Category: Special Reports

Professional services are in the firing line as everyone, from your doctor, to your lawyer to your stockbroker get roped in under a lquote one size fits all Consumer Affairs Authority Act.The new Act in effect is the old Consumer Protection Act, the Control of Prices Act and the Fair Trading Commission Act all rolled […]

Taking a leaf from developed markets, Central Bank is launching its open market operations for the overnight money market next Monday.Open market operations gives the Central Bank more control over the overnight market.rn rnThe bank controls market activity by influencing the short-term rates at which banks borrow or lend depending on whether they have a […]

An Increasing number of software companies are now developing and marketing software aimed entirely at the local market.Earlier they were trying making inroads to the international market. But making it big internationally hasnt been easy especially in a market recovering from an IT slump.rn rnThey mostly target first time buyers of computer software with packages […]

Gold still remains one of the safest investments. But with international gold prices shooting up, it has helped spawn a whole industry based on gold as collateral.Gold prices in the international market spiked up over the last few months with investors seeking refuge in the priced commodity as a war in the Gulf looked imminent.rn […]

The working committee comprising six operators and a government representative will try to address outstanding issues like the local access fee and the quality of voice traffic. However the governments overall policy on telecom remains unchanged. rn rnTelephone subscribers usually have it easy. They take for granted that they can dial any number to talk […]

Banking sector stocks were top performers at the Colombo stock exchange last year as analysts predicted a good year for the countrys finance houses. A number of banks are expected to announce record profits this year.However, borrowers are protesting about high interest rates charged by commercial banks despite the prevalent low risk free rates. Borrowers […]

The countrys largest city is running short of water as the state looks to the private sector to bridge a widening gap in supply to Greater Colombo.A privately operated and managed 40 MGD endash Million Gallons per Day (185,000 cubic metre) treatment plant is to take off on the right bank of the Kelani River.rn […]

Local investor confidence was shaken recently first when a licensed savings bank collapsed and then as the securities regulator commenced an insider dealing investigation against its own chairman.However, the crises had little effect on the stock market.Banking stocks in fact gained in anticipation of good earnings reports while Aitken Spence stocks, at the heart of […]

Local telephone companies have been connecting subscribers at almost record pace over the last few years. The telecom industry was the only one that put in double-digit growth rates even while the rest of the economy was in a slump. rnWith the EGO and the smart subsidies things will get even better. rnAn astounding 20 […]

The last time Iraq was attacked, over ten years ago, oil prices reached record levels of over US$ 45 a barrel.Analysts expect prices to go the same way if US and British threats actually lead to a war. The hardest hit next to Iraq will be developing countries that depend on oil imports.rn rnSri Lanka […]

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 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 […]