"Sampath Udaawa" the gift scheme announced for the Avurudu Ganu-Denu Season by Sampath Bank has been a record breaker with the total deposit amount exceeding 1.5 billion rupees. The programme had to be extended till the 30th April due to popular demand.

The gift scheme offered valuable gift items based on pre-designated deposit blocks, including umbrellas, travelling bags, wall clocks, wristwatches and school bags for children.

This year in keeping with the renowned Sampath tradition of introducing truly innovative concepts that focus on customer convenience, the gift scheme was made available at 120 Cargills Food City outlets and over 114 Sampath Bank branches all over the island, to preview and to reserve the gift of their choice by depositing the relevant amount.

The gift scheme was a great hit with the customers as this ensured that they were able to receive the gift of their choice. Additionally it allowed the customer to receive the gift at the auspicious "ganu-denu" time or later as per their convenience.Herschel Gunawardena appointed to Ceylinco Insurance Board

Ceylinco Insurance PLC has announced the appointment of Don Herschel Jayaprithi Gunawardena F.C.M.A., as an independent director to the company’s board with effect from 1 st May 2009. A fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, U.K. and a former council member of the institute’s Sri Lanka branch, Gunawardena has over 35 years of experience in sectors such as shipping, aviation, mining, export and import trading. "Although Herschel has not been involved in the insurance industry before, his knowledge and experience of a wide spectrum of industries would be of immense value to Ceylinco Insurance," the company’s Joint Deputy Chairman R. Renganathan said.