Category: Other
Kapuwas Dilemma
The traditional kapuwa or marriage broker may be slowly going out of the scene, but certainly not his services.Local businessmen have now started to give a new face to the old kapuwa, with claimed higher rates of success.rn rnA number of match making and marriage services have sprouted in and around Colombo offering a variety […]
AMC Bite
An asset management company primarily created to take over half the dud loans of Peoples Bank will come with a bite that is stronger than the bark.According to a draft new law, companies that owe more than half their debts to the AMC can be taken over and run or liquidated by a special administrator.rn […]
Bitter Pill
Upcoming laws to buyout dud loans of financial institutions, has wide ranging powers including prison terms for directors who fail to comply and powers to the asset management company to takeover a firm if its debts fall below 75 percent of its assets.However, critics say the draft piece of legislation is riddled with holes, and […]
Toy Story
Local toy makers have had it tough over the last few years with strong competition form China. Exports have plummeted by nearly two thirds.The countrys export development agency says that the problems in the industry are various.rn rnDynagro, a toy maker says that their factory exported some 150,000 wooden musical toys last year.rn rnldblquote We […]
Firm Hand
All financial services are being pulled out from under the new Consumer Affairs Authority, with a financial ombudsman being floated to take up consumer grievances. ldblquote We have got permission from the Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake to exempt financial institutions from the purview of the new Act dblquote , said Bankers Association Secretary General, […]
Tax Facts
Parties to the conflict in the northeast are trying to set up an interim administration that conforms to the Constitution while allowing significant devolution of power. An important area would be funding the administration.Constitutional experts say any attempt at redrawing the Constitution when a final settlement is made would be even more challenging.rn rnColombo still […]
Healthy Bill
A new law on Intellectual Property Rights was in parliament on Friday after an initial draft met with opposition from patient rights activists. They challenged an early draft of the Bill on grounds that it ignored concessions won on behalf of poor countries at international trade forums which allow developing countries to import medicine from […]
Friendly Chat
The Central Bank said told Supreme Court on Monday they will meet bankers and other potential investors of Pramuka this week, to give effect to an Appeals Court order.Accordingly, monetary authorities will meet bankers and other potential investors on Thursday (July 24) and Pramukas depositors on Friday (July 25) to explore all options to revive […]
Lotus Eaters
The construction sector, which is a good indicator of economic activity, has been booming over the last year. However acquiring land for development remains a bottleneck to development in the construction sector.Experts say that freeing up and developing these lands would boost the economy while giving market-based values to the properties.rn rnThe Beira Lake remains […]
All Aboard
As wider share ownership is putting pressure on listed companies to improve their corporate governance they try to offer better returns to their most important stakeholders while other stakeholders in the fringes of corporate governance get ignored.A new initiative by the employers federation is trying to change this by giving companies a chance to be […]
Toy Factory
Studies indicate that people around the world are having more sex, but with lower physical output – baby production is on the decline.Along with many other consequences like a fast ageing population, a number of industries depending on kids, are also set to suffer.rn rnThe global toy trade is among them. rn rnIn Sri Lanka, […]
Back In The Shell
Supreme Court on Wednesday reinstated Shell Gas Lankas stand and the Court of Appeal order to prevent competing firms from refilling its cylinders. The ruling overturns the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) order allowing cross filling of LPG cylinders.rn rnThe fresh ruling also makes it illegal for LPG traders ldblquote under threat of criminal prosecution dblquote […]
