Divide us not, unite us, says SLAITO

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector had to grapple with a series of challenges in the past. Despite the difficulties, the industry has been successful in coming out stronger with every impact.

Reply to Maliyadde on ‘Interest rate policy: Is it a punitive measure?’

It was with some amusement that I read the article titled ‘Interest rate policy: Is it a punitive measure?’ written by Chandrasena Maliyadde, which appeared in the Daily Mirror on May 17, last Monday. It is a critique of my article, ‘Low interest rate policy punishes savers’, published in ‘My View – Money and Banking’ column in Daily FT of 25 March 2021 (http://www.ft.lk/columns/Low-interest-rate-policy-punishes-savers/4-715286).

Digitalisation the way forward for Sri Lanka

In early 2020, when the COVID-19 lockdown began, Sri Lanka’s food supply chain was significantly disrupted, leaving farmers and consumers to face the adverse effects of the pandemic. Wholesale and retail markets were closed and traders were encouraged to deliver food items directly to doorsteps following strict health guidelines.

Sustainable solution to declining tea production, export revenue and livelihood issues

The word ‘sustainability’ is often distorted without being used in ecological context to get its proper meaning. In simple terms, we have the responsibility to protect the right of future generations to live in a safe environment.

Gearing up SL to become a digital economy in smart and secure way: TRCSL

Fast-tracking development is at the core of all efforts in Sri Lanka’s journey towards progression and with technology evolving at a rapid pace across the world, the island nation has acknowledged and understood the importance of getting onboard the digital bandwagon sooner than later.

How should Sri Lanka Finance COVID-19 vaccination rollout?

An effective vaccination strategy is a necessity for countries to move beyond COVID-19. However, it also requires careful policymaking to balance the financial cost of purchasing and delivering vaccines while stimulating economic growth.

Questions surrounding the Port City of Colombo

Sri Lanka is in a conundrum. its present governance has approved China’s extra-jurisdictional Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Colombo Port City, right next to its commercial port.

Threats to Sri Lanka’s national sovereignty under proposed Colombo Port City Commission Bill

The provisions of the Port City Bill, if enacted, will erode the legal and political sovereignty of Sri Lanka in a number of ways.

Total ban on chemical fertilizers and pesticides: Is it viable?

The media reported, a few days ago the Presidential ban on agrochemicals from the next Maha season, apparently with a total Cabinet nod.

Policy recommendations for competitive Global Port City

The success of the Colombo Port City is not dependent on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill (“Bill”) itself, but in building an ecosystem that fosters sustainable financial industry growth.

Like Singapore to ASEAN and Hong Kong to China, Colombo Port City is gateway to South Asia

Ahead of the parliamentary debate on the Port City Economic Commission Bill, Director – Sales and Marketing of the Port City Yamuna Jayaratne spoke to Mirror Business about the economic importance of the project and the plans in place for its attraction. Excerpts of the interview are as follows.

COVID-19 Diaries: Sri Lanka needs a resilient logistics system

Logistics carry dreams. Back in 2007, when I applied to graduate schools in the United States, nothing could beat the excitement of handing over my applications to FedEx,

Sri Lanka needs to focus on an export and investment drive, says Dinesh

International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody points out that the private sector is the engine of economic growth.

Sri Lanka tourism on reverse gear with proposed new Act

There’s mounting opposition from all fronts against the government’s plan to change the existing Tourism Act. Having been a member of the team that helped draft the current act around 15 years ago, I felt that I should also lend my voice to the ‘chorus of objections’.

Palm oil ban in Sri Lanka: Is it sustainable?

Sri Lanka’s edible oil market has received considerable attention in recent weeks due to a series of events: the banning of palm oil importation in a bid to promote the coconut industry, detection of aflatoxins in imported coconut oil, importation of coconut kernel chips, issuing licence for palm oil imports and banning of oil palm cultivation.

Sri Lanka eyeing to draw Omani and Qatari investments to rupee bonds: Cabraal

The State Minister of Money & Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal recently completed a visit to Oman and Qatar as the special envoy of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, heading the country’s delegation to the oil-rich two Middle-Eastern nations.

Creating a culture of creativity: The importance of Intellectual Property Rights

On the 26th of April each year, Intellectual Property (IP) Day is celebrated to draw public attention to the importance of IP rights in fostering creativity and innovation.

Our aim is to take Chrissworld to a billion rupee top line as the first step: Chairman

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has approved, an application submitted by Chrissworld Limited, for the listing of its Ordinary Voting Shares by way of an offer for subscription, and Initial Public Offering (IPO) is due to be opened on April 27th. This is a distinct IPO as it is the first company to be listed on the Empower Board of the CSE. Following is a brief interview with Chrissworld Chairman Christo Perera.

The Colombo Port City we need

Deng Xiaoping, China’s great reform leader, faced a serious problem in the 1970s. Thousands of young Chinese were crossing to Hong Kong, risking their lives. Rather than cracking down on the migrants, Deng sought to understand why they were migrating. Clearly the economic opportunities in Hong Kong were greater than in mainland China.

A global economic revival imminent in 2021, says PwC 24th Annual Global CEO Survey

The pandemic has disrupted how organisations operate across a multitude of industries, transforming global systems in ways that have never been explored.

Sri Lanka’s present and future fortunes intrinsically linked to ocean resources

The current and future prosperity of Sri Lanka is intrinsically linked to its coastal, marine and mineral assets or neglected ocean resources. Fisheries and tourism can be two main pillars of its gross domestic product (GDP) economy and source of employment.

Why customer-centricity should be top priority

Businesses have always followed the golden rule of treating customers as gods and kings. Yet, today this group of divine royalty holds more power than ever and thus is more in command of how organisations must operate.

Sri Lanka at GSP Engagement Week Virtual Conference – An Overview

During the Week of 22 - 25 March, the GSP Hub which is a European Union (EU) funded project launched in 2020 hosted an important virtual engagement relating to the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP)to increase awareness, transparency, and to engage with stakeholders of GSP.

Proceed with caution: Is Sri Lanka’s approach to import substitution sensible?

In the immediate aftermath of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented health and economic crises it unleashed, there was a widespread backlash in sentiment against globalisation and open economic policies. The greatly increased human mobility associated with these phenomena was blamed for the rapid spread of the virus to all parts of the globe.

Managing divergent recoveries

It is one year into the COVID-19 pandemic and the global community still confronts extreme social and economic strain as the human toll rises and millions remain unemployed.

Privatisation of public data: Sri Lanka Customs as a case in point

Data collected and held by government agencies is a valuable ‘public asset’. Properly utilised, such data can help the private and public sector better contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

Sri Lanka’s health financing challenge: Why smarter spending is key

Across the globe, the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a new urgency around healthcare systems and universal health coverage – the access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services for all, as and when needed.

Sri Lanka’s rejection of UNHRC resolution: A shift towards China

In Geneva, a tough resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka was passed with 22 votes out of 47 countries supporting the resolution.

Bridging the gap: Unlocking untapped potential in SL’s agricultural exports

Before the 1970s, agriculture exports accounted for more than 75 percent of Sri Lanka’s total exports while industrial exports were around 15 percent.

Strengthening domestic coconut industry to regain its humble reputation

COVID’s full impact on the Sri Lankan economy is yet to be felt. However, it is clear that the impact of the outbreak may already being felt. For instance, the export sector, critical to the economy, is now bracing for impact.