Category: Other
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Labour Law
A blueprint for the proposed social security net for redundant workers is in its final stages, with International Labour Organisation (ILO) consultants to submit their proposals by mid January.ldblquote The ILO consultants will submit their first draft proposal on the social security net programme. The draft will include alternate strategies for implementing the programme, dblquote […]
From E to C-commerce
Electronic commerce is making a splash in the apparel sector. Modern garment factories are sharing a lot of data with their suppliers and customers.Whats different is that there is very little human interaction in the whole process. E-commerce is also doing a lot more than simply saving money for these businesses.rn rnIt has become something […]
Bumper crop
Tea production is expected to touch the 308-mn kilo mark for 2002 brokers predict, given improved harvests in November the same year.For the eleven months ending November, crop intakes reached 281 mn kilos, up five percent on the 268 mn kilos the year before.If all goes as expected, crop intakes will surpass record levels of […]
Game GDP
The authors, Dr. Anila Dias Bandaranaike, D Wasantha and T M Z Mustaliph of the Central Banks Statistics Dept. have developed a methodology to compile provincial GDP numbers at current factor cost prices from 1996-2000. The present estimates are compiled with a one-year lag.rn rnProvincial shares of national GDP are important yardsticks to measure the […]
Funding The Old
The government will shortly send a call out for a chief executive officer to head a newly created office on Pension Reforms.Spearheaded by the Superannuation Reforms Taskforce under the Financial Sector Reforms Committee, the new pensions office will suggests methods to steer the reform programme through.rn rnThe mandate covers an entire gamut of reforms including […]