u/AnotherSLGuy

Hi, basically as the title says. CAL spends a shit ton on advertising themselves yet customer service is shite. I suppose one would get preferential treatment if they are investing big sums as they get a wealth manager.

I saw that one person can hold multiple CDS accounts through different stock brokers. So, is there any brokerage with a decent customer support and a working hotline or are they all the same?

TIA

Hi, I have been watching some videos on savings and investments lately. Unfortunately all the statistics in them were US based and I was wondering how it is in SL.

Obviously redditors on this sub are investment minded and the results would reflect that. But I guess that is better than no data.

TIA for voting!

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Hi, basically as the title says... I see that capital gains are not taxed. But dividends are at 15% and everything else including Unit trusts at 10%.

The equity based UT I am looking at is CAL quantitative equity fund ( https://cal.lk/capital-alliance-quantitative-equity-fund/ ) and its investment mix shows some taxable income such as bonds. I read that SL uses pass through taxation, which means the UT itself is not taxed but the unit holder is when they realize the gain as far as I understand.

So I have no clue how much would I be taxed if I realize a gain by this equity based UT. Any light shed on this matter is highly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi, I was looking at opportunities as stated in the title and the best I came across so far is ComBank Millionaire with a 9%p.a which compounds monthly.

Are there any other low risk opportunities with better rates? TIA

Hi, I just got cleared for treasury investments on CAL.

Taking a case on their website now; maturity period 724days / Rate = 9.55% / Coupon Rate = 11.5%

When I use their T bond calculator and input LKR100,000 as the investment value for above case, the maturity value is given as LKR 96,467 along with four bi-annual coupon payments of LKR 5,546.853.

But, 100,000 x 9.55% / 2 = 4775 and 100,000 x 11.5% / 2 = 5750.

So now I am confused what

1. "rate" and "coupon rate" means (waht is the difference?) and

2. Why neither of them yield the said 5,546.85 value given by the calculator.

3. Furthermore, why the maturity value is less than the investment? I was under the impression that the face value of the invested capital is returned at maturity...

Any and all input is very deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Hi, in regard to building structures, the general industry practice in my country is to do the full building model with ETABS, obtain the bending moments, shear forces, axial forces, etc. of each element from it and use excel calculation sheets for the design.

However, ETABS does not consider pattern loads automatically. There have been two cases where the consultant requested each beam analysed in Prokon as it does consider pattern loading automatically. However, since only the beam element is modeled in it and only gravity loads are assigned, it does not account for frame action nor combinations with horizontal forces.

I saw that we can manually define loads in a way in ETABS for it to consider pattern loading, but it is tedious work.

So I am wondering how it is practiced in other regions/countrird to account for both pattern loads from gravity loads and global actions simultaneously...

Hi, basically as the title says.

To add context, wall loads of about 50 typical residential floors are to be transfered to walls in the car parking floors through a transfer floor. We are using ETABS for the modeling and the senior engineer has given preliminary sizing for the transfer beams (the walls are more or less in line, so no need of a transfer slab). I and my colleagues are discussing whether to model the transfer beams with beam elements (2D lines) or thick shell elements (3D) before approaching the senior for advice.

Even if we get advice, since it would be their POV, I am wondering how others do it: whether frame of thick shell or something else altogehter. What are the pros and cons of your choice and why would you avoid using other options?

Any and all input is appreciated. TIA.

A question by a friend of mine;

So, the architect wants a 2000kg diesel generator to be placed on the first floor (on a suspended slab) to free up the ground space for parking on a very tight plot. The common practice in my country is to place the generator on vibration absorbing polymer pads and simply design the slab and beams for the dead weight.

However the client's engineer is declining payment for the pads as apparently it had not been included in the original BOQ. While what to do is being debated amongst stakeholders, my friend (the structural engineer) is adamant that vibration reduction pads are essential for user comfort even if the structure is safe.

However user comfort aside, he (and I as well cuz he asked my opinion on this) is wondering what the procedure should be to design the structure, especially the local elements for this vibration.

Any and all input on a design approach as well as your experience is deeply appreciated. TIA.

Hi, as the title says basically... I have 3+ years post qualification experience in structural engineering along with a full time 2yr MSc in concrete technology (BSc(Hons) is washington accord accredited and the MSc is from a sub 25 ranked uni on QS ranking, if that matters... I guess not that much though). I am working towards the charter in my own country, but it would be atleast mid next year when I get it.

I have applied to some vacancies in Singapore. But have not gotten a positive response yet. I guess getting through the AI primary screening is a major issue I got to work on, but I also would like to know how the job prospect would look like to someone like me in Singapore.

Is there any point in applying for structural engineering jobs in Singapore? Or should I switch to site engineer side to get in the door and to get site experience, and then switch back to structural work? Or would it be better to look at another country altogether?

TIA for any and all input.

P.S. The reasn I am looking at Singaporean opportunities is because it is in between my country and my partner's, making it convenient for both of us to visit families and also because pay is better than both our countries.

Hi, basically as title says...

On one hand I wanna polish up the craft and also wanna make some stuff for myself. I have had the basic education on the equipment back in school and also comes from a family that does our stuff by ourselves.

I have the equipment at home (out of Colombo) yet it would be hassle to bring them to the rental space in Cmb and also operating them would be a nuisance to the neighbors. Hence this search.

I haven't still started walking in and asking... LMK if you know any wood workshops that would let me use their space. Preferably around Nugegoda or Dehiwala, but going down to Moratuwa is also okay.

Hi, as the title says... Main use case is office work but also occasionally game. So any extra buttons are not necessary, but I do know how to make use of them. Priorities are in the order I said; ergonomic, reliable and long lasting... Better if it can be charged with USB-C rather than having batteries.

Since we are on the topic of mice, drop you suggestions for wired mice as well. I have only ever used wired but the one I currently have is glitching.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Hi, as the title saya basically...

I am a practicing structural engineer and got assigned my first high rise project (60 floors). I work at a large firm and there are very cordial superiors who have high rise design experience to guide me. Yet I'd like to read and see how the rest of the world does this, what issues that even my superiors might have missed and how to optimize the design.

Any and all recommendations leading me towards above points are welcome. TIA.

Hi, I myself am queer and currently live in a rental with room+bathroom. But I want to move to an annex with living space, a kitchenette, separate utilities (so that I can fix an AC) and a damn place to dry clothes in the humud hell of Colombo. I can afford an annex by myself, but it would be far more economical to go for a two bedroom annex and share the cost rather than going for a one bedroom annex.

However, I do not want to live with a non-queer or a non-ally person either cuz then I'll have to hide my true self even within my own place. Hence this post...

Let me know if you have place and wanna split with me or you also are looking to join the forces.

My preference is around Nawala or along the 176 route but would go for a second bus route which cross onto 176 if it is a good place. 😌

Hi, as the title says basically. Am renting a place in Colombo for work and wanna spend the weekends or in-middle-of-the-week holidays at a library. But given the heat, humidity and dust, a non-AC space seems too uncomfortable.

Only the British Council comes to mind, but it's location is a bit inconvenient for me to travel to. Looking for other options to see whether there is one closer.

TIA! 😌

Hi, a few Japanese friends are arriving in SL and they are interested in local cuisine. Any recommendations for a place with a good selection of curries and other stuff in Galle? Not necessarily cheap, but the price should justify the cleanliness, vibe, presentation and taste.

Any and all input is welcome. Thank You!