Stock market volatility and investment opportunities

Equity is an ideal financial instrument for a portfolio that is geared at long-term returns. It is undoubted that the rate of return on equity has been impressive when compared to other instruments. 

Thilak Karunaratne: Man on a mission

Even the plainest thinking took his return to the high post as a way to avenge those who schemed and succeeded in kicking him out. But upon his return, he said he had no axe to grind. 

Latest RIU report sheds light on Sri Lanka’s gym & fitness market

Maintaining a balanced and healthy life-style based on physical and mental fitness as well as spiritual well-being is one of the most important challenges of modern human life. 

What happens if China’s economy has a hard landing?

The sudden, sharp fall of Chinese stock prices twice in 2015 and again this month does not necessarily herald a further slowdown of gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Reconciliation is the bedrock of Sri Lanka’s future economic success: UK minister

?Following is the speech made by the UK Foreign Office Minister for Asia Hugo Swire at the event organised by the Council of British Businesses in Colombo  last week. 

How to rethink pricing at container terminals

Companies in many industries have long charged different customers different prices. For example, metro transit operators offer lower off-peak fares to balance loads across the day; cinemas charge more for 3-D movies; airports let you pay for a fast track to jump the line

Shippers’ Academy organizes Certified Master class on Customs HS codes

?Wherever a company or an individual wants to work in an international trading environment, HS knowledge is a key tool for operating efficiently and identify products and duty structures.

The fishermen’s problems on the West Coast: Are NGOs missing the woods for the trees?

Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, a Climate Scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, in his report published in the ‘Geophysical Review Letters’ website on December 15th 2015

Time to restructure Sri Lanka’s cricket ecosystem: MTI

?With the newly-elected committee assuming duties at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and given the challenges the game has encountered in recent years (both on and off the field), the time is now to revisit and restructure the entire ecosystem of the game.

What might happen in China in 2016?

In debates about whether growth is a percentage point up or down, we too often lose sight of the absolute scale of China’s economy.

What the RMB in the SDR really means

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) decided on November 30, 2015 to include China’s currency, the renminbi (RMB), in the elite basket of reserve currencies that determine the unit value of Special Drawing Rights (SDR). The SDR are used by the IMF to supplement member states’ official reserves. 

Sri Lanka’s post-war growth: Still stuck in an unsustainable strategy

?Gross domestic product (GDP) is the most common measure of a country’s prosperity; it is an imperfect means of assessing the wellbeing in an absolute sense, but the changes to GDP is a valuable indicator that the economy is progressing and of what is driving increases in employment and incomes. 

Export of Lankan women for domestic work – “A thing to be ashamed of”

?The practice of sending Sri Lankan women to work as domestic hands in foreign countries began three decades back mainly as a temporary solution to the rising unemployment issue in the country.

Private sector wish list for 2016

Hoping for better times, greater prosperity, and further developments, Sri Lanka enters the New Year with a lot of plans.

World prepares to welcome New Year despite terror fears

AFP: Global New Year’s Eve festivities are set to begin under tightened security, with Brussels scrapping celebrations as fears of jihadist threats cast a pall, just weeks after brutal attacks in Paris.

Sri Lanka: Year 2015 in review

An annual review of the political conjuncture of Sri Lanka must deal with six matters: (a) the still fluid situation in governmental and state power, (b) the deal with the UN Human Rights Commission on investigation of war crimes,...

Economists highlight challenges and opportunities for businesses in 2016

Sri Lankan businesses are likely to face enormous challenges in the coming year both in the local and export markets due to political and macroeconomic issues, leading economists in the country pointed out in conversation with Mirror Business.

Celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Spain

A ceremony was held to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Spain and Sri Lanka at the Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel, recently.

Sri Lanka’s year of democracy, reconciliation and rebalancing

It is no exaggeration to say that 2015 will be remembered as a major turning point for Sri Lanka as a nation. 

Travels in Sri Lanka: The political and investment climate

My team and I recently travelled to Sri Lanka and saw firsthand its great appeal as a tourist draw. We crisscrossed the country by air and by automobile, visiting a few of its cultural attractions and speaking with officials there. 

The growing importance of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) for businesses

Following is the speech delivered by Standard Chartered Global Head of Sustainability Mark Devadason at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Corporate Citizen Awards Annual Dinner in Colombo recently. 

Is a weak government good for people?

The recent political events have left a large proportion of the population confused as to where Sri Lanka is heading. But if the situation is observed more closely, one can construe that with smart thinking, the people can indeed use the scenario to their advantage.

OBG reviews Sri Lanka’s 2015

In the wake of general elections earlier this year, Sri Lanka has emerged with a renewed emphasis on economic reforms and fiscal consolidation, which has allayed concerns for many local and foreign investors.

Port City to create regional business hub

The recently released Supplementary Environmental Impact Report (SEIA) for the Colombo Port City (CPC) project says the main objective of the CPC is to create a regional business hub - a distinctly branded city,...

Employer’s Symposium balances performance with wage

Realities, concerns and misconstrues on matters related to performance and wage was the discourse at the recently concluded Employers’ Symposium 2015. 

Is it end of the dominant dollar?

The cat is finally out of the bag. The IMF has confirmed that the Chinese yuan will be included in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket of reserve currencies. 

SL Needs improved health financing system

?With universal healthcare and a robust public health network across the country, Sri Lanka has made noteworthy achievements in health outcomes compared to other developing countries. 

Ceylon cinnamon to receive due recognition

In presenting the Budget proposals of 2016, the Finance Minister announced that Sri Lanka has the monopoly for the supply of “True Cinnamon” with over 85 percent supply share in the world market. 

Why dynastic female leaders win elections in Asia

The landslide victory by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party in November 8, 2015 Myanmar election, after decades of Suu Kyi being held under house arrest, marks one of the world’s most extraordinary political turnabouts.

More of the same: Budget 2016 increases protection and dependence on trade taxes

?Sri Lanka was amongst the early movers in trade and economic liberalization in South Asia.