Factum Perspectives

Factum Perspective: Sri Lanka Foreign Policy 2025 – Laying Low and Continuing the Balancing Act

Belt Road Initiative and Indo-Pacific Policy, Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentFebruary 16, 2025207Views 1Like 0Comments

By Sachintha Pilapitiya Sri Lanka has often stressed its principle of "friendship towards all, enmity towards none" in its diplomacy. In 2024, under two ideologically contrasting governments, Sri Lanka reflected the possibility of maintaining this foreign policy goal intact. In this article, I conduct a short review of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy in 2024, followed…

Factum Perspective: From Ceasefire to Lasting Peace?

Peace and ConflictFebruary 9, 2025111Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Dulmi Thimansa After 15 months of relentless conflict between Israel and Palestine, a much-anticipated ceasefire agreement was reached last month. The agreement was announced by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, alongside two US Presidents, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The ceasefire commenced on January 15, following its approval by…

Factum Perspective: Putting Jimmy Carter in Perspective

History and Culture, Peace and ConflictFebruary 2, 2025126Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Aakil Riyaz Jimmy Carter Jr., the 39th President of the US, was born on October 1, 1924. He stands out in American history as the longest-living former president. Carter’s accession to the Oval Office in 1977 came after a decisive victory over Gerald Ford, which marked a rupture in US politics. Carter’s presidency was…

Factum Perspective: The Ecological Implications of the California Wildfires

Climate and environment, International DevelopmentJanuary 27, 2025188Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Erik Solheim The recent devastating wildfires in California offer a stark and tragic illustration of the escalating climate crisis. These fires, which have claimed several lives and displaced thousands, are among the most destructive in history. They are leaving behind heartbreaking images of destroyed homes and shattered lives. The disaster is not an isolated…

South Asia’s excess Nitrogen heavily contribute to climate crisis – More coordination needed on N2 management

Press ReleaseJanuary 26, 2025109Views 0Likes 0Comments

Says Sri Lanka - Pakistan joint paper on nitrogen pollution January 26, Colombo / Pakistan: The prevalence of excess nitrogen in the soil, water and air in South Asia arising from dominant fertilizer related agriculture practices and unchecked use of fossil fuel to drive farming and economies is hurting the region and contributing to an…

Factum Perspective: Redefining Truth in the Digital Age – Challenges, Consequences, and the Path Forward

Peace and Conflict, Tech CooperationJanuary 19, 2025194Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Darshatha Gamage Philosopher Bertrand Russell, in his seminal work On the Nature of Truth, posed two enduring questions: "In any inquiry into the nature of truth, two questions meet us on the threshold: In what sense, if any, is truth dependent upon mind? Are there many different truths, or is there only the Truth?"…

Factum Perspective: The ICJ climate change case and the politics of climate justice

Climate and environment, International Development, Peace and ConflictJanuary 12, 2025311Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Ramindu Perera In December 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded the oral hearings of a historic case on international obligations of states to combat the climate crisis. The case originated with the request submitted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to provide an advisory opinion clarifying obligations international law imposes on…

Factum Perspective: Superstition and Science in Governance and Global Health

Health and Economic Cooperation, Peace and ConflictJanuary 5, 2025214Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Gerard Dinith Mendis In an age where scientific breakthroughs define the trajectory of human progress, a concerning global trend has emerged: skepticism toward science and the resurgence of superstitious rhetoric in political leadership. Leaders are increasingly leaning on pseudoscience and cultural mysticism, often at the expense of evidence-based policymaking. This shift not only threatens…

Factum Special Perspective: The Fall of a House of Cards – A Global Reckoning in 2024

International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsDecember 31, 2024243Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Deshani Samaragunarathna The year 2024 has been one marked by global tumult, with the world seemingly lurching from one crisis to another. From the Ukrainian frontlines to the simmering Middle East, to the escalating conflicts across Africa, and the erosion of liberal democracies in the West, the international system appears on the verge of…

Factum Perspective: Tourism in Sri Lanka: Learning from Thailand

UncategorizedDecember 29, 2024154Views 1Like 0Comments

By Britney Martil Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on the cusp of a significant revival, driven by a renewed national commitment to leverage tourism as a key pillar of economic recovery. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse attractions, the country has immense potential to position itself as a global tourism hotspot. The…

Factum Special Perspective: China’s role in global transformation

Belt Road Initiative and Indo-Pacific Policy, History and Culture, International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsDecember 24, 2024348Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Vinod Moonesinghe We bear witness to a period of accelerated global transformation, with the rise of the East and the relative decline of the West reshaping the global political and economic landscape, benefitting the Global South. China, whose rapid economic growth and expanding influence play a pivotal role in this new era of global…

Factum Perspective: The Need for an Integrated Border Management System

Peace and Conflict, Regional Geopolitics, UncategorizedDecember 22, 2024210Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Rear Admiral Y. N. Jayarathne (Retd.) The launch of the book Labour Migrants from South Asia: Issues and Concerns (Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks: COSATT), on November 12, 2024, in Colombo, Sri Lanka got me thinking more about the subject, as the discussions during the ceremony highlighted various concerns on the question of…