Sri Lanka has managed its human rights issue as well as one would expect from a country going through a prolonged conflict, a top business leader acknowledged but warned that any deterioration in the situation could have serious consequences for business.

A battle is brewing between two major stakeholders to control e-Channelling Ltd with another key player eyeing the stock, according to stock market sources. Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena owns a total 25.3 percent stake through the Sri Lanka Insurance Company (19 percent) and DFCC (6.3 percent) while Hemas Holdings Ltd (HHL) owns 25 percent.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to introduce a novel scheme in the stock market to fund large infrastructure projects in the country.

Despite interest rate increases, the leasing industry will perform better than last year, according to sector experts. Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director and CEO, LOLC said the company did not foresee a ‘material problem’ in the leasing business this year.