‘Learn from President’s leadership style’ HNB Chairman tells UNP

By Azhar Razak
Two of Sri Lanka’s veteran corporate leaders, who are currently heading two listed private conglomerates, shared some valuable insights on leadership and management with some young MPs from Sri Lanka’s main opposition party.

Walkers Piling wins Rs 400m Colombo deals

Walkers’ Piling (Pvt) Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of MTD Walkers and one of the largest piling contractors in Sri Lanka has secured contracts amounting to LKR 400 million to carry out piling work on two major projects: the Department of Labour and the Census & Statistics buildings in Colombo.

Electricity tariff hike may hurt hotel sector trade growth

By Azhar Razak
Sri Lanka’s industry association representing tourist hotels, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), has raised concerns over the future of the industry if the recently proposed electricity tariff hikes for hotels are implemented.
According to THASL President Anura Lokuhetty, the island’s leisure industry would not be able to sustain such substantial increases in electricity tariffs, which has been proposed to be implemented from next year to June 2011.

Poultry group denies shortage

Imports of chicken and eggs will hit farmers, says association

The All Island Poultry Association (AIPA) has criticised the government’s recent decision to import 2,000 tonnes of chicken and 50 million eggs, a move which they opine as ‘hasty’ and one that could badly hit the local poultry industry.
According to All Island Poultry Association (AIPA) chairman Dr D D Wanasinghe, there is a monthly surplus of around 2,000 metric tonnes of chicken at present in the market proving that the shortage of chicken is a clear misconception although there is a marginal shortage of eggs.

Diana Group plans IPO

Diana Group, manufacturers of biscuits and chocolates based in Matale, has plans to go for an Initial Public Offering, probably in the latter part of 2011with a view to expanding its business and possibly venturing into export business.
According to a senior official of the firm, the group is presently receiving a lot of interest from foreigners who are encouraging the firm to venture into exports.

New strategy to promote tourism from next year

By Azhar Razak
Sri Lanka is to adopt a different tourism promotion strategy next year by focussing on key sectors during each month.
The move is in line with the year being declared as ‘Visit Sri Lanka Year’.
According to a top official, the new proposal should help the industry to attract more tourists to the island as it aims to concentrate on specific aspects of tourism each calendar month.