Business

Trying to make Sense of what is going on in the World?

Published

5 years ago

2021/02/7

This is Your Answer

As we adapt to a new norm, the world as we know it is more fragmented than ever before and demands systemic change to overcome its challenges. Simon Anholt, founder of the Good Country Project breaks down how we can make that change by being “good”. Good people, good business, good countries make up a good world, and in his podcast conversation with tea grower, and Dilmah Tea CEO Dilhan C. Fernando, Simon shares how to reassess and refocus at the onset of paradigm shift; an opportunity for businesses and communities to make the necessary adjustments now for a more sustainable future.

Defining “Good”

Simon Anholt, author of ‘The Good Country Question’ and the founder of the ‘Good Country Index’, must know the meaning of the word “Good”. However, he doesn’t define it traditionally. It is a word beyond a single definition, a word which actually defines a holistic vision. “Good” is the opposite of selfish, not good, the opposite of bad. The world is in turmoil today because of the introspective nature and the microscopic vision of people which affects the way we think, the way we lead and the way we are governed. The root cause of our challenges from Climate change to pandemics, small arms proliferation to the abuse of human rights links to our humanness or lack thereof. It isn’t simply to do the right thing by your own people. The responsibility must be wider to contribute to our collective wellbeing, including the global commons, the environment, the planet and the rest of the world. It’s simple. How people behave, individually and collectively defines “Good”.

Education is always the answer to every social and economic problem…

When the problem exists amongst the people the solution too lies within and must be unravelled. Human behaviour is woven into every individual based on an individualized experience of education, culture and upbringing. It can exacerbate the challenges we face or contribute towards solving it. In ‘The Good Country Project’, Simon calls for a new global compact on educational values, virtues and principles, a universal upheaval of education systems around the world to teach values that will build a new generation that will run towards the global challenges instead of running away from them.

This will enable young citizens to be suitably armed to face the challenges of the age they live in and tackle the present day challenges. It could create a generation of Good citizens that are able to start fixing things in just one generation. ‘Social Engineering’ can singularly save humanity from its own destructive instinct. Our world is truly globalized, and its citizens are interconnected and interdependent. What goes on in Sri Lanka has an impact on every other country on Earth. The next generation must learn to think differently and behave differently.

Collaboration: focusing on the system

While addressing the challenges ahead are self-evidently greater than any one individual and or even individual country, to make sensible progress it is inevitable that people, communities, businesses, governments and countries work together, consistently and continuously to change the culture from fundamentally competitive to fundamentally collaborative according to Simon, who has advised the presidents, prime ministers, and government officials of fifty-six countries, helping them to engage more imaginatively and effectively with the international community and is accredited with being the founder of the concepts of nation brands and place brands, seeing them as being “simply another manifestation of how obsessed countries have become with their competitive edge, instead of focusing their energies on the system of which they are a part, and on which we all utterly depend”.

Coopetition: cooperative competition

In the 1970s, businesses began to demonstrate that it’s perfectly possible to compete and to collaborate at the same time. Coopetition was a buzzword that originated in the Japanese auto industry which proved that the best way to drive a market towards growth is to have companies both competing against each other in an honorable way and collaborating to build a more efficient and effective marketplace. It demonstrates that human beings are still allowed to compete, which is a very valuable and very fundamental part of their nature, but also collaborate on the essentials in such a way that they don’t destroy each other or the marketplace as a result. Businesses and corporate bodies must advocate for coopetition within sectors, amongst sectors and on the lands on which they operate. “So that experiment of coopetition, I would argue, is about 30 years overdue between governments. And that’s one of the things we need to see now” urges Simon.

A Good Corporate/Business

A Business has a direct influence over the lives of nearly as many people as governments do. It is the simple idea that it’s not enough to make good products and sell them at a good price for a company to earn its right to inhabit the space it inhabits on the planet. Every business must understand its role and responsibility within the shared system, in a society, to the land on which it operates and as a stakeholder it is a common obligation.

We have to see the mandate of people in power, whether that’s within corporations or within government or within society. “You’re responsible for your own people. Yes. And for every single man, woman, child and animal on the planet, whether you like it or not, you’re responsible for your own premises in your own territory. Yes. And for every inch of the earth’s surface and the atmosphere above it and the soil beneath it, whether you like it or not, and if you don’t like it, you shouldn’t be in a position of power or authority because that is the rule of life on Earth today, whether we like it or not. And the sooner people begin to understand that, the sooner we’ll get the right people aspiring to positions of power and responsibility because they accept that their sphere of influence as leaders, their sphere of responsibility, rather, is greater than their sphere of influence.”

– Simon Anholt

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Business

Sri Lanka’s midnight fuel price hike sparks frustrations amidst claims of broken assurances

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The government’s decision to raise fuel prices at midnight on March 9 has drawn criticism from observers who say the move contradicts earlier assurances that prices would remain stable for at least a month due to sufficient reserves already imported.

The surprise revision in fuel prices has triggered public concern and renewed debate over the government’s fuel pricing policy, with critics accusing authorities of misleading the public about the stability of supply and prices.

Officials had earlier sought to calm fears of potential shortages or sudden price increases, insisting that the country had adequate fuel stocks secured through prior imports. However, the latest price hike has raised questions about the reliability of those assurances.

Economic analysts say the development reflects the continuing vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s fuel market to global price volatility and geopolitical tensions affecting energy supply chains.

Aminda Methsila Perera, an economics professor at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, said the latest move raises broader questions about the transparency of the government’s pricing strategy.

“The question arises whether the government is following a grey-market policy in this regard,” Prof. Perera said, suggesting that the manner in which prices are adjusted may not fully reflect a transparent or predictable formula.

Meanwhile, directors of the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) defended the decision, saying the increase was a pre-emptive measure aimed at cushioning the country from steeper price shocks in the near future.

A CPC director argued yesterday that implementing a moderate price revision now would allow authorities to manage potential increases more effectively should the international situation deteriorate further.

Meanwhile, an analyst said that the move was intended to preserve the financial stability of the CPC and its bottom line although President AKD had said in parliament that the Treasury had enough funds to mitigate global shocks.

However, they say the abrupt nature of the midnight announcement risks undermining public confidence, particularly after repeated assurances that prices would remain unchanged in the short term.

With global energy markets remaining volatile, analysts warn that further price adjustments cannot be ruled out if international crude prices continue to climb or if regional supply disruptions intensify.

Meanwhile, an economist said that with the unfolding scenario, many Sri Lankans already grappling with the rising cost of living, have been tossed to the fire from the frying pan.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Business

Women-only screening of “Gahanu Lamai” for International Women’s Day 2026

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Havelock City Mall (HCM) hosted what is believed to be one of Sri Lanka’s first women-only cinema screenings, presenting a culturally significant and deeply meaningful tribute to womanhood.

Held at Scope Cinemas, Havelock City Mall, the exclusive event featured a complimentary screening of the iconic Sri Lankan film Gahanu Lamai, and welcomed an audience comprising corporate invitees, celebrities, female staff of Havelock City Mall, and winners of a special social media contest.

The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of Dr. Ranee Jayamaha, Chairperson of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, who graced the event and added significance to this special celebration.

Guests arrived dressed in purple, the internationally recognised symbol of dignity, solidarity, and justice, reinforcing the spirit and symbolism of the occasion. Through the screening of Gahanu Lamai—the acclaimed work of the late Dr. Sumitra Peiris, Sri Lanka’s first female film director—Havelock City Mall created a platform for reflection on the enduring cultural and contemporary relevance of women’s stories.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Avanthie De Zoysa, Assistant General Manager of Havelock City Mall, stated:

“As a female manager of this organization, I am incredibly proud of this initiative. It is a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the women who contribute so tirelessly to their families, to our society, and to the country at large. We wanted to provide a space that wasn’t just about celebration, but about acknowledging the profound impact women have in every sphere of life.”

Business

Novus Technologies joins LankaPay Technovation Awards 2026 as Platinum Sponsor

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

Novus Technologies has announced its partnership as the Platinum Sponsor for the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2026, reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation, financial inclusion, and the future of fintech in Sri Lanka.

Organised by LankaPay (Private) Limited, the LankaPay Technovation Awards has emerged as a premier industry platform recognising institutions that are spearheading digital transformation across the country.

The initiative celebrates banks, financial institutions, and technology providers that are enhancing customer experience through secure, efficient, and inclusive digital payment solutions.

Industry analysts note that the awards have played a pivotal role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s fintech ecosystem by encouraging competition, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Over the years, the platform has highlighted advancements in real-time payments, mobile banking, and integrated digital financial services, supporting the broader national agenda of building a digitally empowered economy.

Novus Technologies, a leading technology solutions provider to the banking and financial services sector, said its sponsorship reflects its long-standing dedication to accelerating the adoption of digital financial services and enhancing technological capabilities across the industry.

“As Sri Lanka continues its digital transformation journey, it is vital that we collectively foster innovation while ensuring security and inclusivity within the financial ecosystem,” a spokesperson for Novus Technologies said.

“Supporting initiatives such as the LankaPay Technovation Awards aligns with our mission to enable next-generation fintech solutions that empower institutions and customers alike.”

The awards ceremony is expected to bring together senior banking executives, fintech leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators, offering a platform to recognise excellence and share insights on emerging trends shaping the future of digital finance in Sri Lanka.

Novus Technologies is a forward-thinking technology solutions provider specialising in delivering innovative, secure, and scalable solutions to the banking and financial services industry.

With a strong focus on digital transformation, system integration, and next-generation fintech solutions, the company continues to play a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

By Ifham Nizam