PurposeThis paper explores the challenges of food security from source to consumption of agri-food value chain by considering urban–rural linkages in city region food systems (CRFSs) and proposes a strategic framework for CRFS identifying strategies to promote urban–rural linkages among multiple stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study approach to a fruit and vegetable value chain from rural source to consumption in the Colombo City region identifies the challenges of food security. A snowballing sampling method was used to gather information from retailers, wholesalers, commission agent, farmers and consumers. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observations and secondary data sources. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsChallenges in food security in the value chain related to five areas: input and production, infrastructure, public institutional support and policy, finance, and food market. Colombo city is heavily dependent on food sourced from other cities due to limited land and lack of locally situated commercially oriented farmers.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to a selected number of fruits and vegetables in the Colombo city region and leaves out other food items.Originality/valueThis study contributes to informing policy and decision-making processes to promote a more balanced rural to city food value chain in Colombo City that could benefit all stakeholders from rural small-scale producers to urban consumers.

Purpose This study aims to identify and analyze factors affecting the business-to-business (B2B) relationship between Sri Lankan telecommunication operators and vendors. The authors conduct a survey and develop models to explain relationship strength and satisfaction. The authors find that telecommunication operators and vendors value trust, commitment, adaptation and communication. Operator satisfaction varies by perception of product quality, service support, delivery performance, supplier know-how and value for money. The vendor’s relationship strength is impacted by trust and commitment; vendor satisfaction is affected by economic factors and referencing. The authors suggest formulating management strategies using these results to strengthen business relationships. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop two conceptual models to analyze the supplier and customer perspectives. This study’s drafted models were drawn from established models and were presented to experts in the industry, both telecommunication operators and vendors. Models were modified based on experts’ feedback, and hypotheses were developed from the conceptual models, developed separately for the two perspectives. Data collection was done via questionnaires; 150 questionnaires were sent via email to identified telecommunication operators and 100 questionnaires were sent via email to identified telecommunication vendors, with follow-up emails and telephone calls to improve response rates. Findings This study’s findings show that employees in the telecommunication industry recognize the importance of B2B relationships. Employees of both telecommunication operators and vendors agree that stronger relationships are advantageous. The correlation and regression analysis results identify factors that affect the B2B relationship. The following factors impact the strength of B2B relationships irrespective of view point: trust, commitment and satisfaction. The following factors were found to significantly affect the strength of B2B relationships between telecommunication operators and vendors from the operator perspective: adaptation and communication. Practical implications To enhance relationship strength, the management of operator organizations should take action to improve trust, commitment and satisfaction. Demonstrating honesty and integrity when dealing with vendors and exhibiting concern for the other party’s interests can help establish trust or enhance trust in existing relationships. Displaying commitment toward the vendor will also facilitate stronger relationships. Reasonable profits for both parties and sizeable business volume will also help satisfy vendors, increasing relationship strength. Positive referencing of the vendor in industrial and public forums will improve vendor satisfaction, enhancing relationship strength. Reputational capital can be built and maintained for both operators and vendors by keeping promises and defending the other party to outsiders. For managers of telecommunications operators and vendors in other emerging markets, this study’s results are important and can inform internal business practices to support trust, commitment and satisfaction. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature in two ways, a focus on the telecommunication industry and a previously unexplored emerging market, Sri Lanka. In addition, this study includes an analysis of the relationship from both the operator and vendor perspectives.

Clusters evolve as a mechanism to gain competitive advantage, when industrial units come together to share knowledge and supplement each other in enhancing strengths. The phenomenon of clustering is known to have created a high degree of networking, a market focus, an ambiance of high productivity, excellence, development of skills and creativity. These in turn can lead a firm to technological innovation and its applications. Large customers prefer to source from clusters which have developed networking to meet the challenges of high demand. A high rate of success of SMEs in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka can be traced in part to clusters. Some of these clusters arc quite large responsible for a substantial share of production. The paper takes up several perspectives discussing the evolution and the growth of the clusters, their spread in the three countries and how these have helped in the development of SMEs. Keywords: small and mediu

Purpose -This paper aims to analyse as to how the benefits to Tsunami affected small industry were misplaced and carried wrong priorities. Besides the support provided was insufficient for an effective recovery. There existed many governance-related problems. Overall recovery was at a low figure of 64.8 percent. The occurrence of the natural disaster of this high magnitude leaves a trail of lessons to be learnt by both the government agencies and also the donor community. There was no shortage of either the funds or the commodities, but it was sadly the governance and the sensitivity to the suffering of the people. Design/methodology/approach -The study employed the proven methodologies of a survey of available literature, web sites, and publications to obtain secondary data and information on industry especially the micro and SMEs in areas of disaster damage occurred because of Tsunami. The second methodology of research is in areas of collection of data on industry at national level and categorization for selection of sample size. Interviews formed an important source of information. Interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders conducting various rehabilitation and re-establishment programmes. Findings -Micro and SMEs are important for economic development of Sri Lanka. These carry a strategic importance to generate employment. As such rehabilitation of industry affected by Tsunami is vital. Tsunami could have been used by the government, development agencies and donors as opportunity for rebuilding on modern lines. The main damage was caused to the plant and machinery. A right expenditure should have been in the direction of procurement of tools, equipment and machinery for the affected units. Unfortunately the help could not be organized to reach the right industry, in right quantity, and right way. Surprisingly, it was not because of shortage of funds. Originality/value -The present case leaves lessons for development agencies, government departments and welfare associations. No such extensive study seems to have carried out.Special thanks are extended to T. Kasun, M. Manukantha, M. Deleepa and K. Kanthi for their research assistance and several officers of Industrial Development Board, Disaster Management Centre and others in Southern Lanka for their support.

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