This study focused on analysing the consumer attitudes, demographic and economic factors that affecting fresh milk consumption among the mid-country consumers of Sri Lanka. Data were collected through a consumer survey conducted in Kandy district at randomly selected super markets, groceries, milk bars and retail shops. Factor analysis was carried out in order to weigh up the consumer attitudes and factor scores were introduced to the final model as independent variables which can be categorized as cost and usage, nutrition, sensory factors and availability. An ordered logistic regression was carried out to find out the relationships between number of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of consumers such as age, gender, level of education, income, size and composition of the household, ethnic group and presence of diseases that affect fresh milk consumption. Results from estimation of a ordered logistic regression model of consumption show age of the respondent, cost and usage related attitudinal factor and Nutrition related attitudinal factors are the key determinants of milk consumption levels; however, household monthly income, health problems affect on fresh milk consumption and level of education play a more important role in consumption. Finally, these findings suggest the marketing strategies which are most suitable to fit with the consumer expectations.

The hotel industry is a decisive player in promoting tourism industry in any country. Incubating market centrism has received particular attention in the modern business world as a mode of reaping higher business performances. Improving the marketoriented philosophy and determining strategic orientation has become a critical management issue particularly in service driven firms. This paper attempts to determine the relationships between different types of business strategies, market orientation, and sales growth. The study was designed on the questions of whether different business strategies could influence on market orientation and then make influence on sales performances of hotels in the ancient cities in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 43 hotels and both descriptive and inferential techniques were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the degree of market orientation differs significantly (p<0.05) based on the business strategy of hotels and also market orientation has a significant positive relationship with sales performances. The majority of hotels' business strategy was to offer services at lower prices, which raises the question of the long-term sustainability of the industry. The study strongly suggests that the hotels should have a bold strategic move from offering low cost services to offering innovative services ahead of competitors and also maintain a higher degree of market orientation, through customer orientation, competitor orientation and interfunctional coordination.

The backbone of the Sri Lankan economy is formed by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which is an essential component in a competitive and efficient market. New SMEs' role in the economy is vital as it addresses the issues of sustainable development; job creation, economic growth, competitive market pressure and the overall stimulation of the country's economy. SME failure rate in Sri Lanka is quite as high as 45%. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine both internal and external organizational factors which are acting as obstacles for the growth of new SMEs in Sri Lanka. Thirty four major variables were identified as obstacles through Focus Group Discussions and literature review. Principal Component analysis (PCA) with Varimax Rotation was used to reduce the identified variables into five components. The most perceived obstacle was termed as Finance which is largely internal to the firm with an Eigen value of 8.17 and a percentage variance of 24%, while the other obstacles determined by PCA were Management (internal), Market (external), Infrastructure (external) and Economic (external) in descending order. The PCA has emphasized the stringency of providing collaterals/guarantees to obtain bank loans as the most impeding obstacle for the growth of new SMEs in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the study suggests that it is needed to revisit the micro finance accessibility of SMEs in the North Western Province (NWP) and to support them in formulating effective financial management plans within their early years from the inception to avoid failures.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector plays a major role in Sri Lankan economy. It immensely contributes to regional development, employment generation and poverty alleviation and hence, this sector has been identified as the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy. The focus of this study was to identify the factors affecting the business success among MSMEs in Sri Lanka. Based on the survey of 150 entrepreneurs, the study discloses that marketing, technology, access to capital, government support and infrastructure affect the business success significantly and positively. The results of the ANOVA and t-test revealed that origin of enterprises and the education level significantly affected the business success. It further explained that the educational background did not give applicable skills for running the business. These findings suggest that, to be a successful MSME, the owner of the MSME should pay more attention to improve their marketing strategy, to acquire and demonstrate advanced sophisticated technology, and to get capital access. Other interested parties with development of MSMEs such as government agencies, business development services, and business supporting institutes should also be prepared to offer the assistance with relate to those aspects.