Factum Perspectives

Factum Perspective: The relevance of Aung San Suu Kyi

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsApril 21, 202461Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Uditha Devapriya In the face of growing unrest, turmoil, and chaos, the military junta governing Myanmar decided last week to move Aung San Suu Kyi – the democratically elected leader ousted in a coup in 2021 – into house arrest. The decision stemmed ostensibly from concerns over her health: Suu Kyi is 78, and…

Factum Perspective: Kachchativu and the Real Issue

Maritime Security, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsApril 10, 202483Views 0Likes 0Comments

By P. K. Balachandran There is hullabaloo in India over the tiny and uninhabited Kachchativu island in the Palk Strait. It was triggered earlier this month by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the supremo of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). To everyone’s surprise, Modi accused the opposition Congress party of giving…

Factum Perspective: The Environmental Implications of Adani’s Entry

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentMarch 31, 2024122Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Amantha Gunarathna Adani Group's recent announcement of a USD 750 million investment in Sri Lanka's power sector seemingly marks a significant stride towards bolstering the country's energy infrastructure. This investment underscores the growing recognition of the importance of transitioning towards sustainable energy sources globally. However, amidst the optimism, scrutiny arises concerning Adani's track record…

Factum Perspective: The Philippines Takes a Stand in the South China Sea

Maritime Security, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsMarch 17, 2024113Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Minoli Gunarathna The South China Sea has long been a simmering pot of territorial disputes, with multiple countries laying claim to various islands, reefs, and maritime features. Recently, tensions have flared between the Philippines and China, with the Philippine Senate passing the Maritime Zones Bill. This aims to solidify the Philippines' claims in the…

Factum Perspective: Promoting Tourism in Sri Lanka – A Way Forward

History and Culture, UncategorizedMarch 10, 2024142Views 1Like 0Comments

By Nithu Ardithya Despite facing formidable challenges in recent years, Sri Lanka's tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, signaling a promising future for economic recovery and growth. Tourism constitutes around 5% of the nation's GDP. In 2019, the country welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors, resulting in revenue exceeding USD 4 billion. In April…

Factum Perspective: Internet Censorship in Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Tech CooperationMarch 3, 2024154Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Britney Martil South Asia continues to grapple with the complex challenge of internet censorship. As governments deploy measures to control online content and restrict connectivity, concerns surrounding digital freedom have grown. This comparative analysis sheds light on the nuanced landscape of internet censorship in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, examining key incidents, government actions, and…

Factum Special Perspective: Online Safety Act – Its Ambit and its Impact

Tech CooperationFebruary 26, 2024197Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Jagath Liyanarachchi Background Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Mass Media and Ali Sabry, President’s Counsel, Minister of Justice, presented a cabinet paper on April 1, 2022, seeking permission from the Cabinet of Ministers to present a draft of a bill to “protect society from the harm caused by false propaganda on the internet.” This had…

Factum Perspective: The Sri Lankan Presence in India’s Foreign Policy

Regional GeopoliticsFebruary 25, 2024319Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Lakmali Bhagya Manamperi The recent visit to India by Sri Lankan parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake, of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, made headlines in media. It spread suspicions that India will invite the heads of the other parties contesting in Sri Lanka's presidential elections later this year. However, based on its initial invitation…

Factum Perspective: In Pakistan, AI Charts a New Course for South Asian Politics

Regional Geopolitics, Science and Technology, Tech CooperationFebruary 18, 2024253Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Uditha Devapriya with Nevindi Jayawardana and Dilshan Bataduwaarachchi By the time Pakistanis headed for elections on February 8, Imran Khan had been served a 14-year jail sentence, on top of other charges and allegations. Barely a week earlier, Khan, the country’s most popular Opposition figure, had been disqualified from holding office for 10…

Factum Perspective: Thailand Strengthens Economic Ties with Sri Lanka

Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentFebruary 11, 2024181Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Flavia Gunarathna In a significant stride towards economic revitalization, Thailand and Sri Lanka signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking an important moment in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. As Sri Lanka grapples with its worst financial crisis in decades, the FTA is anticipated to play a crucial role in fostering…

Factum Perspective: India’s Contemporary Geopolitical Landscape

Regional Geopolitics, UncategorizedJanuary 27, 2024209Views 1Like 0Comments

By Amantha Gunarathna With a burgeoning population, a robust if tumultuous democratic system, and a thriving technology sector, India has positioned itself as a key player on the world stage. The country's proactive foreign policy, regional leadership initiatives, and engagement in multilateral forums contribute to its rising prominence. As a bridge between East and West,…

Factum Perspective: Unveiling the Unseen – Gaza’s Brave Journalists

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsJanuary 21, 2024227Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Zeenath Ayub During the proceedings of the case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) about their war on Gaza, Irish Lawyer Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, representing South Africa, described the situation as “The first genocide in history where its victims are broadcasting their own destruction in real time, in desperate — and…