How important is tourism for Sri Lanka’s development?

?Following is the keynote address by Srilal Miththapala, delivered at the Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka Chapter’s 17th Annual Chairman’s Black Tie Dinner.

Capitalizing on the Maritime Silk Road initiative to achieve win-win-win situation

The Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and Economic Belt policy initiatives unveiled by President Xi Jinping in 2013 were identified as significant elements of an overall Chinese attempt to leverage China’s growing economic power and influence along its geographic boundaries.

Liberalization of tea imports to Sri Lanka - Proposed tea hub

The apex tea industry body, Tea Exporters’ Association (TEA) lobbied for and received the approval for the much-discussed tea hub in Sri Lanka in the 2016 Budget. Liberalizing the industry would allow tea exporters to import and blend foreign teas for re-export.

Amalgamation of EPF and ETF: Points to consider

The recently announced proposal to amalgamate the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) has stirred a hornet’s nest. It is a popular topic of discussion too, particularly among beneficiaries

It’s no deal in Paris on climate change without transport

This December’s climate change summit in Paris could at last see an ambitious, legally-binding deal. For the first time, this would encompass the bulk of global greenhouse gas emissions, since the biggest emitters

Looking after this generation in Asia, and the next

The issue of the sustainability of econmic growth is a hot issue in the debate about economic policy. 

COP21: Coping with Climate Change

 “Our civilization is fuelled 85% by fossil fuels, releasing 110 million tons of pollution into the thin atmospheric layer every 24 hours. As carbon dioxide levels increase temperatures, ...

Sri Lanka’s clothing industry looks to improve competitiveness

With an eye on the target of reaching US$8.5 billion worth of clothing exports per annum by 2020, Sri Lanka’s apparel manufacturers are backing a national bid to regain preferential trade concessions from the EU.

MTI highlights economic reality of Lankans working abroad

?Whenever there is a death penalty (the barbaric nature of which is outright condemned) for a Sri Lankan worker, there are calls to ban Sri Lankan maids from going abroad. Emotionally and ethically this is understandable but logically and realistically consider the following as well:

No quick fixes for industry dynamics, but will bring transparency and fair play: Navin

Sri Lanka was once proud of its high-performing tea, rubber and coconut sectors, but lack of emphasis and proper direction over the years have resulted in these areas to witness dampened progress.

India-Sri Lanka cooperation in joint sea exploration

India and Sri Lanka are strategically located at a crossroads within the Indian Ocean; a body of water 68.5 million sq. km in extent and the third largest of the world’s oceans, after the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. 

Education and health in Budget 2016: Grand promises don’t bode well for governance

Governments make attractive promises when presenting the Budget. However, successive Budgets have shown that making promises is easier than keeping them. 

Sri Lanka renews commitment in working towards well-being of Asian migrant workers

Sri Lanka renewed its commitment last week in working towards the well-being of all migrant workers in Asia by leveraging the support of other Regional Migration Processes along with groups of nations and civil societies.

Turning up heat for a climate deal

This year is the hottest for 4,000 years, scientists tell us. But what’s more important is what this says about the urgent need for a global climate deal in around one month’s time. 

An open letter to Labour Minister on retirement age of planting executives

The Ceylon Planters’ Society wishes to address this communiqué to the Labour Minister questioning the retirement age of planters.

Uncertain times cast a cloud over happiness in Asia

The new normal of a global economy seems to be that happiness is harder to grasp for ordinary people. There are two major reasons for this.

Making Colombo a global financial centre

Since the change of government early this year, the country’s new leadership has announced a few mega development projects, which when implemented, can catalyse economic   transformation.

Achieving success in upcoming tourist season

For the last few years Sri Lanka has achieved a remarkable tourist influx mainly due  to the prevailing peaceful situation of the country, policy decisions of tourism authorities and aggressive promotion. 

Labour market reforms for growth

Following the global financial crisis that depressed growth, the call for reforms to create more and better jobs resonated across the world. Better jobs can improve economic growth, reduce poverty and aid social harmony. 

Coping with global economic risks

The G20 summit at Antalya in Turkey next weekend takes place at a time of continuing risk in the global economy. Although the United States seems on a path to steady recovery,,,,

Policy needed on environment : REDD+ is a plus

The prime minister of Sri Lanka made a policy statement on 5th November to indicate the future priorities of the new government. It had over 70 inspirational statements indicating a wide array of issues and subjects of concern to the government.

Private sector expresses cautious optimism over PM’s policy statement

?The business community let out a sigh of relief last Thursday having heard Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe spell out the much-awaited policy framework for the country’s ailing economy.

SAARC still marred by divisions

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 to enhance peaceful co-existence among South Asian states. 

Chance to make infrastructure climate-friendly

As multilateral development banks, private sources and governments gear up to fill massive infrastructure gaps in Asia, we must not miss a unique opportunity. 

Economic reforms in Sri Lanka: Political economy and institutional challenges

The run up to Sri Lanka’s January 2015 presidential elections saw an unprecedented wave of demand for political and constitutional reforms.

Value-added rice products – A solution for paddy crisis: NCE

With a bumper harvest of rice in the last Maha season, Sri Lanka faced a severe crisis in regard to storage of paddy resulting in the inability by the Paddy Marketing Board and related state institutions to purchase paddy from farmers under the guaranteed price scheme of the government. 

Sri Lanka’s gem industry eyes recovery

A US $ 1 billion revenue target is spearheading Sri Lanka’s efforts to solidify its place as a key source market for gemstones and jewellery, although flat global sales of luxury goods, coupled with labour shortages, risk hindering the country’s efforts.

Challenges for affordable housing in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow a further 7.0 percent by end-2016. Interestingly, the services sector contributes the lion’s share, 61 percent, to GDP. 

Going digital: Are we there yet?

From small-time retailers to top-notch businesses, today everyone is trying to climb on board the digitisation train that will allow entities to expand their target audience and reach greater heights.

Misfortune of penny stocks

As rational investors we would intend to earn profits when investing in the market. Unfortunately some tend to be overly greedy and impatient to earn profits.