New Dentures

The government says it has put out a fresh draft, which gives the Auditor Generals Dept., more teeth to flex its muscle.An independent Audit Commission on the lines of other government commissions is expected to ensure autonomy of the Auditor General, says V Kanagasabapathy, Director General of Public Enterprises. rn rnldblquote The present situation is […]

Getting Cold

The refuse tea export, though illegal, has become the latest threat facing the tea industry, adding to other global pressure. The export demand for fiber and stalk from the tea plant called refuse tea has spawned a whole industry undermining the image and the quality of the brand – Pure Ceylon Tea. The centuries old tea […]

Not Done

President Chandrika Kumaratunga has made a fresh attempt to overturn tax amnesty extension given by the government last year.In a petition to the Court of Appeal through her Additional Secretary, Chitra Athurugiriya, she says the amnesty should not be given to lawbreakers like arms dealers, fraudsters, contract killers, drug peddlers, smugglers, bootleggers etc.rn rnThe amnesty […]

Back in Fashion

When it comes to company law whats good for the Brits doesnt automatically become good enough for Sri Lanka endash unless UK legislators adopt it first.Lawmakers assigned to redraft the new Companies Act could be left waiting until Britain adopts a new law based on the Canadian Model.rn rnSri Lankas 55-year-old Companies Act, another colonial […]

Chinese Tiger

A new report from the US International Trade Commission predicts that China will become the supplier of choice for most US importers after quotas end in 2005. rnrn But while many countries share of the USrnmarket is likely to decline, for some there will be new opportunities to takernadvantage of geographic proximity or product niches. […]

Small Change

The state is looking at absorbing up to about 25 percent or as much as half the cost of laying rain guards for rubber trees on smallholder estates this year.rn rnLaying the plastic skirt-like rain guards over the areas to be tapped protects it in heavy rainfall areas like the Ratnapura and the Kalutara districts.rn […]

Think Differently

The Premier told a top gathering of planters on Tuesday that the time had come to take over as managers of a value added industry, or lose out to more efficient agro-businesses that would be the industry of the future. “When you say that your contribution to the economy has fallen, it is true because […]

Chicken Safe

Lunchtime at KFC outlets is not as rushed as it used to be a few weeks ago these days. People are staying away from poultry based products due to the bird flu that has sent goose bumps across Asia killing 19 of the 25 infected people in Thailand and Vietnam.rn rnThe worldwide scare has got […]

Government Power

The government is taking precautionary measures to avert power cuts should the south west monsoon fails to fill the hydro reservoirs.rnThe Energy Supply Committee has already called for Expressions of Interest from emergency power suppliers to shore up the underpowered national grid.rnAny emergency power will cost the CEB much more than the current average selling […]

Old is Gold

He expected to face losses during the first year of business but managed to breakeven way before he thought he could. Hes now employing two others in his business too.rn rnAll pensioners dont set up in profitable business with their money like Mr. Thilakaratna did.rn rnMany use their retirement benefit money to give children in […]

New Floors

Lanka Tiles is trying to break a lquote lowering-revenue-increasing-cost cycle this year by shifting its raw material supply base from West to East and increasing production capacity.Lanka Tiles Ltd (LTL) is Sri Lankas pioneer floor tile producer, manufacturing ceramic glazed floor tiles as its core business and holds 30 percent of the local market.rn rnLast […]

Speed Bumps

But the industry is hard pressed to ride the crest, due to high costs to roll out refurbishment and expansion plans, as it is still recovering from a period of non-profitability.rn rnDespite political hiccups, the ongoing ceasefire agreement saw 500,642 tourists visit the island in 2003, spending over US$ 300 mn in the process.rn rnBoom […]

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