Purpose : The cinnamon trade is not only Sri Lanka's oldest trade but the only trade where it holds a monopoly in the world market. Being the leading supplier of true cinnamon to the international market, Sri Lanka is still unable to cater the global demand. Our approach mainly focused to investigate, map and analyze the market landscape of Ceylon cinnamon. Research Method : Industry insights were drawn from 675 cinnamon growers, 485 peelers, 220 collectors, 50 balers/exporters, 30 value added producers and 50 consumers from Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura districts. Stratified and convenience sampling techniques were employed to select appropriate samples. Primary data were collected using internet-based data collection techniques and traditional data collection tools.

The study was carried out to determine profitable market existence for tobacco, paddy and big onion cultivations. The research was conducted in Galewela DS division in Matale district. Tobacco, paddy and big onion were considered major cultivating crops in the area during the Yala season. The market existence for each crops were evaluated using market window analysis. “Market window” refers to a period of time when the prices received by producers for selected crops were greater than the production costs. Profitability and economic efficiency of each crop was measured in order to identify most suitable crop for the season. Cost of production and budget for each crop was prepared using primary data obtained from the field survey in Galewela DS division. Historical prices were collected from economic centers of Dambulla, Meegoda and Ceylon Tobacco Company. Results revealed that profitable market exists for each crop. There was no market existing for tobacco green leaf before 2009 and the profitable market was emerged for paddy after year 2007. Market for big onion cultivators was profitable during studied time period (2003 – 2009) but volatile in its pricing pattern. Highest profitability and the economic efficiency were observed for big onion cultivation. Study revealed that most economic crop for Yala season was the big onion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v11i1.5890Sabaragamuwa University Journal 2012; V. 11 No. 1 pp 95-108

Purpose: Timeline of wild flowers showed the changing face to an economic good and moving through the different value chains while fueling to rural livelihoods. Focus of this study was to identify the upstream and downstream actors, their roles, map the wild flower value chain, analyze the income distribution, find out the gender-based constraints and identify the buying behavior of consumers.Methodology: Rapid market chain analysis equipped to collect the primary data. In-depth interviews with value chains actors, interviewer administered questionnaires and filed observations facilitated the process. Three key economically important wild flower value chains; Lotus, Lily and Jasmine were purposely selected. Findings:Value chain map shows core processes, flow of products and its volume, knowledge and information, geographical distribution and value web of relationships, and linkages. Income distribution shows that intermediaries claim the lion's loin while collectors and growers receive less. Upstream actors of lotus and lily source their raw materials from common pool and free rider problem hinders the rational allocation of resources. Downstream; retailers govern the chain and seasonal price fluctuations are common. Poor post-harvest chain links with unhealthy returns. Color, price and quality were the prime concerns of consumers. Limitations: Poor availability of literature based on Sri Lankan wild flower sector was a constraint during the study and that was avoided with reference to researches which were done in other countries.Originality/Value: Since, limited number of studies paid attention on wild flower value chain; it's better to investigate the Sri Lankan wild flower value chain in quantitative and qualitative aspects.

Purpose:The possibilities of syndicating spice and tourism industries to exploit its fullest potentials to achieve wider benefits have been rarely discussed and such attempts have been rarely made by previous scholars. In such an environment, our main focus was to introduce the "spice market concept" to the Sri Lankan context to strengthen the weak link that exists between the two industries.Research Method: First phase of the study was designed to explore issues associated and strategies adopted by Cochin, Turkey and Dubai spice markets through the analysis of 715 customer views. Second phase of the study was shaped by the insights obtained from the key industry informants/experts through interviews and focus group discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were instrumental in data analysis.Findings: Product strategy varied from raw spices, organic spices, fair trade spices to high end value additions like nutraceuticals. Cochin and Turkey spice markets were recognized as reliable sources of high-quality spices with the consensus of 80% and 66.7% of the reviewers. Women cooperatives, Arabian, Egyptian, Indian, Iranian, and Syrian marketing channels were the focal sources of spices. Competitive and discount pricing strategies were common to all studied market places. Promotional strategies varied from on-site special promotions to e-marketing. Ethical, customer friendly, caring and trustworthy services were main customer demands. Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Kandy would be promising locations to establish spice markets.Limitations: Lack of firsthand experience on Turkey and Dubai spice markets was a constraint during the study.Originality/value:If implemented in the planned way, the proposed spice market concept could generate a momentous contribution to the country's socio-economic development through the diversification of the tourism and spice industries.