COVER STORY
DEMOCRACY ON EDGE 
YOUTH FORUM
The ‘good’ refers to Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, friendly and helpful people, strategic geographical
WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT
Last year saw an unprecedented number of women winning their way into the seats of power in politics
THE BIG PICTURE
It took seven noble justices to save Sri Lanka and its 21 million citizens from the abyss. The hallowed bench that ruled unanimously on
DFCC
DFCC Bank is giving rise to a group of confident youth by imparting proficiency in spoken English, thereby enhancing their career prospects
BUSINESS SENTIMENT
INDEX TAKES A HIT IN HARD TIMES
DSI
Today’s footwear industry boasts a number of brands that are well-known for their various useful qualities and high standards
THE PROPERTY SECTOR
Real estate and tourism are two separate fields, which correlate with and influence one another. By the end of its extremely disruptive
CONSUMER FOCUS
In today’s disruptive economy, defined industry borders are becoming blurred; they seem
STATE OF THE NATION
Since President Maithripala Sirisena upset the political applecart on 26 October, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has not
EXPORT SECTOR
Exports are the lifeblood of the nation for economic development and prosperity of the people
BOOKRACK
The world looks wobbly. From Brazil to Italy, more populists are in power. The global economy is more fragile than it was a year ago
BURNING ISSUES
The latest LMD-Nielsen Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey unravels a triple threat to corporate interests with political interference
SOCIAL MEDIA COUP
The 26 October sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will rank as a first on many unsavoury lists. It was a catalyst for protracted
RETAIL APPAREL
More companies must start to accept the ‘gig economy,’ which is trending globally. It will soon become a viable option in Sri Lanka and
THE ROVING DIPLOMAT
The stumbling peace process in the troubled Middle East is taking centre stage in world affairs with odd redeeming gestures such as
THE PETRO INDUSTRY
Oil’s supremacy crashed years ago. Since the price slump in 2014 and 2015, this vital resource hasn’t reached the golden mark of
