Category: Other
Religion and Economics
Economists who measure and comment on growth generally ignore the political and social forces that have a heavy bearing on the economy. A century ago Max Weber, a founder of sociology observed that the ldblquote Protestant work ethic dblquote was what made northern Europe and America rich.rn rnThe Protestant work ethic emphasized thrift and willingness […]
Making Love
Politics came to a head last week with a signing of a key alliance deal between the SLFP and the JVP. But commentators said cohabitation still remained the best available option. The SLFP-JVP alliance was quick to criticize the government but had little to offer in terms of alternative proposals.rn rnThe alliance remains sharply divided […]
Yellow Light
A consortium led by the Asia Capital and Richard Peiris Group were given time till July 22 to infuse cash and resurrect Pramuka Savings & Development Bank.As reported by LBO on Wed. the Monetary Board has decided to allow Pramuka to resume business from July 22, subject to its new investors complying with certain concerns.rn […]
Buying Time
The Central Bank has extended the suspension of Pramuka by another six months, to give monetary authorities extra time to restructure the bank.ldblquote The six months extension is subject to several conditions. But it gives the bank management the powers to recover loans, dblquote Central Banks Deputy Governor, Manik Nagahawatte told Lanka Business Online.rn rnThe […]
On the Spot
Deregulation of motor insurance premiums has fuelled innovation and profits. rnUntil recently motor insurance was unprofitable due to regulation of premiums by the government. Private insurance companies were hesitant to sell motor insurance as a result.rnNow things have changed. The insurance companies now offer many benefits to motor insurance clients-like Ceylinco Insurances On the Spot […]
ERP Burp
Computers started making an impact on business productivity and speed over two decades ago. Manufacturing companies were some of the first to get software packages to help them automate and better plan the process while enterprise wide deployment happened afterwards with Enterprise Resource Planning or ERPs.rn rnBut experts say the challenge is to get computer […]
Fine Incoming
The telecom watchdogs case against Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd is likely to be settled out of court, with the cellular operator suggesting a compensation package, which includes paying a million rupee fine. Sources close to the deal told Lanka Business Online on Friday that the cellular operator has also agreed to bear the regulators legal fees […]
Taking Money
Parliament is due to pass a new law in February, to round up all financial institutions currently not governed by the Central Bank. The new system will legalise and supervise all small scale financing activity including lending and taking public deposits.rn rnCentral Bank last year named about 40 firms who were accepting deposits outside its […]
Hot Mix
Plantation companies are keen to push through a long over due productivity pegged wage formula when estate worker wages come up for negotiations in June 2004. The June negotiations will be a deciding factor for the plantations companies survival as they prepare for a tough year ahead. Work on possible productivity pegged alternatives are already […]
Middle Is Mighty
Central Bank said it is leaving its growth forecast for next year unchanged at 6 percent despite continuing uncertainty in both the political and peace fronts.It however warned that prolonged uncertainty could jeopardize economic growth. rn rnThe wealth creators in the economy, the private sector, that saw higher returns on their investments in the last […]
Over The Sea
In Baththalangunduwa if you see someone going with a mamoty and a bucket dont think he is going to his vegetable plot or the paddy field. In fact, he wont even be a farmer; most probably he would a fisherman.He would probably be carrying a mamoty and a make-shift plastic bucket to have a bath.rn […]
Love at first SMS
When telephones started, love chats used to be long, but this new SMS culture its just a quickie. Mobile phones have changed us a lot.rnOn his way to work Indika checks on the closing price of a stock that he wants to buy in the share market. rn rnNot only can Indika check up on […]