Local firms second to none

Sri Lanka has a rich economic literature. Macro Analysis is easy but at company or micro level analysis is difficult as it is not documented. Therefore decision making is very difficult be it for policy makers or entrepreneurs, said, Secretary, Ministry of Internal Administration Dr Upananda Vidanapathirana. He was speaking at the launch of the two case studies of Sri Lankan companies by the Post Graduate Institute of Management (PIM).

He said that Sri Lankan firms are second to none, but if we don't document their success stories we can't be proud that we have a rich economic literature. Therefore this initiative should be commended.

The case studies document how these firms compete in their respective market places and deliver continuous bottomline growth exploring how best management practices including innovation, strategic intent and vision, ability to attract good people and leveraging core competencies guided these companies to the top of their respective markets.

The two companies were selected on the basis of sustained outstanding growth performance. Both are Sri Lankan owned and managed and come from non traditional economic sectors. They have demonstrated their ability to compete with global players.

Case studies like these enlighten and encourage the next generation of business managers, USAID mission director Rebecca Cohn said. They can help prepare you for taking up the challenge of leading Sri Lankan companies into tomorrow's increasingly competitive and globalised market place. I hope you as future leaders can replicate these documented success stories.

Head of Academic affairs at PIM Dr Uditha Liyanage said in our scheme MBA stands for making business learning action oriented. It is a case of learning by application.

This is where case studies come in. Foreign case studies are often incompatible within the local business context. Therefore we welcome these well researched local studies centred on two very successful Sri Lankan companies.

TCP provides technical assistance to improve the international competitiveness of the Sri Lankan private sector groups in eight key industries.

It also works with the Government of Sri Lanka and the private sector to examine policy obstacles for improved competitiveness and to improve the export performance of Sri Lanka's economy.

SG