Category: Special Reports

Economists who measure and comment on growth generally ignore the political and social forces that have a heavy bearing on the economy. A century ago Max Weber, a founder of sociology observed that the ldblquote Protestant work ethic dblquote was what made northern Europe and America rich.rn rnThe Protestant work ethic emphasized thrift and willingness […]

Politics came to a head last week with a signing of a key alliance deal between the SLFP and the JVP. But commentators said cohabitation still remained the best available option. The SLFP-JVP alliance was quick to criticize the government but had little to offer in terms of alternative proposals.rn rnThe alliance remains sharply divided […]

Deregulation of motor insurance premiums has fuelled innovation and profits. rnUntil recently motor insurance was unprofitable due to regulation of premiums by the government. Private insurance companies were hesitant to sell motor insurance as a result.rnNow things have changed. The insurance companies now offer many benefits to motor insurance clients-like Ceylinco Insurances On the Spot […]

Computers started making an impact on business productivity and speed over two decades ago. Manufacturing companies were some of the first to get software packages to help them automate and better plan the process while enterprise wide deployment happened afterwards with Enterprise Resource Planning or ERPs.rn rnBut experts say the challenge is to get computer […]

Central Bank said it is leaving its growth forecast for next year unchanged at 6 percent despite continuing uncertainty in both the political and peace fronts.It however warned that prolonged uncertainty could jeopardize economic growth. rn rnThe wealth creators in the economy, the private sector, that saw higher returns on their investments in the last […]

In Baththalangunduwa if you see someone going with a mamoty and a bucket dont think he is going to his vegetable plot or the paddy field. In fact, he wont even be a farmer; most probably he would a fisherman.He would probably be carrying a mamoty and a make-shift plastic bucket to have a bath.rn […]

When telephones started, love chats used to be long, but this new SMS culture its just a quickie. Mobile phones have changed us a lot.rnOn his way to work Indika checks on the closing price of a stock that he wants to buy in the share market. rn rnNot only can Indika check up on […]

An international road show to offer blocks for oil exploration in the Mannar Basin is expected to kick off early next year. Model Petroleum Resource Sharing Agreements and model exploration licences have already been developed.India is keen to take over an initial two blocks through state owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp., if Sri Lanka […]

The telecom watchdog flexed its muscle and took Mobitel to the Magistrates Courts for violating the regulators directive. Mobitel launched its GSM network in November investing Rs.200 mn in the first phase. The TRC said its tariffs were anticompetitive, a claim Mobitel denies.The Magistrate will re-summon the case on Jan., 12, allowing time for further […]

The government sold off its holding in Sri Lanka Insurance Corp. to the Distilleries consortium for Rs. 6.05 bn. The new owners plan to list SLIC in two-years, to pave the way for the Dutch ING Group to take up an equity stake.A four-member team from ING, has started work to give SLIC a facelift, […]

Sri Lanka will venture overseas with its first attempt at branded rubber – Lankaprene, a premium quality crepe product. The low protein product is positioned as an alternative to synthetic options that is petroleum based and so priced higher. Sri Lanka is the only producer of crepe rubber in the world. Lankaprene will be used […]

rnrnrnrnrnrnrnIn 2003 is a series of reports on some the significant events that rnunfolded in the economy and in Sri Lankan business during thern rnrnrnrnrn In 2003 is a series of reports on rnsome the significant events that unfolded in the economy and in Sri Lankan rnbusiness during the year. The brunt of many of […]