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Conglomerates: reason d etre
Conglomerates around the world have been favorites with investors as long-term investments. A recent worldwide study found that of the top 35 companies that delivered the most shareholder value 20 were conglomerates.rnEven locally, a few dominant business groups have played a key role in the development of the economy.rnThis week we take a look at […]
Risky Business
Government announced plans to launch unemployment insurance as key labour legislation went through parliament recently.The safety or dole would be initially paid to employees who are displaced.rnDisplaced employees would also be able to access an employment database run together with the private sector.rnOfficials say the Jobs database and dole would eventually cover all unemployed individuals […]
Evaluating Reforms
Government projects are not always evaluated, and when they are the evaluations are not taken seriously.As a result failures are unaccounted for and future approaches unaltered. A national policy for evaluation of programs and organizations is expected to help. rn rnldblquote First of all a national Policy on Evaluation has to be done. A clear […]
Borrowing Cheap
The governments inaugural 10-year bond issue to raise Rs. 1 bn was oversubscribed by nearly eight times on Friday.The issue carries an annual 8.5 percent coupon, as opposed to the quarterly and half-yearly coupons offered on present treasury bonds.rn rnThe Central Bank said it accepted Rs. 1 bn worth of bids at a 9 percent […]
Holiday Travel
Three firms including Singapore based SBS Transit has shown interest to buy up a stake in the remaining seven state bus companies. The deadline to submit proposals for a 39% stake in the bus companies has also been put off to January 16, an extension by the Public Enterprises Reform Commission (PERC) to factor in […]
Stretch Factor
Sri Lankan investors stretched their resources to dip into plantation stocks with exposure to rubber, demand created by a giant leap in rubber prices from an 2002 average of below Rs. 55.00 to Rs. 110.00 for March forward prices. Why the high price? Chinas growing appetite for consumer goods with its expanding middle class, an […]
Back To Basics
Its back to the lquote nuts and bolts this year, says Board of Investment chief, with plans for 2003 aimed at getting development of a much-needed highway network, off ground.In an interview with Lanka Business Online, BOI Chief Arjuna Mahendran mapped out a game plan for the year, with the list trimmed down to getting […]
Looking Ahead
2003 will be an eventful year says commodity brokers Asia Siyaka.A round up of the year highlights key event in the tea industry. National Policy The Sri Lanka Tea industry could expect a very eventful year in 2003 with many significant domestic and intentional issues likely to have an impact on the market. The government […]
Rolling Business
Bluechip firms are top contenders for a stake in the Sri Lankan lquote sweep industry and are among 30 parties who have taken bid documents, their ticket to battle for the management of offline lotteries of the National Lotteries Board.The Public Enterprises Reform Commission (PERC) in the spirit of the past holidays has extended a […]
Small Change
Compensation as an alternative to reinstatement was removed from the amendments, one of the few changes made to the original amendments to four labour related acts proposed by the Ministry of Employment and Labour. The change was also in line with Union protests to remove the clause from the amendments.rnrnOther changes included time extensions for […]