Financial Times

Deccan Helicopters, following the Defence Ministry’s decision to permit heliborne, off-shore ship supply services, is to build a state-of-the-art heliport centre in southern Sri Lanka.

A heliport is a small airport suitable only for use by helicopters and is very common in the West, the company said last week.

It will be in either Galle or Hambantota and will consist of landing pads, an aviation training centre and lounge facilities for commuter convenience and hanger space for helicopters and customs and immigration facilities.

The training centre will be a key feature of the heliport which will also help the local community to be trained in specific areas, such as aviation, engineering, marine engineering and employment training in the field of merchant marine.

“The funds generated will be contributed to the Sri Lankan government,” it said.

The heliport will be a strategic link for business travellers, visitors and government agencies that require fast, efficient transportation to the south of the island, which the current infrastructure does not support adequately.

The helicopter operation is presently based out of the Ratmalana domestic airport flying to all, including the international airport. “With these new helicopter applications in the pipeline Deccan has plans to induct a twin-engine machine which will be positioned full time in the south.

“Presently a good share of the company’s charter volume consists of transportation of tourists to and from the upmarket boutique villas down south,” it said.

Once the new centre is developed Deccan expects more attractive charter fares for trips originating from the south, since the additional cost of positioning a helicopter from Colombo will be eliminated.

Deccan is on a major expansion drive with plans to start international passenger services in the coming months.

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) said last week it had considered the many representations made by investors and the construction industry and has decided to extend the duty free facility of construction items for agreements signed prior to June 15, 2005.

“For projects that have been approved and agreements not signed prior to this date, time has been granted till July 15, 2006 to sign the agreements in order that they will be eligible for the duty free concessions. For new projects signed after July 15 a final decision will be announced thereafter,” it said in a statement.

Ruana Rajepakse, LL.B. (London), Barrister of the Inner Temple and Attorney-at-Law, has brought out a second edition of her book “An Introduction to Law in Sri Lanka published by Stamford Lake.

The first edition was published in 1990. It provides a brief all-round introduction to the law as it operates in Sri Lanka, and explains in simple language the basic rules and principles on which the system is based while also giving space to the practicl aspects such as procedure and costs.

The book is intended to provide students with a working knowledge of this country’s legal system before they go on to more advanced studies, while also providing guidance to interested members of the public on their legal rights, remedies and obligations.

The wide range of subject matter, including the court system, the personal laws governing the different communities, the law of property, civil actions for damages, criminal law, contract and consumer protection may be of use even to practitioners who wish to refresh their memory on areas of the law in which they do not usually practice.

Two new chapters titled “Fundamental Rights under the Constitution” and “Environment and Development” have been added to this Second Edition, covering two of the most popular fields of litigation in recent times.

Here is a review of the first edition: “The publication of this little book fulfils a long felt need in Sri Lanka. At a time when the law is increasingly impinging upon the everyday life of citizens at so many different points it is crucial that a basic knowledge of principles and concepts of law should be available not only to the legal profession but to intelligent laymen.” – Professor G. L. Peiris (Sun newspaper, 28 April 1990)

Cornucopia Lanka, local arm of Cornucopia Asia, is offering its own version of the 360 Degree Feedback instrument for Sri Lankan companies.

The 360-degree feedback tool is a tried and tested developmental tool used by leading organisations across the world. Its purpose is to help participants (assessees) to get feedback from their peers, juniors/subordinates and bosses (assessors). The assessors provide feedback about their perceptions on the assessees’ professional and organisational behaviors as demonstrated by them.
Cornucopia said organizations using these instruments can derive the best benefit if it is managed and facilitated by an independent, experienced person/agency as it helps to maintain confidentiality, neutrality and not link it to compensation and career decisions. It will help the assessees focus on personal development and help them in preparing for career growth, and better fit in the organization that is driven by a chosen set of ethics, values and operating principles.

Cornucopia said it will build awareness about the 360 Degree Feedback process and its benefits on people development;

“The entire process is conducted online, enabling easy access and use, while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality,” it said.

Dinesh Weerakkody Managing Director of the Sri Lankan operations, said they would be using Cornucopia’s Global Chief, N Ahmedali as the Lead Facilitator for the entire process. He said Ahmedali has more than 20 years of experience in the area of giving 360 Degree Feedback to people at various levels, including CEOs and he is also a certified 360 Degree Feedback Facilitator.