Category: Other
Airwaves On Sale
The government is planning to make the process of radio spectrum allocation to telecom firms more transparent in future. With the fast growth in wireless telecoms, some sectors are running out of spectrum space.rnAt one time however government had a policy of not charging high fees for spectrum, based on the principle that high start […]
Expensive Business
Sri Lanka has always been a hot spot for beach lovers. But the trend is changing. Niche tourism markets are starting to make a mark with first signs of the country emerging as a popular eco, adventure and Ayurvedic holiday destination. rnIn the last of a series on the travel and leisure industry, we look […]
Bad Weather
This weeks low grown auction average could slip below Rs.130, down from Rs. 147.46 for February. Brokers say that buyers stepped up orders marginally at the weekly auctions, but preferred to stay at previously low prices.Producers with little choice and desperate to liquidate their stocks to meet payments to leaf suppliers ahead of the Sinhala […]
Hub BIA
The country is readying it self for record tourist arrivals this year with the industry being the first to benefit from the peace dividend. Tour operators are also looking for a large part of that growth to come from the Asian region and also from the big neighbour India.rnHowever, the industry is also concerned about […]
Conservative Outlook
Peoples Bank however says the Value Added Tax on banks introduced in the budget for this year will add up to over Rs. 600 mn during this financial year.rn rnPeoples Bank posted its highest net profit last year despite providing over Rs. 1.3 bn for possible loan losses.rn rnThe bank said aggressive deposit mobilisation and […]
Working Late
Cabinet cleared four amendments to the Shop and Office Act, supporting nighttime employment and an increase in workman compensation.If passed in Parliament in May, shops can remain open past 10 pm, while female workers will be allowed to work late nights, Labour Minister, Mahinda Samarasinghe told journalists.rn rnThe amendments also support employing female staff on […]
Number Hunt
Telecom regulators are proposing a new numbering plan for telephones, which they say, will aid growth in the industry.If implemented the plan will change the countrys phone numbers for the first time in decades.Phone numbers are also a scarce resource the telecom regulator has to manage together with ldblquote rights of way dblquote and the […]
Paradise Bliss
Brides and grooms in search of the dream wedding locations with a tropical twist have found the ideal setting in local beach resorts.The south coast is slowly emerging as one of the top wedding destinations for Europeans who want a beach ceremony.Hotels that specialise in wedding packages say its more profitable to tap this market […]
Act Two
The private sector is calling for amendments to the Consumer Affairs Authority Act that is due to come into force on April 1, saying it has too many holes.The Act became law on the March 17 and is due to come into effect from April 1.rn rnAmong key concerns is the impartiality of politically appointed […]
Cold Cuppa
The tea industry continued its ill fate with indications that around 25% to 30% of all teas brought to the weekly auctions in Colombo would remain unsold. Brokers say low prices and a lack of demand could lead to a liquidity shortfall ahead of the Sinhala Tamil New Year in April. The low grown sector […]
Mpowering Production
Trade chambers and companies are trying to convince financial institutions to cut lending rates in line with the government policy of single digit interest rates. Progress however has been slow.rnrnrn Companies are keen to minimise interest costs onrnterm and working capital loans.rnrnrn Consultancy firms specialising in improving thernsupply chain however say there are other ways […]
Money Talks
The Kopp Ceciles say this time theyve found heaven in their vacation. They are enjoying the peace and quiet of a secludedrnsmall boutique hotel in the southern Sri Lanka. The stuff picture postcards arernmade of.rnrnrn Most of all, they are enjoying the individual care andrnspace that they are receiving. It is costing them more than […]