, a leading German company. 

Lumi‚re's aluminum windows and doors are from Tecnal (France) and Fletcher (New Zealand).  Light fittings are imported from Ideal Electrics (Singapore), air conditioning is from York and the elevators are from Mitsubishi.

The quality does not end with the materials used. Every single detail has been given meticulous attention. Also unique to Lumi‚re Residencies are the fully air conditioned bed rooms, living and dining areas, a separate service entrance and a maid's room for almost all designs. And then there is security.

"Security is of paramount importance," says de Silva. "We are not taking any short cuts. Residents need to feel secure in their environment and we are fully committed to providing a comprehensive security system."

Twenty four hour manned security is provided for the apartment building and all public areas are monitored by a CCTV system.  Each apartment is designed with an extra security door, prior to the access of the main entrance. This entrance can only be accessed by a high tech proximity card system. Inside each apartment  a video intercom system will help residents screen visitors. The main building entrances will also be integrated with the proximity card system and burglar alarms to prevent unauthorised access.

Other facilities at Lumi‚re Residencies include:

         24-hour building management facility.

         Standby generator for full services including air-conditioners.

         Covered parking with washing bay and security

         Central gas distribution, with gas detectors and safety cut-off system.

         Two Mitsubishi lifts

         Phone, cable and local TV wiring and sockets

         Fire control system - smoke and heat detectors, illuminated fire exits, extinguishers, hose reels and fireman's intercom on each floor.

There is also the rooftop entertainment area which comprises a swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium and an air-conditioned bar/entertainment area exclusively for the residents use.

If all that were not enticing enough, Lumi‚re Residencies is also priced very attractively.  Although placed, through competitor analysis, in the 'super luxury' range, the apartments are priced at the mid level - ranging from Rs. 19 to 30 million.  

The apartments are scheduled for completion and ready for occupation by the fourth quarter of 2008.

There are apartments still available at Lumi‚re to a few lucky customers.

The quality of design and construction can be viewed at the beautifully detailed show apartments on site by making a prior appointment.

Further information about Lumi‚re Residencies can be obtained from Thilini on 0777-359609 or Gishanka on 0773-158189.

Cost effectiveness in construction

In an era dominated by economic turbulence, not only in Sri Lanka but the entire world, many have turned towards discovering alternative solutions and as a result, terms or phrases such as cost cutting, value for money, cost effectiveness, low cost etc... have become fashion statements.

Encouraged by growing concerns and economic hardship, a professional and diversified Sri Lankan organisation has established a new entity named Discovery Homes Low Cost Housing Unit and commenced a unique operation to design and construct houses with average cost savings of around 40% from the total construction cost of any given project. Years of R & D work and constant practical experiments have made this company unique. Group Managing Director, Chintaka de Zoysa in an interview explained what makes his company truly unique. 

Q: Is the term "Low Cost Housing" being used only as an advertising tool?

A: It is used as an advertising tool by many. But at Discovery Homes we save about 40% of your hard earned money.

Q:  How is it possible to achieve a 40% cost reduction when the construction material prices are skyrocketing by the day?

A: In these economic conditions, the construction industry is the first to be affected due to many reasons such as the one you just pointed out. But there is nothing much we can do to change this situation because the issue is  a global one.

Therefore being negative will only make you more miserable and would further aggravate the situation. That is why at Discovery Homes, we look at things positively. We researched on finding alternative solutions for years and invested a considerable amount of money and resources and developed new and modern techniques.

Q: What are the main resources available with you?

A: Our biggest resource is our human resource as skilled chartered architects, engineers and construction technologists are with us.

Q: Don't you use the common, contemporary construction methods?

A: We use common, contemporary construction methods and techniques carefully mixed in correct proportion with modern technology and art.

Q:  Could you comment on the structural stability and aesthetic beauty of your low cost houses?

A:  A life time warranty is issued on the structure and our experienced architects ensure the architectural beauty by utilising cost effective materials only as aesthetic elements.

Q: What are the techniques used to cut down costs?

A: The process commences from the planning stage itself, whereas even the water supply and electrical layouts are properly designed apart from the architectural and structural designs which help reduce costs considerably. In addition we use cost effective construction techniques.

Q: Could you explain as to what these cost cutting techniques are?

A:  Commencing from the foundation stage up to the practical completion of the house we implement low cost or cost effective techniques to achieve our goal. We have discovered a very special technique where the wall plastering and painting are done simultaneously using a high pressure spraying machine which easily reduces the material and labour costs.

Q: How do you reduce the construction costs through planning?

A: This is achieved through the ability and professionalism of our architects and engineers who are totally dedicated and qualified on the subject. Reducing the number of unnecessary walls, doors, windows and columns are some of the noteworthy techniques, while designing the roof structure, foundations and floor concreting are major contributory factors.

Q: How can the general public obtain your services?

A:  Interested individuals or organisations should register under Discovery Homes Low Cost Housing Unit and obtain a membership card prior to obtaining our services. All one has to do is just call one of our representative officers and obtain details pertaining to registration.

Q: Apart from consultancy services and designing, does your organisation construct houses?

A: Yes, we have an in-house construction company and are presently equipped to construct any project within a 30km radius from Colombo and hope to expand our construction services to the outskirts in future.

Q: Low Cost Houses are suited only for low income families. Is this true?

A:  No. Discovery Low Cost Houses and its technology are suited even for the richest, who tend to think twice before investing.

Q: Apart from construction what are the other facilities or services your company offers?

A:  We are a diversified group of companies. Discovery Homes Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, is our construction company and apart from that we have several other established companies involved in consultancy and project management, advertising, plan printing / plotting and draughting, logistics, web design / development and marketing. We are also planning to venture in to developing an ayurveda and panchakarma resort with BOI status.

Q: What are your goals and aims as an organisation?

A:  Primarily our aim is to help eradicate Sri Lanka's burning housing problem. Our goal is to avail the consultancy services of professional chartered architects and engineers to the less privileged or the low income earners and popularise professionally designed cost effective quality houses around Sri Lanka and invite every Sri Lankan to join hands with us.

ICC's SBS slabs in offshore ventures in the Maldives

International Construction Consortium (ICC), the premier company that stormed the Sri Lankan construction industry with its SBS pre-pressed slabs is taking great strides with its many offshore ventures.

Two years ago it penetrated the construction sphere in the atolls of the Maldives. Tourist hotels and resorts, which thrive in these islets, have in a big way taken to using the innovative ICC product extensively as they are cost effective and time saving. Having tasted success within two years, ICC now envisages a viable option in offshore projects. This could also mean wider application of the product in the sub continent.

ICC is a forerunner in many an innovation in the construction industry. Founded in 1980, the accolades that have been won by the organisation reflect the quality, internal capacity and external drive of the architects, engineers and all those who make it a quality construction company. As an ISO 9001: 2000 certified and an MI Class Company it has won a number of 'excellence awards' from various institutions.

SBS Floor System is novel and unique in design and technology, providing a construction solution that is both rugged and cost effective. SBS slabs provide a time saving factor in paving the floor in any structure. Firstly they are prefabricated and pre-stressed under precise conditions. They are created in a factory environment so the hassle of mixing, casting and labour are avoided.

The SBS pre-stressed system is made of pre-stressed beams, concrete masonry soffit blocks, distribution reinforcement GI weld mesh and structural concrete topping. Cement and aggregates, which are the raw materials, are tested in a sophisticated laboratory. The slabs are transported to the site and simply placed on walls within a shorter time frame than  the conventional method. This alternative saves around 30% of the cost besides many other factors.

Quality-wise, SBS slabs are scientifically manufactured under controlled conditions. This slab system can withstand a load more than three times what is generally demanded in a  residential structure. The slabs require neither scaffolds nor shuttering. Timber usage therefore is eliminated. Hence, it contributes much to the preservation of forests and the environment.

A wall 9' thick could hold these slabs without concrete beams. This feature alone is a great challenge to the traditional method. The system is also convenient as installation requires only a few unskilled workers.  Further, prior knowledge of site conditions becomes unnecessary.

SBS precast slabs are turned out in state-of-the-art laboratories under the scrutiny of qualified technical officers who also visit the worksite to offer free consultation to the builders. Transportation and delivery are also free within 20 km from the ICC plant at Madapatha as a value added service to customers.

With this unique technology, ICC's offshore projects in the Maldives could be a forerunner to entering the Asian Sub Continent market.

Exterminators - securing homes the professional way

Exterminators (Pvt) Ltd., a leading pest management company has made headlines in international magazines such as the ECONOMIST, PestWorld and PCT for  the performance shown in the growth of the pest control industry in Sri Lanka. 

Exterminators began business in 1998 with just a technician and a vehicle. Today the company has more than 40 employees, three branch offices in Kandy, Galle and Ampara, and have also expanded to the Maldives. In the past decade Exterminators has served more than 25,000 commercial and residential customers throughout the island.

Exterminator's ideology is "Absolute Service Integrity" and "Profit, from the work that benefits humanity." Exterminators' main slogan is "Customer Will Never Regret With Exterminators." Exterminators adopts state-of-the-art chemistry to control pests without harming the residents, family pets or plants. Exterminators' 'hierarchy of responsibilities' begins with the customer first, employee second, society at large the third and shareholders fourth.

Exterminators provides services to control pests such as rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, flies, bugs, tics, bees, wasps, mosquitoes etc. and mainly specialises in termite control.

Termites - the mere mention of those tiny insects sends shivers down the spine of many. The master destroyers have millions of years of expertise in destroying your home without you being aware of it until the final blow. The damage these creatures can cause could bring down the whole ceiling or even your whole house. By the time you become aware of the impending disaster, it could be too late resulting in major repairs costing millions of rupees in hard earned money.

Nobody should take the termite problem lightly. Those who casually shake off the threat have soon found termites already shaking their homes and offices. No matter how your home or office is constructed; where it is located or how old it is, termites can attack it at will. And the menace is everywhere across the globe. The damage caused could go unnoticed and that is the reason why termites are so destructive.

"Ours is a unique product offering a total service. We are not a traditional pest control company," says M.Marlon, CEO of Exterminators (Pvt.) Ltd., located at Koswatta, Battaramulla. "Our guarantee is 10 years for new constructions and five years for existing constructions," he says and adds that termite control takes only 0.1 per cent of the total cost of construction.

"We also offer, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a money-back guarantee that comes exclusively from Exterminators," says Marlon and explains that offer comes with conditions depending on the location and adjacent areas.

The total package of assurances comes in the form of:

* A 100% satisfaction guarantee

* Re-treatment guarantee

* 24-hour response guarantee

* Money back guarantee.

Asked about the chemicals they use, Marlon said that the products they use are not only extremely safe, but also are environment-friendly eco products. Exterminators no longer use detectable, repellent chemicals for the simple reason that termites sense the chemical and turn away to find a weaker area to attack the building.

The goal of Exterminators is to ensure that a current infestation is totally eliminated and that subsequent infestations do not occur.

The service begins with a comprehensive inspection performed by a highly trained inspector. Exterminators' inspectors are not only knowledgeable in entomology; they are also knowledgeable in building practices and termite control biotechnology.

There are 10 key reasons why one should rely on Exterminators:

1. Training and competence: Technicians undergo intensive training in all aspects of termite control including safe use of pesticides and are knowledgeable in building practices and termite biology. Exterminators invests over Rs. 2.5 million annually on staff training both nationally and internationally.

2. Experience: Exterminators has treated more than 10,000 homes and buildings against subterranean termites in Sri Lanka since 1998 and the call back rate is less than 0.5%.

3. Proof of service and guarantee: Exterminators provides termite protection for a period of 10 years for new homes and buildings sites and five years for existing buildings.  Homes that qualify for the EITM system will receive the exclusive money-back guarantee.

4. Safety: Exterminators understands the importance of safety in pest management operations and has legal responsibilities for the safety of clients as well as the environment. In addition, a professional obligation to use pesticides in a safe manner. Therefore, a comprehensive risk assessment is carried out at all sites prior to the treatment considering all safety and environmental factors.

5. Licence and authorisation: Authorised by the ROP - Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka and also accredited by the AQIS Department of Agriculture, Australia.

6. Affiliations: The American Mosquito Control Association; International Pest Control Operators Network USA; National Pest Management Association USA; Singapore Pest Management Association; Corporate Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Quality and National Construction Association of Sri Lanka.

7. The CEO: The Chief Executive Officer has been in the pest control industry in Sri Lanka since 1992 undergoing training at the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health UK; Warwick University, Derby, UK; British Pest Control Association; PEST IT - Australia; Australian Environmental Pest Managers' Association; Malaysian Pest Control Association, Singapore Pest Management Association; and Federation of Asia Oceania Pest Managers' Association. Marlon is also a member of the British Pest Control Association and the Basis Pest Control Managers, UK.

8. CEO's qualifications: MBPL (Pest Control UK; RSPH/BPCA (Pest Control) UK; Diploma in Fumigation UK; Accredited Fumigator - AQIS Australia.

9. Quality standards: Exterminators adheres to the Australian Termite Management Standards, WRAP Principals, ISPN, AQIS, NPQS Standards, ISO 18000, 14000 and GMP requirements.

10. Service integrity: There are no hidden recipes to control termites or any other pest. Exterminators provided all information about termiticides such as dosage, safety concerns, guarantee period and product lifetime and even the termiticide manufacturers links in the proposal, which no other pest controller does.

It all adds up to the fact that with Exterminators, you are in safe hands. Exterminators can be reached online at www.pestcontrol.lk

Deluxe homes on easy payment with lowest housing interest

Millennium Villas - Designer houses at Ja-ela

Millennium Villas is a project by Ceylinco Developers Ltd. Launched with new villa designs, it has achieved remarkable success in Phase 1 and Phase 2, and has bridged the gap between true luxury and affordability.

The concept of Millennium Villas is to conceptualise and create an exquisite array of state of the art colonial type bungalows of yesteryear. Imagine having your own luxury terraced cottage which is the envy of society and all your peers?

You can select from 11 spectacular villa designs. A handful of villas have been built overlooking the lake which holds acres of water; a phenomenal, picture perfect landscape in the heart of an eco friendly environment.

Millennium Villas is set amidst a cool atmosphere with a large lake and a landscaped park guaranteeing ample bird life and serene surroundings. Residents will be mesmerised by cascading fountains and a plethora of ambient green to maintain the refreshing eco-value of the Millennium Villas' neighbourhood.

Boat rides are available during the weekends and private boats can also be utilised.

The unique facade depicts an imperialistic view at the entrance to the villas. The security control tower at the gate provides 24 hour controlled security to the Villa residents.

Apart from villas, CDL has a variety of middle, upper and affluent class houses to suit almost any budget. The houses range from Rs. 2.8 - 22 million and are all detached and the land extent would vary from 6 to 20 perches respectively.

With the unique easy payment scheme carrying the lowest interest rate of 18% for housing loans, now many can afford to buy a unique designer house from Millennium City. Prospective home owners can pay just 20% and the balance on easy payment at 18% interest on reducing balance basis for a period of five to 20 years

The luxury Paradis and Olympus houses are renowned for achieving the record for the highest selling luxury houses in the industry and the country. Over 550 houses of Paradis and Olympus have been sold to date and there are many houses built in front of lakes and the landscaped parks as well.

"CDL provides a range of top caliber sanctuaries for everyone - not houses but homes that offer satisfying facilities that boast comfort, class and security. From boating facilities, wide roadways, gigantic entrance facades with 24 hour security at the entrance and a club house to a swimming pool, gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts Millennium Villas is the investment that every generation dreams of. This may be your last chance in occupying a home that echoes quality, affordability and comfort," said a spokesman.

'One stop lifestyle store' for home and officeware

Alliance group launches Alliance Space

The Alliance Group, a public quoted company with over half a century in the financial services sector, launched Alliance Space, a one stop lifestyle store catering for both home as well as office interiors. 

"Space Homeware and Space Officeware will offer the discerning customer a range of high quality products and services which include all types of furniture and accessories, bathroom ware, tap fittings; in fact the entire range of products required when setting up your home or office," said Deputy Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Alliance Group, Romani de Silva, speaking at a press briefing held in connection with the launch of Alliance Space Homeware.

Chairman, Alliance Group, Pratapkumar de Silva said that in their half century of operation they had served over three generations of customers who had placed their trust in the Alliance Group. This unique range of products and services he said is also backed by the reliable business experience of five decades.

Romani de Silva said that the brand new Alliance Space Homeware showroom at No. 63, D. S. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 8, stocked world renowned brands which included Index furniture from Thailand, Kalevit sanitaryware from Turkey and Ottone Meloda designer tap fittings from Italy.

Kalevit which is a 50 year old company is the second largest producer of ceramicware to the world and their products come with a 25 year warranty. Also Kalevit being the manufacturer for the world renowned brand ROCA is now producing an excellent  range of bathroom ware under the brand name ROCA-KALE, which will be sold through this showroom and also through selected distributors.

The wide range of furniture available is from Index, Thailand who are also suppliers of furniture to Ikea. Index produces a wide range of high quality restaurant and cafe furniture and Alliance Space distributes this range to all the leading restaurants in Sri Lanka. Index has also gained recognition as one of the leading global suppliers of restaurant furniture to McDonalds.

 Ottone Meloda, a state of the art ISO 9001 certified Italian company that has won 12 international quality awards as testament to the quality of their products, and being in operation for over 50 years were the world's first company to manufacture aluminum taps and currently exports to over 60 countries globally.

Ottone Meloda offers a 10 year warranty for all its products. One of the most remarkable features of Ottone Meloda tap fittings is that 80% of its range works exceptionally well on low pressure, which suits the Sri Lankan market. Also another notable feature is that all Ottone Meloda taps are subjected to a special "clean lead" process. In other words, it's lead free and there aren't any health hazards. Ottone Meloda offers European quality and durability at very competitive Asian prices.

"These world-renowned brand names incorporating a vast selection of models from designer high end to mid level value are now on offer at Space Homeware, promoted under the tag line of  'Creative Homes for Better Living,' where our customers can mix and match their requirements to suit their individual homes and lifestyles," said Romani de Silva.

He went on to say that customers had the added advantage of being able to avail themselves of Space financial services provided through Alliance Finance. A wide variety of easy payment schemes are available for all purchases where payments can be made over a period of 24 months. Corporate customers can also pay for complete turnkey interior projects in monthly installments without burdening their cash flows.

Assistant General Manager, Alliance Space Homeware, Raveen Kulendra, elaborating on the Space logo, said it symbolised creativity and making maximum use of available space. "It turns around any particular space and creates a whole new ambience. It also involves adopting our concepts in using our designer products as well as easy payment schemes, to create an interior that suits each and every individual customer and that is the concept of Space Homeware."

Kulendra said that the three brands currently marketed by them would definitely set high standards in interior design in Sri Lanka. "The brands Roca-Kale, Index and Ottone Meloda are suited not only to individual customers but also high-end designers and architects for their condominiums, hotels, restaurants and bungalows, especially those who work for high end clients."

In addition to the high end range, these three brands offer a wide range of products at highly affordable prices suited to the average income earner in the urban as well as the rural areas. 

He added that the Alliance Space one stop lifestyle store concept made it doubly convenient for customers as furniture, carpets, paintings and other decorative items, as well as the entire range of bathroom ware - wash basins, taps and fittings, tiles, showers, lighting, electric water heaters, mirrors, accessories, in short everything that goes into making a house a home is available under one roof. Through this novel concept Alliance Space Homeware offers customers a complete fully equipped bathroom comprised of the sanitaryware, tapware and tiles on easy payment terms.  The showroom has many different models of complete designer bathrooms on display to suite different budgets ranging from Rs. 118,000 upto Rs. 330,000.

This is the first time in Sri Lanka that a customer can buy a complete bathroom on 24 installments.  As most home builders experience cash flow difficulties towards the end of the construction period of the house, it is believed that this unique scheme will offer great value to home builders in Sri Lanka enabling them to go in for the design of their original choice without compromising on the quality due to cash flow restrictions.

"We could also handle work such as lighting, cabling, partitioning, etc. through our associate company Alliance Business Solutions," said Kulendra. "Our furniture and accessories have also been utilised for mock up apartments by condominium projects such as Ayu, Hedges Court and Green Path Residencies."

Yet another service offered by Alliance Space Homeware is that any customer who makes a purchase of over Rs. 250,000 could make use of the Space interior advisors who would offer them advice on how best to decorate and furnish their homes entirely free of charge. For this purpose Alliance Space has two full time interior designers as well as working relationships with some of the leading interior designers in Colombo.

"In addition we also have a dealer network of about 40 retailers islandwide who are handling Ottone Meloda tap fittings and Roca-Kale sanitaryware," added Raveen.  

Romani de Silva said they would soon be introducing the re-branded Alliance Space officeware range at yet another showroom, which would include high end, durable 'Artak Design' and 'Bluepower' branded furniture, with Space Officeware too offering turnkey interior design solutions and corporate easy payment schemes for large turnkey projects.

Backed by the stamp of quality and solid values that the Alliance Group is renowned for, Alliance Space  Homeware and Officeware promises a new dimension to both home and office interiors.

Modern Homes launches matching accessories for furniture

Modern Homes, the immensely popular retail chain of furniture stores from Singer (Sri Lanka) launched a line of accessories at its flagship store in Ratmalana on August 27.  The accessories range will also be available at their store in Kotte and the Singer Mega store in Nugegoda.

Modern Homes will now offers the homemaker a true one-stop shopping experience, by enhancing its product line to offer the added advantage of several different lines of matching home accessories.

Over 300 accessories in 11 categories will be available at the selected Modern Homes outlets. Accessories like furnishing, curtaining, bedroom and table linen, cushion covers, pillows, towels, linen baskets, storage boxes, paintings, cutlery and glassware and ornaments will be now available at these selected outlets, providing the customer with furniture and matching accessories under one roof.

As an added feature, Modern Homes will also offer facilities like free gift wrapping for an 'on the go' shopper looking for accessories.

Modern Homes offers an elegant line of both local and imported accessories and some are also produced by the upcoming youth of Sri Lanka. This is a CSR project conducted by Singer (Sri Lanka), in order to extend opportunities to the talented young entrepreneurs of the country.

Modern Homes purchases its goods from local suppliers whose products are of export quality thereby providing a valuable service to the country by creating employment.

Much of the solid and modular furniture is manufactured at Singer Sri Lanka's factory in Piliyandala using state-of-the art machinery. The foreign suppliers are from countries like Malaysia and China.

Singer (Sri Lanka) has people as a central focus in all segments of business. Singer endeavours to help its stakeholders enrich their lives with innovative methodologies. The Singer customer is the main focus of this value system, thus making sure that all products are reasonably priced at even life style stores like Modern Homes.

Singer, being the pioneer of hire purchase, offers this facility at all Modern Homes outlets.  This service is provided to ensure customers can afford the necessities of life. Also, all leading credit cards are accepted at Modern Homes.

As an added facility, Modern Homes offers free transport of the customer's purchase within city limits.

Apart from home furniture including an attractive kiddies' range, Modern Homes offers a complete range of office furniture too.

Modern Homes prides itself on its in-store lifestyle setting displays where furniture is not merely displayed for sale, but rather showcased as it would be in a home. Thus a bedroom suite would be laid out as in the bedroom of a home, complete with bed linen, affording the customer the opportunity to 'experience' their products in the best sense of the word.

The difference with the present product enhancement would be that now the bed linen could also be bought at Modern Homes when buying the bedroom suite.  

Singer (Sri Lanka) Marketing Director Asita Abayasekera says: 'Modern Homes has proved vastly popular as a high-end furniture department store. Our success has made us realise that the customer when purchasing an expensive consumer durable like furniture would appreciate matching accessories on hand. Now a couple can buy a bedroom suite together with linen and furnishing to match at Modern Homes.'

Modern Homes has 13 dedicated showrooms islandwide in addition to which its furniture is available at all nine Singer Mega stores.

Says Modern Homes Sales Manager Induka Perera; 'We have differentiated our furniture by ensuring that quality raw materials are utilised and paying attention to elegant design and craftsmanship.'

Mahaweli Frills a dream location

Mahaweli Frills is the name of the latest venture undertaken by Prime Lands (Pvt.) Ltd.  Somewhat of a hidden treasure, the land is nestled in the Kotmale valley which is pampered by its natural beauty and rare geographical features unique to the area.

The misty mountains wrapped in romantic clouds or a dip in the Mahaweli flowing just beneath the property provide a princely feeling. The property is an exciting gift of Mother Nature to you and your family.

Adding to the special features of the location is the Mahaweli flowing by the side, giving a touch of glamour to the landscape. One could also reach Kandy or Nuwara Eliya from this point, covering an equidistance. 

The endearing climate, which is a mixture of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya is another irresistible invitation for you to experience here.

Choosing a place like this is bound to give you endless pleasure and creating your little manor at the Mahaweli Frills, as it is called is sure to bring out the best in you.

Seeing is believing and one has to experience first hand the beauty of this great place which once offered a discreet temporary abode for Prince Dutta Gamini before he was enthroned as the King of Thri Sinhale.

An acquisition of this type wrapped with all the gifts that nature can offer will give real meaning to your wealth. 

To say that this place is real paradise would indeed be an understatement. And in keeping with Prime Lands' motto of being "committed to create a better place on earth" all this comes at a very affordable rate for you to finally make your dream come true.

Here are some of the salient features;

* Price per perch:  Rs.30,000 upwards

* 20 perch blocks

* Wide tarred roads, concrete drains, electricity, water and easy access

* Pay Rs.100,000 to reserve your block and pay balance within a month to get discount of Rs.10,000 per perch

* Pay 40% of land value within two weeks and Prime Lands will arrange a bank loan for you

* Pay 60% of land value and balance on Prime Easy Payment Scheme

* Initial payment - Rs.400,000, balance Rs.7,700 per month upwards.

The Enrich

The Colombo city limits are already been squeezed for land and there is no more elasticity left for any further stretching.  Nevertheless Prime Lands is offering one of the most sought after places for your home in the metropolis, i.e. in Colombo 5.

This is the ideal place for city dwelling, and a busy life.  This is a land complete with a perimeter wall, beautifully paved roads and continuous security, suitable for a specially graded neighbourhood of six families. This is a life time opportunity to acquire a prestigious and valuable land in the country's capital.  

Here are some of the salient features;

* Price per perch - Rs.1.7million

* Seven perch blocks

* Prime Easy Payments and bank loans are available

Prime Lands is located at  No. 75, D. S. Senanayake Mawatha, Borella. Tel: 2699822, 2692344. Kandy Branch is at No. 237, D. S. Senanayake Veediya, Kandy Tel: 081 220 38 20. E-mail: info@primelands.lk   Web: www.primelands.lk

ACL Cables wins Asia Pacific Quality Award

ACL Cables has won the World Class Asia Pacific Quality Award (IAPQA) 2008, which is a rare honour for the country.  This international award vied for by companies in 46 member countries across the globe requires contesting companies to go through a stringent selection process and is awarded purely for excellence in quality. 

The award has not only affirmed ACL's local and international standing as a leader in the industry but  has raised the bar amongst their customers who have already recognised ACL as a top-notch company committed to quality.

Managing Director, ACL Cables, Suren Madanayake who received the award on August 24 at the 14th Annual Conference of the Asia Pacific Quality Organisation (APQO) and 9th International Conference of Quality Managers (ICQM), said "apart from winning the IAPQA award which is a great honour, we see this as a leverage point for ACL's global expansion, since not only did we defeat 46 countries in the winning process but the fact that this award which is given purely for quality was won by an industrial product is in itself unique.

"Although Sri Lanka is known for winning international accolades for commodities such as tea, rubber and garments, this is the first time a Sri Lankan company has brought honour to the country by winning an international quality award for an industrial product."

The IAPQA which is administered by the Asia Pacific Quality Organisation (APQO) is a non profit organisation which serves an umbrella group that brings together all of the leading quality professional societies from countries that border the Pacific Ocean or are considered Asian / Pacific nations.  The governing body of APQO includes representatives from several countries including Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, News Zealand, Singapore, Philippines and Sri Lanka. 

The IAPQA is modeled after the US Malcolm Baldrige Quality Awards for performance excellence, using the same criteria set by the MBNQA to examiner organisations in the USA.   

ACL Cables is the largest manufacturer and distributor of cables and conductors in Sri Lanka with four factories within the country manufacturing cables, conductors and enameled wire.