Category: Special Reports

A new wireless way to connect to the Internet is taking the world by storm because access is cheap and fast. The standard popular in the US, connects computers to networks over short distances using radio waves.Experts say the standard commonly known, as Wi-fi will do to the Internet what notebook PCs did to computers.rnThe […]

Shamindra Kulamannage speaks to Bradman Weerakoon, Secretary to the Prime Minister on Sri Lankas aid utilisation. Weerakoon says the government is looking at setting up a powerful Tennesee Valley type authority to cut through red tape in implementing large development projects in the country.LBR: The big question in everybodys mind is that is the government […]

Sri Lankas latest hydro power station is due to be commissioned later this month.Despite a small sluice gate and several working days being swept away, the project managers are confident of keeping to the original schedule.rn rnThe Kukule Ganga is only a tributary of the Kalu Ganga. The riverbanks have been washed away after the […]

Technology is offering opportunities to add value and new services to the local banks both foreign and local banks have started offering Internet banking which they hope will also bring down their operating costs. During a typical mid day in Colombo the traffic comes to a stand still.It is not the time to be running […]

The Central Bank has adopted International Accounting Standards in a bid to improve transparency and governance in the institution. The move is part of a larger donor funded plan to modernize Central Bank operations. rnrnThe Central Bank, which holds and manages the countrys official reserves, has been preparing its Annual Accounts to meet requirements of […]

A case in point, Baseline road, is probably Colombos only super highway. But it took a while for the road to get to where it is today. And there is still more to go.rn rnThe delays were due to problems ranging from land acquisitions to contractor delays. Delays in large infrastructure projects like the baseline […]

Lawmakers are starting to take the mushrooming finance and investment companies seriously.A high-powered committee looking at financial sector reforms is now trying to widen the regulatory net to cover all companies collecting public funds. While most of these operate beyond the scope of regulators some are using loopholes in the law the to avoid regulation […]

International call charges are expected to fall further, when a new system of short codes that will allow customers to access an external gateway of their choice comes operational.rn rnExperts say that the move also cements could help reestablish the island as a regional leader in telecom regulation. rn rnInternational call costs fell by over […]

Businesses are going online to deliver customer needs round the clock. While 24-hour accessibility has opened up new opportunities there is also the added responsibility of being operational all the time. For every time the system goes offline the company loses business and credibility. rn rnA concept known as Managed Availability is fast catching on […]

The Central Bank says consumerism contributed significantly to last years economic revival. Economists pointed out that the country is showing the early signs of a consumer demand driven growth.Economists say a fledging peace process created higher than expected demand for goods and services last year.rn rnldblquote In the past we looked at growth only from […]

As a British colony, Ceylon was favoured for sourcing raw material and other commodities to satisfy the boundless tastes of the English. From its teas to exotic spices all exports went out in raw commodity form.Over half a century after independence, things have changed very little.rnSome of the countrys top exports still go out in […]

Ambitious plans for double-digit GDP growth is at the back of the governments mind in a post-war era. More importantly, economic growth must benefit the man on the street. While experts say that GDP growth in the open market era has widened the rich and poor divide, economists point out that while the rich-poor gap […]