All Blogs
Canal Park
Colombos underutilised canal system is getting fresh life, with the private sector called in to develop four of the citys waterways.rnrnThe sites include the canal on Nawala Road near the Open University and the Wellawatte Canal accessible from Highlevel Road. rn rnThe Land Reclamation and Development Corp., on Wednesday said it is offering the sites […]
All Or Nothing
Sri Lanka Telecom has made an official pitch to take up a controlling stake in the third fixed line operator Lanka Bell.Lanka Bell, which uses wireless local loop technologies, has been on the hunt for a technical partner after its total debts were wiped off under a comprehensive debt-restructuring programme in April.rn rnThe debt forgiveness […]
Aid Spend
Cabinet Spokesperson Prof., G L Peiris says the government expects nearly US$ 1 billion of the US$ 4.5 billion in aid pledged at the June Tokyo conference to flow into the Sri Lankan economy before end 2004.The increased aid follow has prompted policy makers to increase the allocation to key sectors roads and rural electricity. […]
Hot Teas
Ceylon Tea Services is calling on the government to support a common brand name for the tea trade, through a package of incentives similar to the early 1980s offer.The Dilmah brand rode off the support given in the 1980s programme, today to become a leading international brand. Company officials say it is still not too […]
Regional Wire
A number of services will be made mandatory under the technology neutral licence and could be issued by mid 2004. rn rnInterested firms could have to bid only for license through a single round simple open auction process. rn rnThe two licences could cover the North-East and the deep South regions selected on the parameters […]
Deflation
The Board of Investment is forging ahead with a colossal restructuring effort, with UNDP stepping in, to guide the re-haul the top investment promotion vehicle into a leaner, more efficient structure.Non-core functions like zone management and regulatory services are to be spun off separately, with the BOI narrowing its focus to key areas like investment […]
Private Tuition
The private sector will absorb 5,000 unemployed graduates under a revamped graduate assistance programme. The Sarasavi Saviya Programme, the successor to the PA governments Tharuna Aruna project, is being planned to provide up to 10,000 jobs under the first phase due to end by December 2003.rn rnMinister of Employment and Labour, Mahinda Samarashighe told reporters […]
Port Call
Two of the largest port operators in the region are keen to invest in the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) operated by the Ports Authority. Hutchison Port Holdings and PSA the state owned Singaporean port operator has already shown interest to the BOI to invest in the booming Colombo port.rn rnWestport of Malaysia, which is part […]
ACCAs Call
An international accounting body is calling for state regulation to improve corporate governance and best practices of local companies.Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) say a proper regulatory framework resulting in better corporate governance would also enable the country to attract overseas investors.rn rnACCAs head of Risk Management Paul Moxey will be addressing these and […]
Light Readings
Half the countrys population has electricity supplied by the main power grid. Authorities say they plan to raise this level to about 80 percent of the population within the next few years. However, drawing power lines to rural areas far from main cities is going to be difficult.rn rnExperts say that alternative ways to light […]