Business

Financial literacy among undergraduates – research findings of concern

Published

4 years ago

2020/10/12

Sri Lanka has shown a high literacy rate of about 92% compared to other south Asian countries, and is on par with other developed countries. However, there is a noted dearth of surveys and studies that assesses the financial literacy level in the Sri Lankan context. It is observed that people with low levels of financial literacy suffer from that lack of knowledge at every stage of their lives and studies also assert that people with a high degree of financial literacy are more likely to plan for retirement, and that people who plan for retirement have more than doubled the wealth of people who don’t. On the other hand, the quite alarming fact noted is that even some educated professionals had fallen prey to financial scams in Sri Lanka, questioning the financial literacy of such intellectuals.

Thus, a study was carried out involving the undergraduates in the Sri Lankan state universities (due to being one of the major sources of future leaders) to find the level of financial literacy and how different specializations impact financial literacy levels. In the research conducted by the authors, the undergraduates were tested on their fundamental financial knowledge on dimensions of general finance, saving & borrowings (i.e., banking products), insurance and investment, and nearly 653 students from the five main state universities in ten main disciplines (business and non-business disciplines) were selected, where the data was collected over a period of 1 1/2 years. Undergraduates of the business discipline included undergraduates from accountancy and business management and non-business discipline included undergraduates from the fields of engineering, physical sciences, humanities and social sciences and information technology.

The findings indicate that the overall financial literacy level was on average 69.58% out of 100% of undergraduates in the business discipline. In terms of the sub-dimensions of financial literacy, these undergraduates scored the highest of 74.51% in the savings and borrowing sub-category, while they scored the lowest of 59.08% in the investment sub-dimension. When compared with the general literacy rate of 92% of this country, the findings of this study indicate that their overall average is quite low as well as knowledge in the investment sub-dimension is even lower.

The alarming finding is related to the undergraduates coming from the non-business majors, where the average financial literacy level was only 42.83% out of 100%, which is even lower than 50%. This we see as a major concern. Their knowledge in the investment related sub-dimension was just 28.16% out of 100%.

When considering these findings of the research conducted by the authors, it is clear that the undergraduates coming from the business management discipline had a better knowledge than students from non-business management disciplines. Although the students coming from the non-business disciplines may be conversant in their own areas of study, they were lacking an awareness in fundamental financial aspects that any citizen should possess to continue normal day-to-day life.

The authors observe that there is a systematic deficiency of personal finance education in our local education system. Introduction of subjects related to financial literacy for all students (regardless their discipline) in their formative stages as well as introducing course components related to accounting and finance in the curricula of non-business majors at universities (and other tertiary institutions) could be suggested to remedy this dire situation.

Authors– S.S. Edirisinghe (surathse1978@gmail.com) and S.S. Samarakkody,

Senior Lecturer,

Department of Accounting, Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education, Sri Lanka,

Senior Prof. DBPH Dissa Bandara and Dr. AR Ajward,. Senior Lecturer

Department of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

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Business

Businesses urged to address environmental challenges

Published

14 hours ago

2025/03/21

Thilina Walpola

Dignitaries at an environment-linked awareness-raising event.

Central Environmental Authority (CEA) chairman Dr. Tilak Hewawasam urged businesses to take greater responsibility in addressing environmental challenges, warning that failure to act could have severe long-term economic consequences.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Hewawasam emphasized that sustainability is no longer just a compliance issue but a core business strategy.

“Environmental responsibility is not just a regulatory obligation—it is a business imperative. Companies that integrate sustainable practices will lead the way in economic resilience and innovation, he said.

Hewawasam’s remarks come as Sri Lanka faces mounting environmental concerns, including waste mismanagement, deforestation and rising carbon emissions. The CEA has been advocating for stronger corporate participation in tackling these issues, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies, efficient waste disposal systems and renewable energy sources.

Hewawasam stressed that the government alone cannot drive sustainable change. “The private sector must step up, adopt green technologies and rethink supply chains to minimize environmental impact, he told journalists.

He also noted that businesses investing in sustainability are more likely to attract investor confidence and long-term profitability.

“With global markets increasingly rewarding eco-friendly brands, Sri Lankan companies risk being left behind if they fail to align with international environmental standards, he added.

“The CEA continues to push for stronger collaboration between businesses and policymakers to accelerate the country’s transition to a green economy.”Hewawasam stressed that businesses must view sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to drive innovation and long-term success.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Sri Lankans Vote Dialog as the Telecommunication Brand and Service Brand of the Year

Published

14 hours ago

2025/03/21

Thilina Walpola

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has been honoured as the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 14th consecutive year and the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the 4th time at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2025, held on March 18, 2025. This recognition, awarded based on the voice of the people, reflects the strong relationship Dialog has built with Sri Lankans over the years and the trust they continue to place in the brand.

Since 2007, the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards have been a unique symbol of consumer-driven recognition in Sri Lanka. Unlike industry-judged awards, they are based on a comprehensive nationwide survey, providing a transparent reflection of public sentiment. These accolades honour brands and individuals who have earned the trust and admiration of Sri Lankans, forging strong emotional connections. For Dialog, this recognition underscores its deep-rooted relationship with the people and its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity and exceptional service.

“We are truly humbled and grateful to the people of Sri Lanka for this recognition,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC. “To be chosen as the Telecommunication Brand of the Year for 14 years and the Service Brand of the Year for 4 years is an honour we deeply appreciate. It reflects the trust and confidence placed in us by millions across the country, and we remain committed to strengthening this bond by delivering innovative, accessible, and reliable connectivity that enhances lives and enterprises.”

Dialog’s continued recognition at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards is a testament to its dedication to serving Sri Lankans. As the nation’s #1 connectivity provider, Dialog will continue evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers, ensuring that every solution and service contributes to a more connected and empowered Sri Lanka.

Business

Sierra Cables’ share sale bolsters bourse; indices wax positive

Published

14 hours ago

2025/03/21

Thilina Walpola

The CSE yesterday was somewhat active because Sierra Cables contributed more than half of the turnover. The company sold its shares at a price 24 percent lower than the previous price level. Market sources revealed that an LOLC Group company purchased 146 million Sierra Cables shares at a market price of Rs 12.30 per share, amounting to Rs 1.8 billion.

This gave some impetus to the market and the All Share Price Index also became positive. Sierra Cable’s previous price was Rs 15.50. Consequently, the All Share Price Index went up by 256.7 points, while S and P SL20 rose by 98.3 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.67 billion with four crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Citizens Developments Business Finance, where two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 464 million; its shares traded at Rs 232, HNB 295,000 shares crossed for Rs 90 million; its shares traded at Rs 305, JKH, 4 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 80.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 20.20 and TJ Lanka 900,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.6 million; its shares traded at Rs 49.50.

In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sierra Cables Rs 1.8 billion (146 million shares traded), CCS Rs 168 million (2.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 79.5 million (3.9 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 67.8 million (562,000 shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 60 million (1.2 million shares traded) and Vallibel One Rs 58.4 million (one million shares traded). During the day 197 million share volumes changed hands in 11468 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector entities were the main contributors to the turnover, especially with Sierra Cables and JKH, while banking sector counters were the second highest contributor to the market turnover.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 296.45/65 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from 296.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were slightly down.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 9.75/85 percent, down from 9.84/90 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 10.08/15 percent, down from 10.14/20 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 was quoted at 10.25/34 percent, down from 10.25/38 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.75/85 percent, down from 10.85/97 percent.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne