Category: Industry
Public Watchdog
The World Bank says it is critical Sri Lanka enacts the new Public Finance Bill that is in the works, to increase public scrutiny over the state purse.In a country review on public accountability, the Bank says that Parliamentary control over public funds was ineffective and did not meet the expectations laid out in the […]
Sea Legs
The governments deadline to set up a port regulator is due in August 2004, with only a draft bill to govern the industry available so far.The regulator was due to police tariffs between the privet and state port operators when a pricing restriction on South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) lapses in August.rn rnThe pricing control […]
Valet Service
Janashakthi Insurance is counting on the motor market, the fastest growing insurance sector, to expand its share of the local insurance market.Motor insurance saw a spurt of growth of 25 percent to 30 percent last year and is expected to continue to lead insurance market growth during 2004, although at a lower projected growth rate.rn […]
Data Entry
Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) diversified its business interests further, opening an internet data center (IDC) in Colombo. The SLTiDC will offer a range of data housing facilities including web sites and services, mailing systems for retail customers and reselling opportunities. rn rnThe data center also offers clients rack space at the data center to house […]
Colonial Luxury
The Galle Face Hotel will leap into modernity in grand old style, revamping itself as a luxury lifestyle experience that also comes with a personal butler.Some Rs. 500 mn will be ploughed into the century old, colonial style hotel, in the first phase of its reinvention over the next few months.rn rnldblquote The cost is […]
Worker Rule
The newly minted labour compensation formula is likely to be amended, after union agitation to leave it flexible for negotiation.Under proposed changes, all firms governed by a collective agreement, with a profit in excess of Rs.100 mn, will not be subject to the 30 month compensation ceiling.rn rnIt will be left to the Labour Commissioners […]
Within The Ranks
Police inspectors and sub-inspectors are tipped to take home an additional Rs. 900 every month above their salaries, calculated as set out in the 2004 budget.rnrnA committee appointed by Finance Minister K. N. Choksy to look into raising salaries of the Police force came back with the decision on Tuesday.rn rnHowever, the recommended increment is […]
Ground Work
The consortium led by Asia Capital will start due diligence work on Thursday, to revive the trouble Pramuka Savings & Development Bank.The start date follows another round of meetings with Central Bank authorities on Wednesday.rn rnThe Central Bank allowed Pramuka to resume business on January 22, subject a lengthy list of conditions, which includes a […]
Double Booking
SriLankan Airlines will link Hayderabad, the capital of the Southern Indian State of Andhra Pradesh, with Colombo as part of its twin destination holiday package in February.ldblquote The airline will promote Sri Lanka in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from promoting India as a tourist destination, SriLankan will also promote Hyderabad in particular around its route network, […]
Take Home
Microsoft could couple a home edition license of its new Office 2003 software package free with every corporate license it sells in Sri Lanka. The incentive is meant to popularise the use of original software in the local personal computer (PC) population, as Microsoft plans to set up shop here in Sri Lanka.rn rnThe software […]
Standard Rates
The Tourist board is drawing up standards for emerging niche areas like Ayurveda, eco-tourism and spas, to certify and rank tourist hotels and resorts.Modelled on similar experiences in places like Costa Rica, where resorts are ranked on their eco-friendliness, Sri Lanka is trying to raise the profile of its tourism products.rn rnThe Tourist Board is […]
Open Arms
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will dismantle all non-tariff barriers blocking trade between the countries, as a first step to a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). ldblquote The two countries decided last week in Dhaka, to dismantle all non tariff barriers with immediate effect, dblquote said Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Harsha Wickramasinghe.rn rnThe identification and removal of […]