Factum Perspectives – Page 3

Factum Perspective: Human Geopolitics – The Case of the Indian Diaspora

History and Culture, International Development, Peace and ConflictJuly 14, 2024339Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Deshani Samaragunarathna While Rishi Sunak's recent resignation after a disappointing loss may raise questions, it's noteworthy that Sir Keir Starmer, in his first address, specifically acknowledged him as "the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country." This, along with Kamala “Devi” Harris serving as US Vice President, highlights a growing trend of diaspora…

Factum Perspective: Russia and North Korea – A marriage of convenience?

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsJune 30, 2024274Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Aakil Riyaz News outlets were recently in a frenzy over Putin’s recent visit to North Korea. Reports of a pact between the Russian premier Vladimir Putin and the supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) initially led to much speculation. These rumors were not without a basis. It was later revealed…

BRICS, Global Equity, and De-Dollarization

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Regional GeopoliticsJune 23, 2024279Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Natasha Gooneratne Imagine this: A developing country is in the midst of its most complicated economic crisis. Unemployment levels are rising, but not as precipitously as Inflation. Foreign currency coffers in national banks are as good as empty. As are fuel and gas reserves. International financial agencies have come knocking, they’re not happy about…

Factum Perspective: Forging Digital and Maritime Futures

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Maritime Security, Science and TechnologyJune 9, 2024224Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Flavia Gunarathna In a series of diplomatic and technological engagements, Sri Lanka seems to be taking strides towards enhancing its digital and maritime infrastructure. During his official visit to Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Indonesian officials and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. These meetings, occurring amidst the backdrop of the…

Factum Special Perspective: India Goes to the Polls

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsJune 6, 2024255Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Aavin Abeydeera On June 1, the world’s largest democratic exercise came to a close. India’s general elections ran for seven weeks through six weeks from the April 19 to June 1, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA coalition once more coming on top. However, this time around, Prime Minister Modi’s government will not…

Factum Perspective: All the President’s Men – New Institutions in the Economic Transformation Bill

Health and Economic CooperationJune 2, 2024368Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Sanja de Silva Jayatilleka The recent gazette on Economic Transformation, Part II of May 10, 2024, includes several brand-new “incorporated” institutions with unprecedented power and new lines of authority, as well as an ultra-powerful roaming ambassadorship, to promote investment in Sri Lanka. Significantly, they all seem to come under the direct control of the…

Factum Special Perspective: Deconstructing Iran after Raisi

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsMay 22, 2024263Views 1Like 0Comments

By Uditha Devapriya At the time of his death on May 19, in a helicopter crash that has yet to be fully investigated, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had risen through the ranks. Sanctioned by the West and nicknamed the “Butcher of Tehran” for his uncompromising attitude to protesters, he was seen as the successor to…

Factum Perspective: Sport and Economics – Driving Growth in Sri Lanka

Sports DiplomacyMay 19, 2024724Views 2Likes 0Comments

By Suhas Jayalath Although it remains underexplored if not unexplored, one of the major ways investors can look into spurring growth in Sri Lanka is through sports. The industry's rapid ascent, and its growing value, is one of the main benefits of investing in sports. Sports have become more commercialized as a result of the…

Factum Perspective: Sri Lanka in the Digital Silk Road

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Tech CooperationMay 5, 2024522Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam Many people have benefited from the ancient Chinese silk road, which connected large parts of the world. When we think of the Silk Road, we immediately think of silk, porcelain, and various precious stones. However, the Silk Road was also a route for countries to share knowledge and technology. Cotton weaving…

Factum Perspective: Navigating the Crosscurrents – Iran, Sri Lanka, and the US

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Regional GeopoliticsApril 28, 2024264Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Britney Martil Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone. The inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, a hydro power project supported by Iran, symbolizes the potential for further collaboration in energy generation and infrastructure. Despite challenges like funding delays, the completion of the project underscored a sustained dedication…

Factum Perspective: The relevance of Aung San Suu Kyi

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsApril 21, 2024303Views 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, 2024375Views 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…