Tougher labour laws needed

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Tougher labour laws should be implemented as the present labour laws that are in place are being drafted to help the employer. The investors run into serious problems and some times find it hard to maintain discipline.

There are employees who would sort trade union action if they are asked to work an additional hour. However when these employees are employed overseas they are seen working 13 hours without any complain. Managing Director, Serendib Logistics, Neluka Welikala said.

The main reason for this is that the local employee knows that he is protected and takes the upper hand. Whereas when they are employed overseas, it is a hire and fire policy. "I am not saying such strict laws should be imposed on Sri Lanka. However it is so difficult to sack an employee who has got caught in a fraud," she said.

Welikala a product of St Anthony's College Kandy moved up to Colombo after the completion of her studies to follow her marketing (CIM).

Completing her higher studies she joined the mercantile sector as a planner. Not satisfied with what she was doing she changed profession from being a marketer to a secretary and also a stock broker. Finally she joined a shipping company and introduced a personal cargo system which was very popular among the embassies, NGO"s and migrants.

"This was the time I felt that I could do more by starting my own company and this was how Serendib Logistics was formed. "We started at Welikada Plaza and then moved to Lloyds building and today I have my own three storied building and warehouse at Vauxhall Street.

Serendib logistics pitched against seasoned multi nationals and today has grown and diversified in to advertising and the leisure sector. We would also be opening their branch office in the Maldives next month and are looking at opportunities in Pakistan and Bangladesh," she said.

"We have also tied up with a US-Canadian firm which appointed us as their representative to look after the region and beyond. Preparation is the key to a successful and productive relocation.

Today we offer a full range of services to help families to prepare for a move and to settle into their new homes including transport of pets. Serendib Logistics unique locator system matches packages with rooms, effectively organising the packing and transportation of a home.

Coloured cards hung on doors at the destination home, are matched to like-coloured stickers on cartons, simplifying the job, and ensuring the shipment. The storage of personal effects is handled professionally and carefully," she said.

"Our aim is to be the leading, most efficient and effective service provider for logistics, while satisfying customers, stake holders and employees. We hope to achieve excellence in integrated logistical solutions combined with professional service, low cost, speedy delivery, and reliability leading to the maximum productivity," Welikala added.

Q: How do you see women's rights at domestic and mercantile level?

I think Sri Lanka has to improve in this area. There is no possibility for a lady to walk alone after dark even in Colombo and this is very disappointing. Men some times try to take the upper hand in work places too.

However I am pleased to note that there are more women decision makers emerging in both the mercantile and political arenas. I think women should also concentrate more on higher education which would help them to come to equal terms.

Q: What do you think of the local tax structure?

Some people complain that taxes are high, but Sri Lanka offers one of the lowest taxes in the region. However it may be fair to state that the returns tax payers get is not adequate. Government must provide more infrastructure facilities as in telecom and some other fields.

Q: What are your views on the ethnic conflict?

After decades of war I can see an end to this crisis as the security forcers are leading the gallant battle.

The liberation of the Northern Province too is close and the Government must get an economic and a political package in place as done in the Eastern Province.

Q: Do you follow politics?

No I hate politics I only read if I have time.

Q: Where would you like to spend your holiday?

I love the jungle and any place where there is greenery. If it is overseas I prefer Singapore and Canada as there is tremendous security and freedom to move about.

Q: Can you recall and unforgettable experience?

I was flying to London when I heard of the demise of my brother Major Welikala in action. I had to wait many hours in agony at Heathrow Airport before taking the next available flight to Sri Lanka.

I was out of office for five months after this and by the time I returned some employees had taken a lot of money from the company.

Another incident occurred when I was in Canada and US last month to seal a business deal and when I returned my competitors had circulated an e mail saying that I had abandoned my business and migrated since Serendib was bankrupt.

This is the unfair competition I face which however has made me more determined.

Pictures by Sumanachandra ARIYAWANSA